Did you know that mustard seeds (Brassica juncea) are both nutritious and useful when SHTF? This herb can boost the flavor of savory dishes, and it is also packed with various health benefits. (h/t to MyFamilySurvivalPlan.com)
Here are four survival uses for mustard:
- Burn relief – Mustard, the condiment made from mustard seeds, can help ease the pain caused by burns. First, run some cool water on the burned area. This will help relieve the initial stinging sensations and clean the burned area. After 20 to 30 seconds, turn off the water then get a jar of mustard. Any type of mustard will do. Spread some mustard all over the burned area and wait for several seconds for the pain to go away. However, this "mustard salve" is only a temporary pain relief solution. Consult a healthcare professional to avoid complications.
- Emergency dishwashing soap – If you run out of dishwashing soap or liquid when SHTF, use mustard as a makeshift cleaning solution. Combine two parts mustard powder (or mustard paste) with one part baking soda, then mix well. Apply the mustard "soap" to dishes that have been previously washed with water, then let them sit for five to seven minutes. Rinse the dishes once the time is up.
- Natural weed remover – If you want to avoid using herbicides that may contain harmful chemicals, consider using mustard seeds as a natural weed remover. Scatter mustard seeds all around your garden. As the mustard seeds come in direct contact with the soil, they’ll discharge certain nutrients that make the soil harmful for certain weeds. Just take note that mustard may also have a negative side effect on desirable plants as well.
- Smell remover – Mustard has powerful active enzymes that can help eliminate nasty odors like food or sweat. To make some mustard smell remover, combine three gallons of hot water and one to two cups of dried mustard. Mix it well and store the mustard solution in a spray bottle. You can spray it on car tires, the rims, the underbody, the trunk, and car mats. Once the bad smell is gone, spray the areas again with some water then wipe them clean with a piece of dry cloth. (Related: Marvelous mustard: Condiment, medicine and household cleaner.)
The health benefits of mustard
Mustard is full of antioxidants, nutrients, and selenium. The herb can also help prevent inflammation and relax the muscles.
Mustard seeds also contain flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants like carotenes, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Additionally, mustard seeds contain trace amounts of vitamin antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and K.
One teaspoon of yellow mustard seeds contain:
- Calcium (18 mg)
- Magnesium (10 mg)
- Omega-3 fatty acids; the "good" type of fat (85 mg)
- Potassium (25 mg)
- Phosphorus (29 mg)
In ancient times, ground mustard seeds were combined with wine to make a condiment that was commonly used in Roman cuisine. However, the medicinal benefits of mustard seeds were only recognized in medieval times.
French monks used a mustard-based paste to cure various ailments, including:
- As a digestive stimulant
- Back pain and muscular relief
- For clearing up the sinuses
- For improving blood circulation
- Toothaches
Make sure you store some mustard paste, powder, and seeds in your food supplies so you always have access to a nutritious and versatile ingredient, even after SHTF.
You can read more articles about mustard and other versatile foods with survival applications at Preparedness.news.
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