Black mustard are tiny grains with a tangy, bitter flavor that are the main ingredient in mustard sauce. In addition, they have numerous healing properties and are recommended for many diseases. First of all, this plant stimulates the digestive processes and promotes weight loss.
Origin
Black mustard (Sinapis nigra) is a variety of a plant from the Cabbage family (lat. Brassicaceae). It grows wild in North Africa, in a significant part of Asia (Western Asia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China) and almost throughout Europe. It grows in fields, river banks, thickets and ditches. The name mustard comes from the bitter taste of the sinapin present in the plant. It is an isosulfide glycoside, which is the main ingredient in mustard oil. The plant is cultivated in large volumes to obtain its seeds. Black mustard seeds are used as a spice and the main ingredient in mustard sauce, and are also used to make a he althy oil.
Description
The plant has a long, straight and stiff stem. It is slightly branched, hairy at the bottom and smooth at the top. Reaches a height of 1.3 meters. The lower leaves grow on oblong petioles and are lyre-shaped, at the top of the plant they are lanceolate. The leaves are quite small, with an irregular margin.
Black mustard (pictured) blooms with yellow tiny flowers with dark veins clustered together. Mass grown mustard fields resemble rapeseed. The flowering period is June and July. The fruit of the plant is a tetrahedral, erect, pressed against the stem, tuberculate pod containing black or dark brown seeds. The seeds are round, smaller than white mustard seeds, 1-2 mm in diameter.
The plant is often grown as green manure, as it helps to enrich the earth with essential nutrients and prevents possible diseases in crops. Also bees love black mustard, you can get much more honey from it than from other plants.
Composition and useful properties
Mustard seeds are valued for their nutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Since they contain a large amount of calories (100 g of seeds provide 508 kcal), they are used in small quantities. Black mustard grains contain a significant amount of valuable proteins (about 27-35%), fat (up to 45%) and fiber (about 12%).
The seeds of the plant are an excellent source of B vitamins such asfolate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help in the synthesis of nervous system enzymes and regulate the body's metabolism. Grains contain flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidants such as carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein, vitamins A, C and K. They contain elements such as calcium, manganese, copper, iron, selenium and zinc.
Omega-3 mustard acids, magnesium and selenium reduce inflammation and help treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension. Consuming mustard seeds improves appetite. All types of mustard are rich in sulfur compounds called glucosyl. Their breakdown under the influence of crushing plant tissues leads to the separation of the enzyme myrosinase, which, in turn, is responsible for the release of volatile essential oils. They give the plant a pungent flavor.
Volatile mustard oils are used medicinally for their warming and stimulating properties as they have the ability to penetrate nerve endings. Black mustard has diuretic properties and is used as an antiemetic. Medicines based on it are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Compresses are used to treat tendinitis and lung diseases. The plant has been used in the treatment of headaches and neuralgia. Black mustard also supports the digestive system. It lowers blood pressure, has antibacterial properties.
The seeds of the plant are a source of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the risk of developing tumors, especially breast, thickintestines and prostate. Mustard flour serves as an antiseptic. The plant is part of the tea with a laxative effect.
Mustard oil
Black mustard oil is obtained by cold pressing. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the food industry, it is used as an addition to salads, appreciated because of its taste and aroma. Its composition includes fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and erucic acid. The favorable ratio of omega-3 acids to omega-6 acids makes it recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
In the cosmetic industry, this product is used for hair care. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties, stimulates hair growth. Included in balms, masks and creams. The retinol contained in the oil promotes exfoliation of dead skin, while antioxidants stimulate microcirculation. Mustard oil has traditionally been used to relieve muscle and joint pain and normalize blood pressure. Thanks to the content of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, has a stimulating effect on digestion and blood circulation.
Black mustard - use in traditional medicine
- Mustard oil in 2% ethanol solution should be rubbed in a circular motion on sore spots with rheumatic pains.
- Compress for bronchitis, pneumonia andasthma. To prepare a compress, dilute 100 g of mustard powder in the same amount of warm water. The resulting slurry should be spread on gauze and placed on the chest, avoiding the heart area. Keep 15-20 minutes. After several daily procedures, the patient is on the mend.
- Freckle Lightener: Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds with 1 teaspoon of honey. Wipe the freckles several times a day.
- A bag of mustard. Pour the whole mustard seed into a small oblong cotton bag. Use for discomfort caused by menstrual cramps by applying to the abdomen for 20 minutes.
Kitchen use
Mustard seeds are also used in cooking. The most famous product that contains these seeds is mustard sauce. The seeds are also used in the preparation of meat dishes. White and black mustard are added to mushrooms, cucumbers and cabbage during canning.
How to make mustard sauce?
Making homemade mustard sauce is extremely easy and takes little time. It is important to note that this product does not contain additives used in mass production such as preservatives or sugar. The sauce can be prepared in several ways (softer or spicier) depending on your preference, but in any case you will need:
- mustard - 200 g (you can mix different varieties);
- wine or apple cider vinegar;
- half a glass of water;
- halfa pinch of s alt;
- spices, such as red and black pepper, garlic or turmeric.
Grains can be ground or left whole. You should add vinegar and water to them and let them stand for a day. During this period of time, the mixture will absorb water, so you should add a few tablespoons of water and mix it to get the right consistency and combine with your chosen spices. Ready-made mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for at least several weeks.
Mustard ointment. Recipe
Mustard ointment is for muscle and joint pain. Ingredients:
- mustard powder (50 g);
- alcohol (10 g);
- raw egg white (100 g);
- camphor (50 g).
Cooking:
- Pour camphor and alcohol into a jar, add mustard powder and mix.
- Add protein and mix again to make an ointment.
The product should be stored in the refrigerator. It must be warmed up before being applied to sore joints and muscles. The ointment should be kept on the body for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse the skin with warm water and dry with a towel.
Contraindications and side effects
Black mustard must not be left on the skin for too long. It dilates blood vessels, which leads to skin redness and burning. Improper use can cause skin damage, and in the worst case, even tissue necrosis.
Black mustard seeds should be ingested in limited quantities because they can causebleeding of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the seeds of the plant can lower blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should consult their he althcare provider before consuming them.
Eating black mustard (such as a large amount of mustard sauce based on this variety) can contribute to damage to the prostate gland, kidney tissue and hematuria.
