Overview
Mustard is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for indigestion. • These little black or brown seeds have a warming and stimulating effect on the digestion and lungs. A wonderful home remedy for nipping the onset of a cold in the bud.
How Mustard Helps with Indigestion
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Mustard has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing indigestion:
- Potency (Virya): Heating
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
- Taste (Rasa): Pungent, bitter
- Qualities (Guna): Light, dry, penetrating
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: Signs of heat, inflammation and; high pitta
Safety: No drug–herb interactions known.
Other Herbs for Indigestion
See all herbs for indigestion on the Indigestion page.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
25 13, Shringa Yantra – Animal Horn य गुला यं भवे गं चूषणे अ टादशा गुलम ् अ ं स ाथकि छ ं सुन ं चुचुकाकृ त The Shringa- animal horn useful to suck shall have the orifice of three Angula at its root and that of mustard seed at the tip, eighteen Angula in length.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Yantra Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Yantra Vidhi
The paste of barley, wheat and mustard seed should be applied on the breast in the manner described previously.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Three Rajikas make one Sarshapa (mustard seed), as stated by the wise.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
The lekhana anjana wick should be the size of a harenu (mustard seed) in measure.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.