A plant record

White Mustard

Sinapis alba · Brassicaceae

EnglishWhite Mustard

FrançaisMoutarde blanche

BotanicalSinapis alba

FamilyBrassicaceae

White Mustard — Sinapis alba, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

White mustard shares the working substances of its black relative and is put to digestive complaints — acid dyspepsia and heartburn, sluggish stomach and gut, biliary and hepatic stasis, wind and constipation. The whole seeds are swallowed, a teaspoonful in cold water thrice daily before meals, raised briefly to a gentle laxative dose and then eased back. The mustard oil also goes into warming rubs for aching muscles and joints.

In three languages

Français — La moutarde blanche partage les substances actives de sa parente noire et s'emploie contre les troubles digestifs — dyspepsie acide et brûlures d'estomac, estomac et intestin paresseux, stase biliaire et hépatique, flatulences et constipation. On avale les graines entières, une cuillerée à café dans l'eau froide trois fois par jour avant les repas, portée brièvement à une dose légèrement laxative puis ramenée. L'huile de moutarde entre aussi dans les frictions chauffantes pour muscles et articulations douloureux.

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

Traditional European herbal use; glucosinolates (sinalbin)

Kept alongside

Common scurvy-grassWatercressBlack mustardHorseradish

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