Black mustard (Brassica nigra) is a plant native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its seed is used to flavor condiments for food. Its also used as medicine.
Black mustard contains chemicals that might reduce pain but might also be irritating. Black mustard oil might have effects that help with lung congestion.
People use black mustard for the common cold, osteoarthritis, pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse black mustard with clown's mustard plant, hedge mustard, or white mustard. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using black mustard for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Black mustard is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if black mustard is safe to use as medicine. Large amounts might cause side effects such as throat damage, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black mustard is safe. It might cause side effects such as skin blisters and skin damage, especially when applied for a long time.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Black mustard is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts as medicine while pregnant. Black mustard contains chemicals that might cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black mustard is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Surgery: Black mustard might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery if taken in large amounts as medicine. Stop using black mustard at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Black mustard might lower blood sugar levels. Taking black mustard along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Black mustard might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Black mustard is used to flavor food condiments such as mustard. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of black mustard might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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