Scientific Name: Brassica
Bahasa Indonesia: Moster
Batak: No name
Basic Information: Mustards are herbaceous annual plant species in the family Brassicaceae. Mustard plants are thin herbaceous herbs with yellow flowers. The leaves of the plant are toothed and lobed. Plants can reach 1.2-2 meters in length. The yellow flowers grow in spike like clusters of 2-12 flowers. The seeds are red to brown in color and are produced from each flower. Mustard can also be referred to as brown mustard, red mustard, yellow mustard or wedlock. It is believed to have originated in the temperate regions of Europe. Mustard is usually grown for its seeds which are used as a spice. Grinding and mixing the seeds with water, vinegar or other liquids create the yellow condiment. The seeds can also be pressed to make mustard oil, and the edible leaves can be eaten as mustard greens.
Health Benefits:
- Prevents Cancer – the high levels of healthy phytonutrients prove valuable against cancers such as bladder, colon, and cervical cancer.
- Relieves Symptoms of Psoriasis – mustard seeds are effective against curing the inflammation and lesions associated with psoriasis.
- Relief from Contact Dermatitis – mustard seeds are said to give therapeutic relief to this red, itchy rash by healing the tissues and reducing ear swelling.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health – mustard oil is said to help reduce cardiac arrhythmia, decrease ventricular enlargements, and help with the chest pain associated.
- Relief from Respiratory Disorders – mustard seeds are a great decongestant, which helps to clear mucus in the air passage, therefore curing colds and sinus problems.
- Treats Aches – poultice or plaster made from mustard seeds helps in curing pains and spasms, which provides relief from the paralysis of limbs, rheumatism, and other muscular aches.
- Poison Repulsion – mustard seeds possess protective emetic qualities which resist the effects of poison on the body.
- Antifungal Effects Against Ringworm – the antibacterial properties of mustard seeds have proven effective in curing the lesions caused by ringworms.
- Skin and Hair Care – henna leaves boiled with mustard oil help stimulate healthy hair growth. In addition, the mustard seeds roasted in sesame or coconut make an effective cure for acne.
- Healing Effects on Nerves – the mustard plant can help stimulate the healing process of nerve damage by arousing the impulses.
- Controls Diabetes – mustard leaf and mustard oil both have effects that help maintain diabetes.
- Helps to Lower Cholesterol – the leaves of mustard plants have the ability to bind bile acids in the digestive tract which facilitate easy excretion of these acids from the body.
- Relieves Menopausal Symptoms – magnesium and calcium present in mustard plants encourage bone health and prevent bone loss due to menopause.
- Aids in Detoxification – the antioxidants and fiber found help regulate the action of detoxification enzymes and help eliminate harmful toxins in the body.
Fun Facts:
- Mustard plants are close relatives to a variety of common vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and cabbage
- Egyptian pharaohs stocked their tombs with mustard seeds to accompany them into the afterlife, but the Romans were the first to grind the seeds into a spreadable paste and mix them with liquid (usually wine or vinegar)
- French monks mixed the ground seed with “must,” or unfermented wine, inspired the word “mustard” which roughly means burning wine
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_plant
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/mustard/infos
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/mustard.html
http://mentalfloss.com/article/62747/13-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-mustard