Brassica juncea
Record ID:90Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Brassica juncea |
| Common Names: | Indian Mustard, Oriental Mustard, Leaf Mustard |
| Key Name: | Brown Mustard |
| Parts Used: | Seeds, leaves, flowers |
| Sister Plants: | Brassica rapa, Sinapis alba, Raphanus sativus |
| Comments: | Annual herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in cool, well-drained soils |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Annual (up to 120 cm), erect angular stem, lobed leaves with toothed margins, yellow flowers with four petals (0.5 in), blooming late summer to fall |
| Stem: | Erect, up to 120 cm, angular, green |
| Leaves: | Lobed, toothed margins, 10-20 cm long, dark green |
| Flowers: | Yellow flowers, four petals, 0.5 in, in clusters, blooming July-September |
| Fruit: | Siliques with 6-15 dark brown seeds, 0.5-0.75 in long |
| Taste: | Pungent (seeds), spicy (leaves) |
| Odour: | Mild, mustard scent from flowers |
| Root: | Taproot, deep under dry conditions |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fth.bing.com%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.CH_tElpPaD-rYymbUrPUegHaJu%26r%3D0%26cb%3Dthvnextc1%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=c258e171abb9919392ab6774ef0afe20f6cc03d2b8a8a1f09ee91cada3a8d760&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to the Himalayas, cultivated in India, Canada, Europe |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun, well-drained loamy soil; sow seeds early spring or late summer; space 6-12 inches apart; water moderately, tolerates cool weather |
| Harvest: | Leaves: Spring to fall; Seeds: Late summer to fall (July-October) |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Antiseptic, carminative, expectorant, diuretic |
| Medical Uses: | Used for respiratory issues, digestive aid, skin irritations, and as a stimulant; seeds for poultices, leaves as greens |
| Constituents: | Glucosinolates, sinigrin, allyl isothiocyanate |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (pressing) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp ground seeds in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Oil: External use only |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion (sparingly); External: Poultice or oil |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions; avoid excessive internal use; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp ground seeds in hot water 10 min; Oil: Press seeds |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for respiratory or skin support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, hoverflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Green manure, biodiesel, pest repellent |
| Culinary Uses: | Seeds for mustard condiment, leaves as mustard greens |
| History: | Cultivated for over 6,000 years, originating in Central Asia; used in Sumerian and Sanskrit texts by 3000 BC |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Brassica+juncea |
| Share: | Private |