White Mustard (Sinapis alba), also known as yellow mustard, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Its seeds have been employed in folk remedies for various respiratory conditions, including rhinitis, bronchitis, and congestion. The rationale for its use in rhinitis primarily stems from its pungent, warming properties; mustard plasters or poultices were sometimes applied to the chest or nasal region in attempts to relieve congestion and promote mucous drainage.

Despite these traditional uses, there is a lack of modern scientific studies directly investigating white mustard’s efficacy for rhinitis. Medical literature does not currently support its use with robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies specific to rhinitis. Some in vitro studies have examined mustard seed’s potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings have not been translated into clinical recommendations or guidelines for rhinitis management. Therefore, while traditional practices exist, the evidence base remains weak, justifying a low evidence rating.