White and Yellow mustard grows just about everywhere in the United States.  Mustard has been recorded as long ago as ancient Egypt. It is now white spread across the world but how it was carried from the Mediterranean was not recorded. All varieties of mustard are in the Brassica family. There are 4 varieties white, yellow, black, and brown.They all have medicinal properties White and yellow are the most common and they are the easiest to grow. Besides the condiment they were typically grown for fodder. 

The leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible and the young leaves can be used in salads, as the leaves get older they are good a green vegetable or a potherb. The seeds obviously can be used whole or crushed to add spice to food.

Mustard seeds are a good source of vitamins c and k, thiamin, riboflavin,B6, and folic acid. They are high in fiber and are full of bioactive compounds like antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fats.

Tests done by the NIH to see if it would be useful for removing toxins from the soil to help repair pollutants, they found that mustard is antibacterial, antifungal,helps with gas, is a diuretic, is good for causing vomiting,expectorant and a stimulant.

They also concluded that if your soil is poor in Cadmium and Nickel that it will stabilize it in its root system and that it stabilizes lead in the soil.

The seeds of white or yellow mustard can be used as a poultice for Pneumonia, Bronchitis, and Respiratory Diseases. Pound the seeds into powder and you may want to add water to make a paste. Apply to the chest and/or back, leave in place until the skin turns red. If left too long the skin may blister as the seed is an irritant. Repeat as needed.

It has the ability to cause vomiting like syrup of ipecac, it can be used to bring up poisons and other things that have been ingested.

Mustard has large stores of sulfur and is good for treating infections.It not only helps treat current infections but will help prevent infections. Sulfur is key to building amino acids that build proteins, these proteins are part of an antioxidant group. One of the amino acids is responsible for rebuilding DNA, and growth and repair of normal tissue, the other amino acid is used in building hair, skin and nails. It is important for making collagen and adds elasticity and texture to your skin.

Arthritis responds well to mustard seed applied to the joints directly bringing the blood to the surface and helps warm the area and relieve pain. Once the skin is red the poultice should be removed by washing it off. To treat the painful joint mix ground mustard seeds with vinegar to make a paste and apply to the area.

You can also add 1 tablespoon of ground mustard seed to your bath water for arthritic pain.

At the first signs of a sore throat, if you take mustard leaves and make a tea it will increase the blood to the throat and the sulfur will help heal any infections. Gargle the tea several times daily at the first signs of a problem.

I had never known the name of this condition until I did this research. It is called Chilblains or Chill Burns. This is a condition caused by poor circulation or when your toes and fingers get wet and cold. They will swell slightly and turn red. This condition lends itself to being warmed by Mustard seed powder. Mix one part ground mustard seed,and four parts ground flax seeds together to make a paste. Use this as a mixture to warm your hands.