Prevents Cancer

Being a member of Brassica family, the seeds of a mustard plant contain generous amounts of healthy phytonutrients called glucosinolates which can prove valuable against various cancers such as the bladder, colon, and cervical cancer. Glucosinates break down to form isothiocyanates with the help of myrosinase enzymes present in mustard. Various studies have suggested that the anti-cancer effects of these components inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and even guard against the formation of such malignant cells. The chemopreventive properties of its seeds help in restoring the levels of glutathione and stimulate the induction of apoptosis without affecting the normal healthy cells.

Treats Psoriasis

The tiny mustard seeds are effective against psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Research studies have validated its effectiveness in curing the inflammation and lesions associated with psoriasis. According to the study, treatment with its seeds also stimulates the activities of good enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, which encourage protective and healing action in such diseases.

Relieves Contact Dermatitis

Mustard seeds offer therapeutic relief in contact dermatitis. Investigative research has suggested that consumption of its seeds helps in healing the symptoms associated with contact dermatitis such as healing of tissues and reduction in the ear swelling.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Mustard seeds is a hearty choice when it comes to choosing cooking oil. Studies conducted to assess its effects on the patients suspected of a heart attack demonstrated positive results with respect to reduction in the rate of cardiac arrhythmia, decrease in the ventricular enlargement and the chest pain associated with it. The cardioprotective properties of mustard oil possibly attribute to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids among other helpful components.

Relief from Respiratory Disorders

Mustard seeds have been valued for their therapeutic effects in curing cold and sinus problems. It is a wonderful decongestant and expectorant which helps in clearing the mucus in the air passage. In Ayurveda, its seeds are considered as a food with the warmer tendency and are prized for its healing effects in calming vata and kapha. Since ages, different home remedies have involved the usage of mustard seeds or oil for treating a range of sinus related ailments. They include an addition of ground mustard seeds in a foot soak for releasing the congestion in the respiratory organs and gargling with tea made of mustard seeds for soothing a sore throat to name a few. The heating qualities of this plant penetrate deeply inside the tissues and clean the excess mucus buildup. These heating qualities of mustard also call for a cautionary advice with regard to the burning sensations which may happen to the exposed tissues that are not concealed. The seeds have also been found effective in curing chronic bronchitis. During an asthmatic attack, massaging a mix of mustard oil and a small amount of camphor promotes easy breathing by breaking down phlegm. Plaster or poultice made of its seeds has been used since olden times for treating bronchitis and to stimulate healthy blood circulation in the body.

Cures Aches

Poultice or plaster made from mustard seeds helps in curing pains and spasms as well. Mustard has rubefacient properties and hence when applied as a plaster, exercises analgesic effects and provides relief from the paralysis of limbs, rheumatism, and other muscular aches. Another important advice to note here is that mustard plaster has warmer effects and may cause sore blistering if applied directly on the naked skin. To avoid that, linen sheet should be used amidst the skin and the plaster.

Poison Repulsion

Mustard seeds possess protective emetic qualities which resist the effects of poison on the body. A decoction made with its seeds helps in cleansing the body especially if the poisoning is caused by narcotics or excess intake of alcohol.