The Efficacy and Functions of White Mustard Seed
Nov 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
White mustard seed has a pungent taste and warm nature, and is associated with the lung meridian. It 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. White mustard seed also has the effect of dispersing nodules and reducing swelling, making it effective in resolving masses and nodules caused by phlegm obstruction. It can exert certain therapeutic effects in the treatment of mammary hyperplasia.
Generally, the effects and functions of white mustard seeds (Sinapis semen) may include warming the lungs to resolve phlegm, dispersing nodules to reduce swelling, promoting circulation to relieve pain, warming the middle jiao to expel cold, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. It is recommended to use this herb under the guidance of a physician. The analysis is as follows:
1. Warming the Lungs to Resolve Phlegm
White mustard seeds have a pungent taste and warm nature, acting on the lung meridian. They can warm and promote lung Qi, facilitate the expulsion of phlegm, and thereby alleviate symptoms such as cough and excessive phlegm caused by cold pathogens.
2. Dispersing Nodules and Reducing Swelling
White mustard seeds possess the function of dispersing nodules and reducing swelling, showing good efficacy in resolving masses or nodules caused by phlegm stagnation. In the treatment of mammary hyperplasia, white mustard seeds can exert certain therapeutic effects.
3. Promoting Circulation and Relieving Pain
White mustard seeds can also promote circulation and alleviate pain. They are relatively effective in relieving joint pain and muscle pain caused by wind-cold-damp bi syndrome. Therefore, in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, white mustard seeds are commonly used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and similar conditions.
4. Warming the Middle Jiao and Expelling Cold
White mustard seeds have the effect of warming the middle jiao and dispelling cold. When symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and abnormal bowel movements occur due to food accumulation and internal stagnation, this herb can be used under medical guidance to achieve the effect of promoting Qi circulation and dispersing nodules.
5. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects
White mustard seeds contain multiple active components, such as sinigrin, sinalbin, and芥子酸 (芥子酸 should be translated as "sinapic acid"), among others. These components possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, administration should follow medical advice. Overuse may lead to adverse reactions such as skin itching, redness, swelling, and pain.
