Mustard - Brassica Juncea

'Flavouring agent, a potent medicine and repulses malefic effects and negative vibrations'

by Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson

Commonly known Mustard, Brassica Juncea (L), known as Neelam in Tamil is a wonderful culinary herb which is used as a flavouring agent, as a potent medicine and a protective agent in occult science.

The mustard seed burnt over a fire is also used to repulse malefic effects and negative vibrations from lower spirits says Dr Vajira P. S. Seneviratne, Medical Officer, Government District Ayurveda Hospital, Beliatte and visiting lecturer of the Moratuwa University, a pharmaceutical consultant and multidisciplinary academic with integrated knowledge of Ayurveda and modern Pharmaceutical Sciences.

"With a long history as far back as the Greek and Roman civilization, mustard has been consumed in cookery as well as in divine activities, by Hindus in the Kovil for instance.

Even in the Holy Bible the mustard seed has been described as a holy plant representing purity and confidence. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine described the medicinal properties of mustard and he himself is said to have used it as a medicine.

Mustard has been grown throughout Europe and the west and has stood the test of time in both hot and cold climate," Dr. Seneviratne said.

"Generally, mustard should not be consumed in large quantities regularly because of its sharp potency and hot nature. If consumed regularly, our bodies turn heaty and you tend to develop a thirst. Mustard very often results in itching and irritation. Hence, those who already have shin ailments should take precaution and minimize the consumption of mustard in their diet," Dr. Seneviratne added.

"However, certain typical Sri Lankan dishes require mustard or without it, it would be of no nutritious value.

Many pickle preparations, jak and breadfruit dishes malluns and for many tempered dishes, mustard is a must but must be added at the latter part of the cooking or the dish would become bitter. There is no substitute for mustard".

"As for health benefits, there are many when consumed in moderation. Mustard not only gives a unique flavour to dishes but also helps in digestion of food. Apart from this, mustard is also a powerful pain relieving agent, both externally and internally.

It burns excess fat and reduces phlegm while strengthening muscles and tendons. Hence, it is very useful for growing children and highly active youth".

"In addition to cooking, mustard is the best home remedy for many day to day illnesses such as headaches. Mustard seeds finely ground with water applied as a plaster or gauze on the forehead will see your headache vanish within 10-15 minutes.

For abscesses or sealed pulstules you may apply the same plaster as mentioned above for 2-3 days. Even toothache, a mouthwash of boiled mustard seed water few times a day is sufficient while for pains and aches get mustard oil which is freely available.

To relieve pain take a few grams of camphor, warm and apply over the affected area and massage well, it will relieve the pain immediately at no cost," Dr. Seneviartne further explained.

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