Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mustard has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the form of mustard plasters or poultices applied to the back to alleviate backache and muscular pain. The traditional rationale is that mustard seeds contain compounds (such as allyl isothiocyanate) that can produce a warming sensation and increase local blood flow when applied topically. This counterirritant effect is believed to distract from deeper-seated pain and may temporarily relieve discomfort. Mustard plasters were common home remedies in Western and Eastern folk medicine throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, scientific validation for the efficacy of mustard in treating backache is limited. While some small studies and reviews acknowledge the counterirritant properties of mustard, robust clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for back pain are lacking. Adverse effects, such as skin irritation or burns, are also documented, making its safety profile questionable for modern therapeutic use. In summary, while mustard's use for backache is strongly rooted in tradition, higher-quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is minimal.

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