I’m sure you’ve all come across these small whitish seeds as a topping embedded in your burger bun or in an Indian sweet or added it to your Western tahini. This oil has also been used for culinary purposes. These seeds are called sesame seeds or also known as til seeds, from which sesame oil is made. Sesame oil is also often known as gingelly oil.
Here are the benefits of sesame seed oil:
1. For general health and immunity:
As sesame seed oil is rich in antioxidants and contains vitamin E and compounds (like lignans, sesamol and sesaminol known as phytonutrients or plant compounds) which can help fight free radicals (unstable molecules which can build up in cells and cause damage to the other molecules such as DNA, lipids, proteins etc) in the body, which can thereby help in reducing the body’s risk of developing chronic diseases.
2. Good for skin health:
Sesame seed oil is rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial to the skin and can help act as a skin hydrator and skin moisturizer. It can help promote regeneration of healthy skin. it can even be used for its anti-aging properties and can act as a natural sun blocking agent. This oil has the property of being able to seep in and penetrate deep into the skin.
3. Beneficial for joint pain and pain due to arthritis:
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and it can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. Sesame seed oil is rich in zinc and copper content and can help the body produce red blood cells (as their lifespan can be reduced due to rheumatoid arthritis) and improve the body’s blood circulation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve the pain and swelling in the joints and strengthen the bones.
4. Can reduce the risk of heart disease:
Sesame seed oil can help lower the risk of developing heart diseases and can help reduce LDL (low-density lipoproteins) or bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood), which are important in the protection of the heart.
Uses of sesame seed oil:
1. For arthritic and other pain relief:
Heat up a little sesame seed oil and then you can directly apply the oil onto the area of pain and massage it in gently in circular motions. The oil will penetrate into the skin, help detoxify the deep layers of the skin and promote circulation, thereby reliving the stiffness in the joints and muscles and providing relation and pain relief. Continue this practice over till you get relief and follow this practice two times a day.
2. For hair growth:
Heat up a little sesame seed oil in a bowl. Partition your hair and apply this oil into your scalp. Then apply some oil on your palms, rub them together and gently brush your hands along your hair with downward strokes so that the oil gets onto the hair as well,. Then, gently massage for 5 to 7 minutes after application. Leave this on for half an hour and then wash off using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
3. For makeup removal and skin moisturizing:
On a cotton swab, add a few drops of sesame oil and use it as a makeup removal wipe, while it also will help moisturize the skin.
4. For the skin:
Wash your face with water and then using a cotton swab, add a few drops of sesame oil and apply it all over your face. It will keep the skin hydrated and moisturized and give it a glow.
5. Oral Health: Use sesame oil to rinse your mouth to whiten teeth, prevent cavities and detox your mouth. READ MORE – AYURVEDA OIL MOUTHWASH – healthy teeth and gums