MEDICINAL PLANTS

Plant annual development that originated in the Far East, although it is very easily acclimated to our latitudes, at present, its cultivation is very common and their wild-type development, elaborating on uncultivated land and fallow land, especially in the north. As characteristics we can mention that has the bottom of the plant cover some hair that disappears as it moves away from the base. The lower leaves are deeply divided and have a completion lobe much larger than previous ones.

FLOWERING

It blooms in May, resulting in a four-petaled yellow flowers that after fertilization provided a fruit, botanically known as pods, of elongated shape and dimensions not exceeding two inches long, with a square section. The pointy end is shaped and inside we find the seeds, very small, which is the part that is used in this plant. Its dimensions never exceed half inch, are round and brownish color. Harvesting takes place in summer, before the occurrence of the total fruit ripening, since otherwise it will open and scatter the seeds over the ground, making it impossible to recover. Not to diminish the quality of the dried product should be made in the absence of moisture.

APPLICATIONS

The sinigrin is the main component of black mustard seeds, which after suffering a hydrolysis is transformed into what is commonly called mustard oil, it contains allyl isothiocyanate, responsible for its action extremely rubefaciente. This action is diminished in some of its effects by the presence of mucilage, which is also evident in the mustard. Usually it is used topically in rheumatic problems, respiratory disorders, menstrual problems and neuralgia. Do not allow contact with the skin over fifteen minutes as it can cause ulcers. This plant should never be used orally because it usually causes gastroenteritis and seizures processes, reaching even trigger death by cardio-respiratory collapse.

ADMINISTRATION

Always external use.
Bath. Are added 150 grams of mustard flour in a bag that is inserted into a hot tub. Popularly has been employed against motor paralysis.
Footbath. It is a footbath that is performed by adding 25 grams of mustard to a quart of water, popularly used for combat cases of neuralgia.
Poultice. Prepare a mixture of mustard flour diluted in water at 40 grados CelsiusC with three parts of linseed meal. It is used in respiratory diseases and rheumatic problems, wrapped in gauze.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Crucifer
HABITAT: Uncultivated areas of the north
FLOWERING: May
PART USED: Seeds
CASTILIAN: Jenape
CATALAN: Mostassa
BASQUE: Ziape
GALICIAN: Mostarda-negra

USES

Fort rubefacient, Antirheumatic Moderate, Mild Emenagogo.