Mustard is a plant and an herb.

• botanical information
• history
• nutritional information
• storage
• essential oil
• magick correspondences and uses
• health care
• Chinese herbology
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Brassica nigra, Sinapis alba, or Brassica spp.

    Common name: mustard, mustard greens

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

history:

    History: Mustard was one of the ingredients mentioned in the Eber’s Papyrus. The Eber’s Papyrus (from between 1600 B.C.E. and 1550 B.C.E.), was discovered by German Egyptologist Georg Ebers in 1874 C.E. The Eber’s Papyrus is the oldest known complete medical textbook in existence. Most scholars believe that it is copy of a much earlier text, probably from around 3100 B.C.E. The Eber’s Papyrus includes information on surgery and internal medicine, including a list of more than 800 drugs.

nutritional information:

    A condiment is a preparation to enhance the flavor or enjoyment of an herb, vegetable, or fruit. Prepared mustard is a condiment.

    Mustard greens are a source of protein.

    See also Chinese herbalism below for Chinese gender and Chinese flavor.

storage:

    Storage: Eat mustard greens within two days of purchase.

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

Magical Uses Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers information courtesy of

essential oil:

    Safety Information: Mustard essential oil (Brassica nigra) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

health care uses:

    Health Notice: Attempting to be an amateur doctor is potentially dangerous to your health. This web page is not professional medical advice. Nothing on this website should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional. See the article on healing for recommended healers.

traditional medicine:

    Traditional Medicine: While many traditional practices have been scientifically verified, some are now known to be dangerous. Seek the advice of qualified health care providers.

    Traditional medicinal uses: Mustard was one of the ingredients mentioned in the Eber’s Papyrus. The Eber’s Papyrus is the oldest known complete medical textbook in existence. Most scholars believe that it is copy of a much earlier text, probably from around 3100 B.C.E. Note that not all traditional medications are effective or even safe.

Chinese herbalism:

    Chinese gender: mustard greens are yang (warm)

    Chinese flavor: mustard greens are slightly pungent

cautions and contraindications:

Some herbs may be poisonious under some conditions. Exercise appropriate care.

    Essential oil warning: Mustard essential oil (Brassica nigra) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Some plants can be toxic just by touch. Even experts can make deadly misidentifications of wild plants. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

 

See also: mustard greens and herbs.

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