Black mustard - tiny grains with a sharp bitter taste, which 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 digestive processes and contributes to weight loss.
Origin
Black mustard (Sinapis nigra) - a variety of plants from the Cabbage family (lat. Brassicaceae). It grows wild in North Africa, in a large part of Asia (Western Asia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China) and almost throughout Europe. It grows in fields, riverbanks, in thickets and ditches. The name mustard is associated with the bitter taste of synapin 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 get its seeds. Black mustard seeds are used as a spice and the main ingredient in mustard sauce, as well as useful oil.
Description
The plant has a long, straight and hard stem. It is weakly branched, hairy in the lower part and smooth in the upper part. Reaches a height of 1.3 meters. The lower leaves grow on oblong petioles and have the form of a lyre; at the top of the plant they are lanceolate. Leaflets are rather small, with an irregular edge.
Black mustard (pictured) blooms with tiny yellow flowers with dark veins gathered together. Massively grown mustard fields resemble rapeseed. The flowering period is June and July. The fruit of the plant is a tetrahedral, erect, pressed to the stem, tuberous pod containing seeds of black or dark brown color. 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 agricultural crops. Bees also love black mustard, it can be obtained 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 number 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%).
Plant seeds are an excellent source of B vitamins, such as folate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid. These vitamins help in the synthesis of enzymes of the nervous system and regulate the metabolism in the body. 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.
The mustard acids omega-3, 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 decay due to the crushing of plant tissues leads to the separation of the myrosinase enzyme, which, in turn, is responsible for the release of volatile essential oils. They give the plant a pungent taste.
Volatile mustard oils are used in medicine because of their warming and stimulating properties, as they have the ability to penetrate the nerve endings. Black mustard has diuretic properties and is used as an antiemetic. The medicines created on its basis are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Compresses are used to treat tendonitis and lung diseases. The plant has found application in the treatment of headaches and neuralgia. Black mustard also supports the digestive system. It reduces blood pressure, has antibacterial properties.
Plant seeds are a source of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the risk of developing tumors, especially the breast, colon and prostate gland. Mustard flour is an antiseptic. The plant is part of 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, it is 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 cosmetics industry, this product is used for hair care. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties, stimulates hair growth. It is part of balms, masks and creams. The retinol contained in the oil promotes exfoliation of dead skin, while antioxidants stimulate microcirculation. Mustard oil is traditionally used to relieve pain in muscles and joints, and normalize blood pressure. Due to its unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, has a stimulating effect on digestion and blood circulation.
Black mustard - application in traditional medicine
- Mustard oil in a 2% ethanol solution should be rubbed in a circular motion into painful places with rheumatic pains.
- Compress for bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. To prepare a compress, dilute 100 g of mustard powder in the same amount of warm water. The resulting slurry should be distributed on gauze and put on the chest, avoiding the heart area. Hold for 15-20 minutes. After several daily procedures, the patient is recovering.
- Brightening agent for freckles: 1 tablespoon of crushed seeds should be mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey. Wipe freckles several times a day.
- A bag of mustard. Pour whole mustard seeds into a small oblong cotton bag. Use for discomfort caused by menstrual pain, applying to the stomach for 20 minutes.
Kitchen use
Mustard seeds are also used in cooking. The best known product that contains these seeds is mustard sauce. Seeds are also used in the preparation of meat dishes. White and black mustard is added to mushrooms, cucumbers and cabbage when canning.
How to make mustard sauce?
Making homemade mustard sauce is extremely simple 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 more spicy), 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;
- half a pinch of salt;
- spices such as red and black pepper, garlic or turmeric.
Grains can be ground or left whole. Add vinegar and water to them and let 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 the selected spices. Ready mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for at least several weeks.
Mustard Ointment. Recipe
Mustard ointment is intended for pain in muscles and joints. Ingredients:
- mustard powder (50 g);
- alcohol (10 g);
- crude 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 heated before applying 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 wipe with a towel.
Contraindications and side effects
Black mustard on the skin should not be kept for too long. It dilates blood vessels, which leads to reddening of the skin and burning. Improper use can cause skin damage, and in the worst case, tissue necrosis.
Black mustard seeds should be consumed orally in a limited amount, because they can cause bleeding of the gastrointestinal mucosa. In addition, plant seeds can lower blood glucose, so people with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before consuming them.
Eating black mustard (for example, a large amount of mustard sauce based on this variety) can damage the prostate gland, kidney tissue, and hematuria.