A plant record

Black mustard

Brassica nigra · Brassicaceae

EnglishBlack mustard

FrançaisMoutarde noire

BotanicalBrassica nigra

FamilyBrassicaceae

Black mustard — Brassica nigra, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Black mustard seed — a powerful warming counter-irritant. Traditionally a mustard poultice or flour wrap is laid (over a cloth, never on bare skin) to draw blood to the surface for muscular rheumatism, lumbago, and chest congestion; a few seeds at meals rouse a sluggish appetite. ⚠ The pungent oil burns and blisters — apply only briefly through a cloth, keep well away from eyes and broken skin, and remove at once if it stings sharply.

In three languages

Français — Graine de moutarde noire — un révulsif chauffant puissant. Traditionnellement, un cataplasme ou une compresse de farine de moutarde se pose (sur un linge, jamais à même la peau) pour attirer le sang en surface contre le rhumatisme musculaire, le lumbago et la congestion de la poitrine ; quelques graines aux repas réveillent un appétit paresseux. ⚠ L'huile piquante brûle et provoque des cloques — n'appliquer que brièvement à travers un linge, tenir loin des yeux et des plaies, et retirer aussitôt si cela brûle vivement.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

European phytotherapy; Commission E; isothiocyanate pharmacology

Kept alongside

Common scurvy-grassWatercressHorseradishWhite Mustard

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