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