It can stimulate heat in the body, so the theory is that by hoping to induce a low-grade fever, we can stimulate immune response and lymphatic movement,” Force says.įorce describes using mustard compresses with patients to help relieve chest congestion. “This is a traditional form of what I would consider hydrotherapy that helps with circulation and can basically induce a fever. He also notes that easing cold symptoms like congestion is one of mustard’s “classic uses” and that mustard baths “may increase comfort levels” for cold and flu. These isothiocyanates help the body’s natural detoxification processes, reduce inflammation, and can offer protection against the development and growth of cancer cells.” When asked about the health benefits of mustard, D’Adamo says, “Mustard seed contains both glucosinolates and myrosinase enzyme that together produce isothiocyanates. While there are risks, mustard baths do have some benefits, too. I usually recommend a small trial patch about the size of a quarter on their skin,” Force says.Īsplin feels similarly, noting that if left on the skin for too long, mustard can cause irritation and burns.Īnd if you have sensitive skin in general, it’s best to avoid it. “Mustard can be very caustic to the skin and can burn some people. Individualized assessment of the patient’s own constitution and how their illness is presenting is critical in the decision making,” Force says.įorce points out that it’s imperative to test the effect of mustard on a patient’s skin first by diluting a small amount in water and doing a patch test. The treatment “would have to be very specific for the patient, which makes it a little bit tricky. If the skin starts to flush uncomfortably, that would be a sign that too much was used, and that could be dangerous.” “Caution must be taken not to burn the skin at high concentrations. “Mustard seed baths are not inherently dangerous at reasonable concentrations, but they certainly can be dangerous,” D’Adamo says. It’s clear that mustard is pungent in more than just taste.Ĭhristopher D’Adamo, PhD, director of research and associate director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Maryland, says that mustard should be used with caution. It can also cause severe chemical burn on the skin and lungs.Ī 2013 report describes a woman who developed contact dermatitis, involving redness and irritation, after applying a Chinese medicine patch containing mustard seed directly to her skin. This volatile organic compound is what makes mustard spicy. The sinigrin breaks down in water to form allyl isothiocyanate. Sinigrin is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as have antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. It’s also found in Brussels sprouts and broccoli, and is what gives mustard its spicy taste. The compound responsible for mustard’s therapeutic quality is called sinigrin. There are real risks associated with mustard baths as well. Talk to your doctor before beginning any course of treatment to ensure that it’s right for you. If your case is mild, there are specific recommendations for at-home treatment. If you think you have COVID-19, there are important things to know, like potential treatments, symptoms to look for, and when to seek care. Regarding COVID-19, Asplin says, “Supporting one’s immune system so it can ‘fight the good fight’ is the best advice I could give any of my patients.” Kelsey Asplin, a naturopathic doctor in Denver, Colorado, and a professor in the integrative health care program at Metropolitan State University of Denver, agrees. When asked whether she thinks that mustard could help with symptoms of COVID-19, Force was very clear: “With COVID, we don’t have any evidence, unfortunately, to support that it is going to be directly helpful.” On the other hand, naturopathic physician Molly Force of Prosper Natural Health was familiar with mustard as a cold and flu treatment. Several medical doctors who were interviewed by Healthline had never even heard of mustard baths. There’s no evidence that mustard can treat COVID-19.
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