Mustard gets up my nose

Discovering mustardL

The plant

The crucifer family (which have cross-shaped flowers) are rich in varieties. Among these, the sisymbriums, which grow on compacted soils where phosphorus is blocked. Again, the presence of sisymbrium serves as an indicator and will signal a soil pH above 8 due to overgrazing, limestone landslides or fires.

The variety Sisymbrium irio was called "London rocket" because it invaded this city after the fire of 1666. Sisymbrium officinal is named "wall mustard" (it is found at the foot of limestone walls) but also "the singers’ herb".

Its virtues

It indeed clears the vocal cords and has been used since antiquity by theatre actors and singers fearing loss of voice.
It is also given another popular name, the "velar" because the velar consonants, K and G, are formed at the back of the throat. This notion is also found in Ayurvedic medicine where this plant is given to people unable to pronounce its name "Khakasi".

Sisymbrium contains vitamin C, flavonoids and sulphur, antioxidants representing more than 6% of the plant. A very useful mixture on the ENT sphere due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action.

The plant also plays an antiparasitic and antifungal role and in India, mustard oil is used as a massage base. Naturally, it is also found in cooking for its digestive, diuretic and preventive virtues against intestinal parasites.

Among the active principles of the plant, the presence of apigenin is noted, a flavone preventing ENT and kidney infections including cancers affecting these areas.

The word mustard comes from the Spanish mastuerzo, a deformation of the Latin Nasturtium designating cresses called mustard by the Romans.

All the tender parts of Sisymbrium Irio, including the flowers, are edible raw or cooked.

Sisymbrium, a culinary and aromatic plant, is also, notably thanks to its content of sulphur compounds, a wonderful medicinal plant useful for cleansing the body and fighting infectious conditions.