White Mustard Seed
White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi): A Pungent Herb for Cold-Phlegm, Cough, and Painful Obstruction
Introduction
White mustard seed, known as Bai Jie Zi (白芥子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a warm, pungent herb used to transform cold-phlegm, regulate Qi, and relieve pain. It is especially valued in conditions involving cough with copious sputum, chest congestion, and phlegm-related joint or muscle pain. Due to its strong dispersing nature, it is often used externally or in cooked herbal formulas.
What Is White Mustard Seed?
Bai Jie Zi is the dried seed of Sinapis alba, or white mustard. In TCM, it is classified as acrid and warm, and it enters the Lung meridian. It is prized for its ability to warm the Lungs, expel phlegm, and unblock channels—making it particularly useful for chronic phlegm-cold patterns with chest tightness or wheezing.
Health Benefits of White Mustard Seed
Warms the Lungs and regulates Qi
Used to treat chronic cough, wheezing, and chest pain due to cold-phlegm accumulation.
Transforms cold-phlegm and expels retained fluid
Ideal for treating stubborn phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, especially in elderly or weak patients.
Opens channels and alleviates pain
Applied externally for joint pain, muscle stiffness, or numbness due to phlegm obstruction or cold invasion.
How to Use White Mustard Seed
In decoctions or pills
Included in formulas like San Zi Yang Qin Tang for cough with phlegm and digestive sluggishness.
In poultices or topical plasters
Used externally for arthritic or rheumatic pain by stimulating local circulation and dispersing cold.
With warming or phlegm-transforming herbs
Combined with Gan Jiang, Ban Xia, or Chen Pi for stronger phlegm-dispersing and warming effects.
Where to Buy White Mustard Seed
- Available at TCM herb shops
- And online retailers such as ActiveHerb, Kamwo, or Nuherbs.
Look for:
- Pale yellow to off-white round seeds
- Whole, dry, and slightly pungent in smell
- Properly packaged to retain freshness and potency
Are There Any Side Effects?
White mustard seed is potent and should be used cautiously in cases of yin deficiency, heat signs, or dry coughs. Topical use may cause skin irritation or blistering in sensitive individuals. Internal use should be guided by a TCM practitioner to avoid overuse or misuse.
Conclusion
White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi) is a powerful warming herb that transforms cold-phlegm, unblocks Qi, and relieves pain in the chest and limbs. Best used in small, targeted doses and often combined with other herbs to balance its intense dispersing nature.
FAQ
Can White Mustard Seed be taken internally?
Yes, but only in cooked or properly prepared formulas under professional supervision due to its strong, pungent nature.
Is it the same as yellow mustard seeds used in cooking?
Not exactly. While related, Bai Jie Zi in TCM is specifically selected for its medicinal properties and used differently from culinary mustard seeds.
Can it be used for arthritis or pain?
Yes, it is often used externally in plasters or poultices for cold-type joint or muscle pain, but caution is needed to avoid skin irritation.