The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s3.t1.63

c5.s3.t1.63

Two varieties of mustard are mentioned by Sanskrit writers, namely, *siddhártha* or white mustard, (*Sinapis glauca* of Roxburgh, *Brassica campestris*, L.) and *rájiká* or dark brown variety, (*Sinapis ramosa* of Roxburgh, *Brassica juncea*, Hooker, *fil*, et Thomson). The latter is more pungent and preferred for external application as a rubefacient. Mustard oil is largely used by the natives for culinary purposes as well as for anointing the body before bathing. Mustard oil anointment is said to keep the body cool, and the skin soft, to promote the growth of hair and to remove prurigo, lice and scurf. The leaves of the mustard plant are used as a pot-herb, and considered pungent and stomachic.