Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Brassica juncea
|
| Common Names: |
Indian Mustard, Oriental Mustard, Leaf Mustard
|
| Key Name: |
Brown Mustard
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| 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
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Brassicales |
| Family |
Brassicaceae |
Genus |
Brassica |
| Species |
juncea |
NCBI Tax ID |
3707
|
| Organism |
|
|
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
|
| 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
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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|
Distribution |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Green manure, biodiesel, pest repellent
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| 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
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| Share: |
Private
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