SESAME OIL (SESAMUM INDICUM) - BASE OILS

Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed oil is a pale yellow oil made from Sesame seeds. It is one of the oldest oil crops and is widely cultivated in Asia and Africa.

It was a highly prized oil crop of Babylon and Assyria at least 4000 years ago.The Sanskrit word for oil,"Taila" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "Sesame Tila".

Sesame is growing intropical, subtropical, and southern temperate areas of the world, particularly in India, China, Africa and South Africa. In India about 80% seeds of total production being use for oil extraction.

The plant is erect, simple or branched annual, 60 - 180 cm. in height. The petals of the flower is tubular, approximately 3 cm long, with an applicate margin slightly bilabiate. The fruit is a capsule, erect and oblong. The capsule contains numerous small ovate seeds.

Sesamum Indicum oil-rich seeds, which come in a variety of colors, from cream-white to charcoal-black. Seeds grow in pods, which burst open at maturity, giving rise to the phrase "Open sesame"

Sesame seed is one of the oldest oilseed crops known, domesticated well over 3000 years ago. Charred remains of sesame at Harappa excavations (3600 - 1750 B.C.) indicate that Sesame was in cultivation during the Indus Valley Civilization. Sesame Seeds were introduced to the US by African slaves.

Today, India and China are the world's largest producers of sesame, followed by Burma, Sudan, Mexico, Nigeria, Venezuela, Turkey, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Chemical structure:

Sesame Seed has higher oil content( around 50%) than most of the known oil seeds. The seed has 40 - 60% of oil with almost equal levels of oleic (range 33 - 50%, typically 41%) and linoleic acids (range 33 - 50%, typically 43%) and some palmitic acid (range 7 - 12%, typically 9%) and stearic acid (range 3 - 6%, typically 6%).

Sesame seed oil, like Sunflower Seed oil, is rich in omega - 6 fatty acids, but lacks omega- 3 fatty acids. Sesame seed is also rich in protein, at 25%  by weight.

Sesame oil is one of the most stable vegetable oils, with long shelf life, because of the high level of natural antioxidants(sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol).

Other beneficial nutrients in Sesame oil include phosphorus, copper, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

Sesame oil was cultivated at Harappa in the Indus Valley between 2250 and 1750 BC. It was mentioned in the "Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica", the seminal Chinese medicinal text written over 2,000 years ago.

Sesame Seeds and oil are used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for hair loss, and as a liver tonic. Ginger root and sesame are invigorating to the scalp and can stimulate hair growth.

The oil is used widely in the some injectable drug formulations. The lignans such as Sesamin, episesamin, sesaminol and sesamolin are major constituents of Sesame oil and all have chemically methylenedioxyphenyl group. Sesamin and sesamolin known to have a cholesterol lowering effect in humans and to prevent high blood pressure.

In addition to its use as an antioxidant, Sesame oil contains a large amount of linoleate in triglyceride form that selectively inhibit malignant melanoma growth. Studies have also shown a beneficial effect for the liver.

The oil is good for children as the oil protects babies from rashes on their skin. Sesame is used in the treatment of anemia, blurred vision and relaxation of the bowel. It is extremely effective in killing bacteria causing gingivitis.

Sesame oil research :

In vitro it stopped the growth of malignant melanoma cells.
In vitro it stopped the growth of human colon cancer cells.
It contains oleic acid, an effective reducer of serum cholesterol.
Ayurveda physicians use it to cure sinusitis and other conditions.

Sesame oil, otherwise also referred to as Gingelly oil, is one of the major sources of edible oil in India and is culturally associated from the Vedic period. The benefits of Sesame oil are highly touted in various Ayurvedic regimens, the most popular being for massage. Its greatest benefit is in balancing Vata.

The heating nature of Sesame can also be good for Kapha, though you must be careful in cases of excess Kapha as it is also heavy and building. Sesame oil has been used to support numerous healthy systems in the body, including the nervous system, bones and muscles, skin and hair, the digestive tract including the colon, and the male and female reproductive system.

Nourishing, calming and warming, Sesame oil is a fundamental part of the nurturing Ayurvedic massage tradition of India. Self-massage with Sesame oil is highly recommended for these benefits:

Bolsters your ability to handle stress;
Promotes physical strength;
Nourishes muscles & bones;
Supports comfortable joint movement;
Promotes sound sleep patterns;
Supports the intellect & nervous system;
Nourishes skin and hair.

In addition to massage, traditional Ayurvedic uses of sesame oil include the following:

Swish in the mouth to support strong teeth and gums. It has also been shown in a study to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.

Used to lubricate and support the bowel and soften the stool.

As a vaginal douche to help maintain healthy vaginal balance.

Warm oil in the ear helps support ear health.

A remarkable quality of Ayurveda Sesame seed oil is that it can clear the mouth and throat of cold and flu causing pathogens, simply by using a tablespoon of the oil as a mouth rinse.

Sesame oil also is quick and effective relief for nasal membranes dried from winter winds and indoor heating.

Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from Sesame seeds. Besides being used as a cooking oil in South India, it is often used as a flavor enhancer in Chinese, Japanese,Middle Eastern, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisine.