You might need mustard seed if . . .

Does your skin get irritated easily, or do you get itchy rashes as an allergic reaction? Do your muscles ever feel achy? Are you congested or have a sore throat? Do you have irregular bowel movements? Is your hair thinning, or does it easily break? If any of these sound like something you’ve experienced, then help from friendly mustard seed may be what you’re looking for!

Mustard seed is a great choice for those who:

• Struggle with dry, itchy skin
• Experience muscle spasms and soreness
• Want improved joint mobility
• Want lung support
• Are feeling congested or have a sore throat
• Experience occasional diarrhea
• Have thinning or breaking hair

Benefits of mustard seed

Mustard is commonly known as the yellow condiment that pairs nicely with sandwiches and appetizers, but it’s much more than a tasty, tangy condiment. It has a long history as a source of food and medicine.

Selenium, magnesium, and copper: Mustard seed has many minerals.

Promotes decongestion: Because mustard seed is an expectorant, it can help with respiratory illnesses.

Eases discomfort: Mustard seed oil, when used topically, can help alleviate discomfort or achy parts of the body.

Contains antioxidants: Mustard seed can help reduce the amount of free radicals in the body and promote healthier cells

Promotes healthy skin: Mustard seeds are a great source of carotene and lutein, both of which contribute to more nourished and healthier looking skin. Mustard seeds also have antifungal properties.

Anti-inflammatory: Mustard seed may help with skin irritation.

Supports hair growth and strength: Vitamins A, E, omega-3, and omega-6 can help stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.

High source of dietary fiber: Mustard seeds are high in fiber, which can help smooth digestion and promote regular bowel movements.

Common ways to use mustard seed

Cooking: Mustard seeds can be used as a spice in many dishes. They are great for pickling and are also commonly used as a condiment that pairs well with sandwiches and appetizers.

Extract: A way to medicinally use mustard seed is with an extract. You can easily find mustard seed extract online or in many health food stores.

Capsules/powder: Mustard seeds are also consumed in capsule or powder form. You can find mustard capsules and powder online, but making your own at home is quite simple. You’ll need mustard seed and a capsule filler machine.

Oil: Another popular way to use mustard seed is topically as an oil. You can find mustard seed oil online.

Growing and Foraging Information

You can easily buy mustard seeds online, but did you know you can find many kinds of mustard plants growing in the wild? There are several species of mustard, and they grow in a few places in the United States, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Florida. It can be found in waste areas, along railroad tracks, vacant lots, and grain fields.

You can also grow mustard in your garden if you live between US hardiness zones 3-11. Mustard is often used as a cover crop, meaning it thrives easily and spreads. Mustard is typically a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It loves neutral, sandy, and fertile soil that is well-drained. Most mustard plants prefer full sun, but some species do well in partial shade, and it does well in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to start seeds indoors four weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly into outdoor soil between early spring and late summer.

Safety Concerns

Mustard seeds have been used in food for over 5,000 years in Egypt and Palestine for their flavor and therapeutic qualities.

It is important to consider safety concerns in the context of history. You also must realize that many of the departments that bring up safety concerns are responsible for managing pharmaceutical drugs that have been manufactured in recent history. The United States has no controlling authority or regulatory board specific to herbs. The most common reason you will see that these organizations question the safety of various herbs is “insufficient evidence to determine safety.” Since there is no way to patent a naturally growing plant, there is often insufficient funding to conduct massive human studies.

Drug interaction: If you are taking any prescription medications, it is important to always consult with the prescriber before adding any herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: Mustard seed is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used moderately.

Select Study About Mustard Seed

Mustard seeds as a bioactive component of food

This study explores the many health benefits of mustard seed. It finds that mustard seed encourages the production of melatonin, aiding in sleep.