Bái Jiè Zǐ (白芥子) — White Mustard Seed

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bái Jiè Zǐ (白芥子) is the ripe dried seed of Sinapis alba, known in English as white mustard seed. It belongs to the category of Warm herbs that transform cold-phlegm in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the principal herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for thin watery cold-phlegm in the Lungs and channels, and for joint and limb pain from phlegm-cold lodged in the meridians.

I prescribe Bái Jiè Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Warms the Lung and transforms cold-phlegm
2. Regulates Qi and dispels phlegm from the channels
3. Disperses nodules and unblocks the collaterals

Indications

1. Chronic cough and wheezing with copious thin watery white phlegm
2. Painful obstruction of the channels with phlegm-cold features (numb, cold, achy limbs)
3. Subcutaneous nodules and lipoma-like swellings from cold-phlegm accumulation
4. Chronic chest tightness with phlegm-cold features

4. Modern research

White mustard seed contains glucosinolates (notably sinalbin), which on contact with water release the pungent isothiocyanate that gives mustard its character; the seed also contains fixed oils, proteins and mucilage. Pharmacological studies report expectorant, rubefacient (skin-warming), antimicrobial and mild anti-inflammatory effects. The seed has a long history of topical use in mustard plasters for chest congestion.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency Heat or pre-existing Lung Heat, where the warm acrid nature is contraindicated. The seed can be locally irritating: topical preparations should be used for short periods only and discontinued if the skin becomes excessively red or sore. Avoid in pregnancy.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bái Jiè Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for cold-pattern productive cough, chronic wheezing with thin white phlegm, and selected presentations of joint pain with cold-damp-phlegm features. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.