Spicy and fragrant, and still spicy and burning to the taste - these are the first associations that mustard causes. But in fact, if you go deeper, it is not only the most common seasoning in the world, but also an excellent soil disinfectant green manure, an effective medicine and cosmetic. What is the mustard, what is the ratio of its benefits and harm to human health, how much and to whom it can be used - we will tell about all this later in the article.
Chemical composition
Many owners sow mustard seeds on their land. From them grow dense half-meter stalks, which bloom in May yellow inflorescences. But for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes only grains are needed, and the stems are used to improve the composition of the soil in the garden.
Did you know? Mustard spread to Europe from Asia and was very popular back in the 1300s. This is evidenced by written invoices for 320 l of mustard seasoning eaten at one of the dinner parties of the Duke of Burgundy.
In all parts of the annual plant, which represents the Cabbage family, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and acids necessary for the full development of man are found. 
100 grams of crushed mustard seeds contain:
- carbohydrates - 5 g;
- squirrels - 4.4 g;
- fats - 4 g;
- unsaturated fats - 0.2 g;
- alimentary fiber - 3.3 g;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids - 1 g;
- monounsaturated fatty acids - 2.6 g;
- sodium - 37 mg;
- potassium - 38 mg;
- calcium - 58 mg;
- magnesium - 49 mg;
- iron - 1.5 mg;
- sugar - 0.9 g;
- retinol - 71 mg;
- calciferol - 0.1 mg;
- cyanocobalamin - 0.5 mg;
- vitamin C - 1.5 mg;
- pyridoxine - 0.1 mg.
In addition, plant fibers of all plant parts contain glucosinolates characteristic of the Cabbage family, in particular: sinigrin, sinalbin, myrosin and its enzyme. Upon contact with water, these components form mustard oils, including allyl isothiocyanate, which provide a specific sharp-burning taste.
Did you know? The status of the “mustard capital of the Universe” was firmly entrenched in the French city of Dijon. It happened in the distant XIII century, when the production sphere of the village switched to the popular seasoning. In 1937, the French product was awarded a certificate of authenticity of origin. And today the best and most expensive mustard in the world can be bought only in Dijon stores.
Heated whole grains of mustard lose their causticity, and, conversely, emit a pleasant nutty flavor, but retain bitterness when chewed. This fact is explained by the effect of temperature on the tyrosinase enzyme. As a result of complex physicochemical reactions, caustic sulphurous substances are released at the molecular level. Cooks use these features of the mustard, adjusting the level of spiciness of the seasoning. 
Despite the fact that the mustard contains fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, the caloric content of the product allows it to be added to the main food in sufficient quantities. There are only 66 kilocalories per 100 grams of seasoning.
Some plants, called mustard (black and sarepta), botanically refer not to mustard, but to cabbage.
The useful mustard
Even primitive people knew about the beneficial properties of the plant; contemporaries do not neglect them either. On the contrary, mustard is successfully used in both folk and official medicine.
Due to the interaction of useful components, the plant has a tonic, warming, antiseptic, enveloping and expectorant effects.
Important! If you cook the mustard paste at room temperature or at a higher temperature, it will be sharp. And the ground grains filled in with boiled water will give softer and a little sweetish taste.
In case of catarrhal diseases and cough many people use the so-called old-fashioned mustard plasters, put mustard powder into the socks for warming them, make compresses and grinding them.
In addition, seasoning beneficial effect on the digestive organs, liver and gallbladder. It also normalizes the metabolic processes in the body and contributes to increased appetite, but with abundant consumption can give a slight laxative effect. 
Using the ability of mustard to increase blood circulation, herbalists recommend it for the treatment of radiculitis, muscle cramps, neuritis, skin diseases, rheumatism and even infertility. Moreover, it is an excellent prophylactic against hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Nutritionists claim that regular consumption of the product helps get rid of extra pounds and promotes sexual activity. And scientists have proven that people who constantly eat mustard seasoning have good eyesight.
For ladies who want to have a magnificent head of hair, a hair mask with mustard will help. As a result of the warming effect of the components, blood circulation is stimulated, as a result of which hair follicles awaken and hair grows.
Did you know? Today, many nations honor mustard. For example, in Denmark, the plant is considered reliable protection from demons and evil spirits. To this end, mustard seeds are scattered in the home and not harvested for 3 days in order to attract happiness. But in the United States of America they even celebrate Mustard Day. This event takes place on every first Saturday of August.
Application
Many housewives have mustard - it is a spicy seasoning for various dishes, and an effective drug, and an indispensable component in the home cosmetology laboratory. Let's take a closer look at how to make homemade mustard paste, what to do with mustard powder and butter.
It is the spices that make the cuisines of different countries unique. Spices such as basil, barberry, cloves, ginger, cardamom, chili, dill, watercress, laurel, marjoram, lemon balm, nutmeg, mint, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, thyme, fennel, horseradish have fallen into the world culinary heritage. savory, saffron, tarragon, lavender, sage.
In cooking
De re coquinaria Even in the ancient cookbook "De re coquinaria", dated to the 5th century, cooking of spicy pasta was mentioned, which consisted of crushed grains of black pepper, cumin, dill, mustard, as well as coriander seeds baked on fire, ground rubbed dry greens celery, thyme, lovage, marjoram, spring onions. All this was filled with honey, vinegar and vegetable oil. The resulting paste was seasoned only with roasted meat on a skewer.
Today, mustard is a traditional flavored seasoning for cold and meat dishes. It is also an integral component for the preparation of sauces and mayonnaise. And the whole and crushed grain of the plant is added as a preservative in all marinades. 
But that's not all. Cooks often smear meat with mustard before baking. And it can be a bird, and fish, and pork, and veal. The tender surface of the product under this cover retains its juiciness, does not stick and soaks with a pleasant spicy aroma. And on top a thin crisp is formed.
Important! Mustard never spoils and does not grow moldy. But it can dry, darken and lose flavor.
In culinary recipes from Belgium and the Netherlands, mustard soup made from cream, garlic, finely chopped salted lard and parsley is popular. Of course, the main ingredient of this dish is mustard. 
In Asian cuisine, no meat or vegetable dish is without the grain of this crop. Black varieties of plants are used for salads, pre-frying seeds in a hot pan. And white varieties stuffed with bacon and raw fish. 
In order to avoid the action of harmful chemical preservatives, many housewives prefer to prepare their own mustard paste. Moreover, at home it is not difficult. For the classic version, you will need 7 teaspoons of mustard powder (it can be purchased at the store or obtained from grains ground on a coffee grinder), which should be combined with 1.5 tsp. sugar and a pinch of salt.
Important! To get homemade mustard a rich, bright yellow color, it is recommended to add turmeric or a colorant.
The mixture is poured into a liter jar and thoroughly shaken. Then in small portions add warm water (40 ° C) to the container. After that, the resulting mass tightly covered with a lid and let it brew for about 5 hours. Then stir in the resulting consistency of a teaspoon of any vegetable oil. 
Mustard can come to the aid of the gardener: with the help of this seasoning and vinegar they fight the Colorado potato beetle.
In medicine
For medicinal purposes, the seeds of white and black mustard are most often used. They make powder for mustard plaster, as well as mustard patches. Such tools are practiced in official medicine for colds, cough, bronchitis, neuralgia, and radiculitis.
Folk healers advise to eat several mustard seeds on an empty stomach every day. They will improve the work of the digestive tract, relieve constipation. In addition, many herbalists regard the seasoning as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. First of all, it is recommended for patients with asthma and arthritis.
In medicine, there is a perception that mustard promotes the resorption of tumors. It is enough to pound the seeds and dilute them with warm water and honey. It is recommended to take such a drink three times a day, and mustard compresses should be applied in parallel to the sore spot.
Some herbalists say that the daily intake of powdered mustard diluted with water, drunk on an empty stomach, contributes to the development of intelligence, as well as the elimination of toxins from the body. That is why, in case of poisoning with pesticides, it is advised to take "little sharp". 
Pediatricians are advised to use special compresses in addition to mustard plaster for colds. They are prepared from 1 teaspoon of mustard powder and a glass of warm water. Apply no more than 10 minutes.
Did you know? It was a fact in history that once before a duel, King Darius sent a bag of sesame seeds to Alexander the Great, which symbolized the multiplicity of his army. Alexander reacted to this gesture instantly - he sent a bag of mustard seeds to the opponent as a gift, which meant the strength and power of his troops.
Some doctors advise to systematically take to improve the overall body, improve immunity and appetite. mustard oil. Existing vitamins can be stored for more than six months. But experts advise not to abuse this therapy, because mustard oil has both beneficial properties and contraindications. 
In cosmetology
Due to the interrelation of useful components, culture is valued by cosmetologists all over the world. The fact is that the substance promotes skin rejuvenation, cell regeneration, improves blood circulation. No wonder that the ancient Indian beauties considered the mustard drink "the elixir of youth."
Modern cosmetologists use mustard powder and oil to make wound healing, antifungal agents. In addition, the product has an effective effect on hair growth, improves their condition, nourishing nutrients.
Important! To prepare the mustard hair mask, the powder must be diluted with warm water. In no case can not use boiling water, because the hot temperatures contribute to the formation of toxic oils.
Important in the preparation of cosmetics for the care of the scalp do not overdo the amount of mustard. After all, it is, first of all, a potent medicine. Therefore, clearly follow the recipe and do not perederzhivayut substance on the body and hair. In addition, before applying it is recommended to make a test for allergies in a small area of sensitive skin. 
Recipes of traditional medicine and home cosmetology
With the help of mustard, you can prevent many diseases, as well as get rid of existing ones.
Consider the top ten most popular recipes and tips of traditional healers:
- To get rid of freckles, take equal parts of honey and mustard powder, mix them with a decoction of white lily flowers and apply to problem areas daily before bedtime.
- For colds, acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, mustard baths will be very useful. To do this, dissolve 200 g of powder in a liter of warm water and pour the liquid into a basin with water at a temperature of + 35 ... 36 ° C. Dip your feet in the cooked container and hold for about 10 minutes.
- When fever, traditional medicine advises to prepare a medicine of 2 tbsp. l Cahors, 1 tsp. ground seeds of Sarepta mustard and a pinch of salt. All components are combined, thoroughly mixed and ingested before each meal.
- If you suffer from urolithiasis, make yourself a medicine from field mustard seeds. To do this, you need 1 teaspoon of ripe raw materials and 250 ml of boiled water. When the components are connected, put the mixture on the fire and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. After that, let it brew for 2 hours, strain and drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. l
- The hiccups will go away if you take mustard powder on the tip of a knife and dilute it with a teaspoon of vinegar. The resulting mush should be put on the tongue and hold for 3 minutes. After that, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with warm water.
- For those who suffer from constipation, a recipe from a third of a teaspoon of white mustard powder and a glass of milk comes in handy. If you drink this drug before bedtime, the problem disappears.
- Ladies who crave instant rejuvenation, you can use the old mask. It is prepared from 1 tbsp. l mustard powder and warm chamomile or green tea. When you get a creamy consistency, it is desirable to add a little honey and olive oil. The finished product should be applied for 10 minutes to cleansed face, then rinse with warm water.
- For tired skin is perfect remedy of 1 tsp. mustard oil and 2 tbsp. l steamed with boiling water oatmeal. You need to combine the ingredients when they cool down. After that, everything is applied to a clean face and neck. After 15 minutes, you can rinse with warm water.
- In order to strengthen the hair, you need to warm up a little mustard oil in a water bath and rub it into the scalp. After that, cover the head with a plastic cap and a towel. After 20 minutes, rinse with ordinary shampoo.
- In order to "wake up" dormant follicles and stop hair loss, try to make a mask of 2 tbsp. l mustard powder, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp. l burdock or castor oil and 2 tsp. Sahara. Combine all the components and apply on the scalp for half an hour. Then rinse with warm water.
Important! In order for the mustard to retain its sharpness longer, store it in a refrigerator in a dark, closed bottle.
Contraindications and harm
But no matter how useful the mustard is, everything has its own measure. If you eat the spice in uncontrolled quantities, then there is a high probability of burning the gastric mucosa, provoking shortness of breath, and even fainting.
Doctors warn that the product categorically contraindicated patients with hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system, pulmonary tuberculosis and inflammatory processes in the kidneys. Also refrain from seasoning and people with open ulcers of the digestive tract.
If you plan to be treated with mustard oil or powder, be sure to consult with your doctor. Do not experiment with your health, do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment. 
Those who love spicy foods should remember that excessive consumption of mustard greatly irritates the mucous membranes and thus causes irreparable harm to the body. In addition, the product is a strong allergen, so before using it, it is important to make sure that you are not at risk.
Did you know? A great admirer of mustard is the American town of Mount Choreb, where today Mustard College and the Mustard Museum are operating, in which more than 5,000 exhibits have been collected from all over the world.
Now, knowing the health benefits of mustard, body and hair, you will be able to adjust your daily diet. Let this spice bring you only benefit and pleasure!
