Sesame Oil

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Other names for Sesame Oil

organic senna

Synopsis of Sesame Oil

History

Sesame oil, derived from the seeds of Sesamum indicum, has a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese systems. For thousands of years, this golden oil has been esteemed not only as a nutritious culinary ingredient but also for its broad therapeutic applications. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is known as "the queen of oils" and is frequently used in Abhyanga (therapeutic massage) to nourish the skin, ease joint pain, and promote relaxation. Its warming and lubricating properties have made it a remedy for soothing dry skin, treating minor wounds, and alleviating symptoms of arthritis.

In traditional Chinese medicine, sesame oil is valued for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, lubricate the intestines, and promote healthy hair and skin. It has been used as a mild laxative, to help manage hypertension, and to support cardiovascular health due to its rich profile of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin.

Sesame oil often features in herbal combinations, acting as an effective carrier oil for other medicinal herbs. Its ability to penetrate deeply into tissues enhances the delivery of herbal constituents, making it an ideal base for balms, salves, and infused oils. Blended with herbs such as turmeric, ashwagandha, or ginger, sesame oil amplifies their anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects. The positive contributions of sesame oil to traditional remedies are extensive, offering nourishing, protective, and healing qualities that continue to be valued in modern natural health practices.

Traditional and scientific validation

Sesame oil, derived from the seeds of Sesamum indicum, boasts a rich history as both a culinary and medicinal ingredient. Ancient civilizations, including those in India, China, and Egypt, valued sesame oil for its purported health benefits and nourishing properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has long been used for its warming, restorative, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Modern scientific research has begun to explore the potential health benefits of sesame oil. Several clinical studies have investigated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to its unique combination of lignans (such as sesamin and sesamol) and vitamin E. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology (2010) found that dietary sesame oil may help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles in hypertensive patients. Other studies suggest that sesame oil may contribute to cardiovascular health, skin barrier improvement, and glycemic control.

Despite these promising findings, more large-scale and long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm the extent of sesame oil’s health effects and its mechanisms of action. Nonetheless, sesame oil remains a valued ingredient in nutritional products due to its favorable fatty acid profile and bioactive compounds, offering both culinary versatility and potential health support. Its longstanding traditional use, combined with emerging scientific evidence, supports its continued inclusion in health and nutrition formulations.

Sesame Oil is used for these health conditions

Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Hair Care (general) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Neuralgia and Neuritis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Scars / Scar Tissue (Traditional)
Skin (dry and/or flaky) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Sunburn (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

Sesame Oil is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)

Products containing Sesame Oil

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.

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