NepalAyurveds.com: Brassica nigra

यो समशीतोष्ण हावापानीमा पाइन्छ । यो २-३ फिट अग्लो, पहेँलो फुल्ने, गेडा कालो हुन्छ । यसको कलिलो साग मूत्रल, पेट शुद्धिकर, दिपन - पाचक, रगतशोधक, पौष्टिक र पित्तनाशक हुन्छ। यसको तेल कडा राग चल्ने वातव्याधिनाशक, सुन्निएको, जोर्नी दुख्ने, छालाको सुक्खापनमा अचुक लाभ पुऱ्याउँछ। यसको पिनाले चर्मरोगमा छिटो लाभ पुऱ्याउँछ ।

परिचय

कालो तोरी (Brassica nigra) एउटा महत्त्वपूर्ण मसला र औषधीय गुण भएको बोट हो। यो क्रुसिफेराई परिवारमा पर्छ र यसको बीजबाट प्रसिद्ध रायो (मस्टर्ड) तेल बनाइन्छ। नेपालमा

यसलाई परम्परागत रूपमा विभिन्न रोगको उपचार र खाद्यान्नको रूपमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ। यसको स्वाद तीखो र कडा हुन्छ, त्यसैले यसलाई धेरैजसो मसलाको रूपमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ।

उपलब्धता

कालो तोरी नेपालको तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ। यो समशीतोष्ण जलवायु (temperate climate) मा राम्रोसँग फस्टाउँछ। नेपाल बाहेक यो भारत, बंगलादेश, पाकिस्तान, चीन, युरोप र अमेरिकामा पनि पाइन्छ। विश्वभर यसको खेती गरिन्छ र यसको तेल र मसलाको रूपमा निर्यात पनि हुन्छ।

शारीरिक विशेषताहरू

कालो तोरीको बोट २-३ फिट अग्लो हुन्छ।
यसमा पहेँला फूल फुल्छन्।
यसको फल (गेडा) सानो र कालो रंगको हुन्छ।
यसको बीज सानो, गोलो, कालो र तीखो स्वाद भएको हुन्छ।
यसको पात हरियो, मसिना डाँठ भएको हुन्छ।

औषधीय गुणहरू

कालो तोरीमा निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:

मूत्रल (Diuretic): यसले मूत्रवर्धन गरेर शरीरबाट विषाक्त पदार्थ निकाल्न मद्दत गर्छ।
पेट शुद्धिकर (Stomach Purifier): पेटको गडबडी, कब्जियत र अपचमा लाभदायक।
दीपन-पाचक (Digestive Stimulant): यसले पाचन शक्ति बढाउँछ।
रगत शोधक (Blood Purifier): यसले रगतलाई सफा गरेर छालाको रोगबाट जोगाउँछ।
पौष्टिक (Nutritious): यसमा प्रोटीन, क्याल्सियम, फस्फोरस र अन्य खनिज पदार्थहरू पाइन्छन्।
पित्तनाशक (Bile Reducer): यसले पित्त बढ्ने समस्यामा राहत दिन्छ।

लाभहरू

यसको तेलले जोर्नी दुख्ने, सुन्निने र वातव्याधि (joint pain, arthritis) मा आराम दिन्छ।
यसको पिनाले छालाको सुक्खापन, खटिरा, दाद र अन्य चर्मरोगहरू निको पार्छ।
यसले पाचनतन्त्रलाई मजबूत बनाउँछ।
यसले शरीरको प्रतिरोधात्मक शक्ति बढाउँछ।

प्रयोग विधि

कालो तोरीको साग: यसको कलिलो पातलाई साग बनाएर खाने गरिन्छ।
तेल: यसको बीजबाट तेल निकालिएर मालिस गर्न वा खाने तेलको रूपमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ।
पिने पदार्थ: यसको बीजलाई पिनेर लेप बनाएर छालामा लगाइन्छ।
मसला: यसको बीजलाई मसलाको रूपमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ।

उत्पादन र संरक्षण

कालो तोरीको बीज वर्षायाममा रोपिन्छ।
यसको फल पाकेपछि बीज सङ्कलन गरिन्छ।
बीजलाई सुकाएर एयरटाइट कन्टेनरमा राख्नुपर्छ ताकि यसको गुण कायम रहोस्।
यसको पात ताजै प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ वा सुकाएर पनि राख्न सकिन्छ।

निष्कर्ष

कालो तोरी नेपालमा पाइने एक महत्त्वपूर्ण औषधीय र खाद्य बोट हो। यसले शरीरका विभिन्न रोगहरूको उपचार गर्न मद्दत गर्छ। यसको तेल, पात र बीज सबै उपयोगी छन्। यसको उचित प्रयोगले स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै फाइदा पुर्याउँछ। त्यसैले यसलाई नियमित आहारमा समावेश गर्नु उपयुक्त हुन्छ।

Black mustard, known as "Kaalo Tori" in Nepali and scientifically as Brassica nigra, is an annual plant celebrated for its culinary and medicinal applications. Originating from the Mediterranean region, it has spread across Europe, Asia, and North America, adapting well to various climates

In Nepal, black mustard thrives in temperate zones, commonly found along roadsides, fields, and riverbanks. Its cultivation is widespread, particularly in the Terai and hilly regions. Globally, countries like India, China, France, Spain, and the United States also cultivate this versatile plant.

Physically, black mustard grows between 2 to 4 feet tall. It features bright yellow, cross-shaped flowers that bloom from June to August, attracting pollinators. The leaves are green, with lower ones being lobed and upper ones more lance-shaped. Its seed pods are slender, containing small, round, dark brown to black seeds.

Medicinally, black mustard seeds are known for their warming effect, improving circulation and alleviating inflammation-related pain. Externally, mustard poultices have been used to treat bronchitis, rheumatic and joint pains, and influenza. Internally, in small doses, black mustard can stimulate appetite and aid digestion. However, caution is advised, as excessive use can lead to skin irritation or digestive issues.

The advantages of black mustard are numerous. Its seeds are rich in phytonutrients that may help with hormonal balance and contain selenium, supporting reproductive health. Mustard oil, extracted from the seeds, is used to stimulate hair growth and moisturize the skin. Additionally, the plant's antioxidant properties can help combat free radicals, potentially slowing the aging process

In terms of uses, black mustard seeds are a staple in various cuisines. They can be ground into mustard powder, used whole in pickling, or added to curries and soups for flavor. The young leaves are edible and can be added to salads or cooked like spinach. Medicinally, mustard plasters made from ground seeds have been used historically to treat chest congestion and muscle pain. The plant’s oils are also used to massage sore muscles and reduce inflammation.

To use black mustard medicinally, a poultice can be prepared by mixing 50g of fresh black mustard powder with 200g of flax powder. Add enough lukewarm water to make a thick paste, then wrap it in a cloth. Place the poultice on the affected area for about 10 minutes. For internal use, an infusion can be made by putting 1 teaspoon of flower heads into a cup of boiling water, leaving it to infuse for 5 minutes, then straining. It's recommended to take 3 cups a day.

Harvesting black mustard involves collecting the seeds when the seed pods mature and begin to dry, typically from June to October. The pods should be cut and allowed to dry further in a well-ventilated area. Once completely dry, the seeds can be extracted by threshing and then stored in airtight containers away from light and moisture to maintain their potency.

In conclusion, black mustard (Brassica nigra) is a multifaceted plant with a rich history in culinary and medicinal traditions. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in various regions, including Nepal. While it offers numerous benefits, it's essential to use it responsibly, considering potential side effects and its invasive nature in certain ecosystems.

Reference

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