Mustard seeds are small and round seeds which are usually 1 to 2 millimetres in diameters and their color varies from yellowish white to black. These seeds are of great importance in Indian households. Not only are they used while cooking food in Indian households, they are also used to keep evil eyes away. You might have seen mustard seeds being used in various Indian food preparations like regular vegetables and pulses, pickles. Mustard paste is also used as a sandwich spread or condiments that accompany your french fries and chicken wings. Mustard is also a vital part of mayonnaise. It has a very peculiar and pungent smell and tastes little bitter when consumed uncooked. It is a powerhouse of medicinal properties and can be used in many home remedies.

1. Cleanses The Respiratory System

Mustard is inflammatory in nature, which helps to reduce the swelling. It works brilliantly to reduce inflammation in the nose and respiratory tract which eases breathing. It also decongests the respiratory tract, melting and reducing mucus in the body.

2. Treat Arthritis

Mustard seeds contain minerals like magnesium and potassium that are anti-inflammatory in nature and the relieves the pain arthritis patients suffer from.

3. Aid Digestion

Mustard seeds are rich in dietary fibers, which are readily soluble and thus aid digestion. They regulate the bowel movements thus boosting the overall metabolism.

4. Treat Asthma

The aromatic fumes produced by mustard seeds are very beneficial for people suffering from asthma. Just quickly break the mustard seeds with the back of a spoon or any other hard and flat object, wrap it in a muslin cloth and inhale deeply from this cloth. Adding a piece of camphor would be greatly beneficial to ease the breathing process as it would easily and quickly carry the mustard vapours to the nose.

5. Skin Disorders

Mustard seeds are anti-fungal and antibacterial in nature. Organic mustard, when applied to the skin, prevents fungal growth on the skin, thus protecting it from fungal skin disorders like ringworm. Applying mustard seed paste on the skin after thoroughly washing it, helps to prevent skin related disorders. Applying the mustard paste on the face helps to cure acne and enhances the clear complexion. You can also heat up the mustard seeds in sesame seed oil or coconut oil and apply this mixture to your face, to ensure no skin disorders.

6. Poison Repulsion

Mustard seeds carry protective emetic properties that that are proven to resist the adverse effect of the poison on the body. These seeds are very beneficial when suffering from food poisoning. Boil mustard seeds, after splitting them in water and let the water steep. Consuming this mustard seed tea will reduce the poisons effect. Alternatively, you can also thoroughly chew and swallow mustard seeds to soothe the food poisoning. Mustard seeds also nullify the poisonous effect caused by consumption of excess alcohol or narcotics, thus works as a great cure for hangovers.

7. Hair Care

Mustard seeds help to enhance hair growth. Boiling henna leaves with split mustard seeds in water and applying this mixture on hair, stimulates healthy hair growth. Being a good source of Vitamin A, these seeds stimulate hair growth and strengthen them. They also contain protein, calcium, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, that help to strengthen and condition the hair.

8. Aids Detoxification

Mustard seeds are anti-oxidant in nature, and thus regular consumption help to detoxify your system by flushing all the toxins from your body.

9. Cancer Treatment

Mustard seeds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that restrain the growth of cancer cells, thus helping to treat cancer patients.

1. Deodorant

No, I don’t mean that it can be used as a body deodorant, but it surely helps to deodorize your bottles and jars. If the bottles and jars in your kitchen start smelling of a particular spice or herb, empty the jar or the bottle, wash it and add boiling water to the bottle or the jar. To this boiling water, add split mustard seeds and close the lid. Leave the bottle/jar for a while, drain the mustard mixture and wash it again. Your jar would have lost all the spicy fragrance.

These were some of the benefits of mustard seeds, now you know, they are a lot more than just taste enhancer to your food. Click here, to find our more awesome facts about mustard seeds.