Overview

White mustard is an herb. The seeds are used to make medicine.

People use white mustard for chest congestion, joint pain, sore throat, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, white mustard seed is used as a spice and to make traditional American yellow mustard. There are approximately 40 different species of mustard plant. White mustard (Brassica alba) is the least pungent.

How does it work ?

Some chemicals found in white mustard seem to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Some chemicals found in white mustard seem to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Preventing infection.
  • To induce vomiting.
  • Increasing urine flow (as a diuretic) to relieve water retention.
  • Increasing the appetite.
  • Coughs and colds, when applied to the skin.
  • Bronchitis, when applied to the skin.
  • Joint pain, when applied to the skin.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the mouth, throat, and joints, when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of white mustard for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: White mustard is LIKELY SAFE when consumed as food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if white mustard is safe when used as a medicine or what the side effects might be. Some people are allergic to white mustard.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white mustard is safe when applied to the skin. It might cause side effects such as burns, blisters, and ulcers when applied for an extended period of time. Some people may also be allergic to white mustard.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: White mustard is LIKELY SAFE when consumed as food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if white mustard is safe when used as a medicine or what the side effects might be. Some people are allergic to white mustard.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white mustard is safe when applied to the skin. It might cause side effects such as burns, blisters, and ulcers when applied for an extended period of time. Some people may also be allergic to white mustard. Pregnancy: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use white mustard in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant. There is some evidence it might start your menstrual period and cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if white mustard is safe to use in medicinal amounts when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use of amounts greater than those found in food.

Allergies: White mustard may cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are allergic to mugwort pollen, nuts, legumes, and the Rosaceae plant family. Members of this family include peaches and plums.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for WHITE MUSTARD overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of white mustard depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for white mustard. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.