MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is a plant whose name is familiar to most that when asking a hot dog or hamburger, but probably-and although its distribution is very broad and even across the Iberian peninsula is quite unknown, or at least not often associated with the main product obtained from it. It is an annual plant with a size ranging between thirty and seventy centimeters high, the stem is straight and upright, travel like the rest of the plant for a few hairs short but consistent, giving it the appearance of rough ground.

FLOWERING

Flowering occurs during May, with the emergence of a characteristic yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters or racemes crowded. The fruit is a pod which provides, that there is perpendicular to the stem and ends as in a typical dagger inside we find the seeds in a quantity that can vary between four and six units per pod, the same as the rest of the plant, pods are also covered by these hairs short and harsh.

APPLICATIONS

It contains sinigrin, through whose transformation by hydrolysis we get the "mustard oil, which also contains mucilage. This essence has characteristics of rubefaciente with repellent action, causing inflammation of superficial type, through which relieves inflammation deep and dangerous. This action is less than that produced by other rubefacients, because of the content in mustard mucilage. Used in cases of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, neuralgia and pains in general and in rheumatic and respiratory problems.

ADMINISTRATION

As condiment mustard is obtained by maceration of mustard with vinegar, salt and herbs, resulting in a product with exciting features and snacks, which produces a hipersegregación by the salivary glands and an increase in the secretion gastric, yet its abuse can cause vomiting and seizures. In medicine is mainly used topically, but always bearing in mind that because of its power rubefaciente cone should not remain in direct skin contact over fifteen minutes, as if kept longer, especially if occlusive dressings and poultices, where absorption is higher, could lead to blisters and even ulcerations. Not forgetting these precautions, you can use a mixture of flour and mustard seeds in equal parts warm water, wrapped in gauze and keeping in contact with the affected part for about ten minutes. This remedy is used in rheumatism and neuralgia.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: Places uncultured
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Seeds
CASTILIAN: Jebanas
CATALAN: Mostassa blanca
GALICIAN: Mortarda-branca

USES

Fort rubefacient, Moderate revulsive, Antirheumatic Leve.