Pilot Study on Mustard Footbaths Especially Considering Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity

Author(s): Brix, J., Steuernagel, B., Konitzer, M., Schneider, B., Fischer, G.

Abstract: Introduction: Mustard, especially Sinapis nigra, has been known as medicinal plant since former times and was considered as 'sucking out' and 'brain purifyng'. Later Hufeland used mustard seeds chiefly for external applications in form of baths, plasters, and compresses H. Krauss described the use of Sinapis nigra for asthmatical troubles and different forms of cephalgia. Objective: 'Me pilot study presented here starts from the hypothesis that footbaths with Sinapis nigra cause changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). Methods: We measured CBFV in the Arteria cerebri media by means of transcranial Doppler sonography, furthermore arterial blood pressure (ABP), carbon dioxide expiratory concentration (CO2ex), respiratory frequency, arterial oxygen saturation (Sa02), digital pulse, and body temperature. The verum group and the comparative group consisted of 5 healthy probands each (3 male, 2 female, mean age 27.5 years). Results: The application of footbaths with black mustard showed a significant reduction of CBFV (5.5-8%) in comparison to pure-water foot baths. Till now this change of CBFV cannot be explained, as neither ABP nor CO2ex changed. Conclusion: There initial examinations can give an indication of the mode of action of footbaths with Sinapis nigra, in accordance with the experience of physicians and patients using this form of application for chronical cephalgias. Further studies with a larger number of patients and probands will give more information on the observed physiological changes.

Keyword(s): Senfmehlfussbäder

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