Sarson or Mustard is a 3-5ft. tall, annually grown herb that is cultivated all over India, but predominantly in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal. The part of sarson that has medicinal properties is the seeds. Based on the color of the seeds*, there are 2 varieties – white/yellow and red/black, of which the yellow variety is considered superior properties wise.

(*sarson seeds should not be confused with ‘rayee’, which is slightly different)  

Interestingly, although the mustard green is famous for the dish ‘sarson da saag’, they do not possess significant medicinal properties. It is hot in potency and vitiates all the three doshas. Despite that, it is very tasty and hence has its place as a culinary delicacy.

The leaves are hot and dry in nature, cause excess production of urine and feces, cause imbalance of the three doshas, have salty and alkaline taste and are very palatable.

Coming back to seeds, the medicinal properties of both yellow and white variety are similar and are therefore described together. According to Ayurved, the seeds are hot in potency and oily in nature. Their medicinal properties are listed below:

-    Seeds have anthelmintic effect and therefore can be administered internally in powder from, in a dose of 2-4 gms, to expel most intestinal worms.
-    The seeds also have a blood purifying action and therefore ingesting 2-4 gms of seed powder per day, can treat acne and improve complexion, and can be used to treat certain skin conditions.
-    Smelling the aromatic oils of the seed (like when it is being fried for seasoning) and eating them, has an appetizing effect, and therefore can be used as part of treating anorexia or loss of appetite.
-    The seeds also produce a diuretic effect and therefore can be used to relieve conditions where there is retention of urine. Besides internal use, external application of paste made with seeds, on the bladder (lower abdomen) area also helps.
-    Regular consumption of seeds has aphrodisiac effect and therefore can be used to increase libido.
-    Internal use of seeds also stimulates the uterus and hence can be used to treat oligomenorrhea or decreased menstruation.
-    Oil obtained from the seeds has anti septic, analgesic and oleating properties. In India, especially in Northern India, there is a tradition of oil massage with mustard oil before bath. Most newborn babies enjoy a daily ritual of massage with mustard oil. This probably contributes to the very low incidence of skin allergies in India, and overall health of the skin.
-    Regular massage with mustard oil also tones up muscles and increases muscle strength.
-    One interesting part of the daily massage is that all body orifices, if oleated well with mustard oil, will remain infection free, specially the ears, eyes, nose, etc. Of course, one must learn the correct method to do it.
-    Oil treated or processed with herbs like garlic, etc. is used by vaidyas to relieve conditions like earache.
-    Because of its antiseptic properties, mustard oil is mixed with rock salt and massaged on the gums to relieve pyorrhea.
-    It’s pain relieving properties can be enhanced by processing it with herbs like garlic, carom seeds, etc. and this oil can then be used for massage in body pain, arthritis, etc.
-    A paste of seeds can be used, preferably in combination with gram flour, etc. for a paste massage of the body. This again is a cleanser and a complexion enhancer.
-    Mustard oil has been described in ancient texts as the best treatment for spleen enlargement. This includes external massage and also internal consumption of the oil under expert supervision.

As per current nutritional data, mustard seeds contain Selenium, which helps reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Like selenium, Magnesium has also been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma. It has also been shown to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

Mustard seeds also qualified as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber.

So next time you use mustard seeds or mustard oil, use it empowered with the knowledge of the benefits you are incurring. Stay Healthy!

CAUTION: Mustard seeds and oil should not be used by pregnant women. Also, people with Pitta body types should not use Mustard and it’s products or should use it only after consulting a qualified ‘Vaidya’.

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