Evidence supporting the use of: Black Mustard
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black mustard (Brassica nigra) has a long history of traditional use for supporting respiratory health, particularly in addressing lung congestion. In folk medicine, especially within European and South Asian traditions, mustard plasters or poultices made from crushed black mustard seeds have been applied externally to the chest to stimulate circulation and create warmth, with the aim of loosening mucus and relieving chest congestion. The counterirritant effect of mustard seeds, due to their glucosinolate compounds (notably sinigrin), is believed to draw blood to the surface of the skin and potentially relieve deeper congestion by promoting expectoration.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of black mustard for lung congestion is limited. Most available data come from historical texts and anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. Some pharmacological studies have explored the irritant and rubefacient (skin-reddening) properties of mustard seeds, but specific effects on lung congestion have not been rigorously studied in modern research. As a result, while black mustard’s use for congestion is well-documented in traditional systems, its effectiveness remains unproven by contemporary scientific standards. Caution is also advised, as mustard poultices can cause skin irritation or burns if left on too long.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Galangal
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Black Mustard
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Fever
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Jaundice (adults)
Laryngitis
Mastitis
Menstrual Irregularity