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| Health Corner: Kitchen Herbs- Indian Mustard (Rayee) |
Pratibha Shah
09/14/2009
Known in Latin as Brassica juncea, ‘Rayee’, which is very similar to ‘sarson’ or mustard in appearance and properties, is an annual shrub, cultivated in Bihar, UP, and Bengal. Although, the leaves, seeds, and the stem of this mustard variety are edible, the plant part commonly used for medicinal purposes is the seed, and the oil extracted form the seed.
Chemically, the seeds have 35.5% fixed oil that is relatively mild and not as pungent as Mustard oil.
‘Rayee’ seeds are hot in nature and pungent in taste, and therefore their use, whether external or internal, pacifies ‘vaayu’ and ‘kapha’.
Although ‘Rayee’ has similar properties as mustard seeds, the properties are milder in nature. Properties unique to ‘Rayee’ as described in Ayurvedic texts are:
- As it pacifies ‘vaayu’, a paste of ‘Rayee’ seeds can be applied in disorders of ‘vaayu’ like – paralysis, osteoarthritis, bloating of the stomach, etc. However, it should NOT be applied for more than 10 minutes, as it can cause blisters.
- Powder of seeds in the dose of 1-3gms, is administered in cases of spleenomegaly (enlargement of spleen) and benign tumors, with very good results.
- The same may also be given to treat lack of appetite, weak digestion and indigestion.
- Since it is sudorific (initiates sweating), it can be used in certain skin diseases.
- Oil obtained from the seeds can be applied in miniscule amounts externally, around the nostrils and sole of the feet.
NOTE of caution: ‘Rayee’ seeds and its oil is pungent and therefore should be used only under expert supervision.
‘Ayurveda is not a licensed form of treatment in the United States. This article has been written for the purpose of education only.
It is always advisable to consult an expert Ayurvedic physician before following any of the herbal recommendations in this article, as usage may differ from person to person according to their body types’
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