Evidence supporting the use of: Black Mustard
For the health condition: Congestion (sinus)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black mustard (Brassica nigra) has a history of traditional use in supporting respiratory health, including the alleviation of sinus congestion. In folk medicine, black mustard seeds or mustard plasters have been applied externally to the chest or sinuses with the aim of stimulating circulation and promoting the clearance of mucus. The mechanism is generally attributed to the irritant properties of allyl isothiocyanate, a volatile compound released when the seeds are crushed and mixed with water, which can produce a warming sensation and mild local hyperemia (increased blood flow). This is thought to help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel and thereby temporarily relieving congestion symptoms.
However, while these uses are well-documented in ethnobotanical and traditional sources, robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of black mustard for sinus congestion is lacking. Clinical trials are absent, and most of the available literature describes anecdotal or historical applications rather than controlled research findings. Furthermore, topical application of mustard plasters can cause skin irritation or burns if not used cautiously. Overall, the use of black mustard for congestion is primarily based on tradition, with limited scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (sinus)
AllspiceAloe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
onion
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
lovage
mint
mustard seed
spruce
oregano
Peppermint
perilla
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
Wasabi
boneset
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Bitter Grass
Bougainvillea
Bee hive
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriander
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Carvone
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Eugenol
Fang-Feng
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Horsemint
Isatis
Long Pepper
Ivy
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Ligustrazin
Labrador Tea
Ligusticum
Mustard
Marjoram
Marsh Tea
Monoterpenes
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Nardostachys
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
Osha
Orris
Osmanthus
Phellodendron
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Rhus coriaria
Ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sundew
Sassafras
Thymus
Vervain
Vasicine
Viola
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Zingerone
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