What are the functions and benefits of white mustard seeds?
Nov 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
White mustard seed (Sinapis semen) can warm and promote lung function, facilitate the expulsion of phlegm, and thereby alleviate symptoms such as coughing and excessive phlegm caused by cold pathogens. It is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. White mustard seed also has a good dispersing effect on lumps and nodules caused by phlegm stagnation. It can be used to treat lumps or nodules resulting from phlegm obstruction in conditions such as mammary hyperplasia and arthritis.
White mustard seed is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, with potential effects and benefits including warming the lungs and resolving phlegm, dispersing nodules and reducing swelling, promoting circulation and relieving pain, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and strengthening the spleen to stimulate appetite. The analysis is as follows:
1. Warming the Lungs and Resolving Phlegm: White mustard seed can warm and promote the flow of lung qi, facilitating the expulsion of phlegm, thereby alleviating symptoms such as cough and excessive sputum caused by cold pathogens. Additionally, it can enhance pulmonary ventilation.
2. Dispersing Nodules and Reducing Swelling: White mustard seed is effective in resolving masses and nodules caused by stagnation of phlegm-turbidity. Its strong stimulating properties improve local blood circulation, aiding in reducing swelling.
3. Promoting Circulation and Relieving Pain: White mustard seed helps alleviate joint and muscle pain caused by wind-cold-damp bi syndrome. It is commonly used to treat pain associated with arthritis and rheumatic diseases. It can be decocted together with qi-regulating and analgesic herbs such as *Mu Xiang* (Saussurea root) and *Xiang Fu* (Cyperus rhizome) to effectively relieve symptoms.
4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects: When applied externally, white mustard seed can treat skin inflammations, boils, and painful swellings. It also possesses certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help eliminate pathogens and promote wound healing.
5. Strengthening the Spleen and Stimulating Appetite: White mustard seed stimulates gastric acid secretion and increases appetite, helping to regulate symptoms such as poor appetite and indigestion due to spleen and stomach deficiency.
White mustard seed has certain irritant properties; when used externally, care should be taken to avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes.
