Sesame is among the most important oil seeds of mankind, and one of its oldest. The term sesame traces back to the Arabic simsim, Coptic semsem, and and early Egyptian semsent (the latter being listed in the Ebers Papyrus, a 65-feet-long scroll listing ancient herbs and spices discovered by the famous German Egyptologist, Ebers). The earliest recorded use of a spice - sesame seed - comes from an Assyrian myth which claims that the gods drank sesame wine the night before they created the earth. Sesamum indicum, (indicum meaning from India) is native to the East Indies. Usage dates back to 3000 B.C. Over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese burned sesame oil not only as a light source but also to make soot for their ink-blocks. African slaves brought sesame seeds, which they called benn? seeds, to America, where they became a popular ingredient in Southern dishes. Through the ages, the seeds have been a source of food and oil. Sesame seed oil is still the main source of fat used in cooking in the Near and Far East.

Probably the most widely-known reference is “Open sesame,” the magic words used by Ali Baba to open the treasure cave in the classic tale The Thousand and One Nights. Sesame was so well-known and common to the Arabs, it was suggested that this phrase would quickly be forgotten because it was so common. Other interpretations suggest the phrase comes from the manner in which the sesame seed pods burst open with a pop much like the sudden pop of a lock springing open.

Sesame seeds (approximately 50% oil and 25% protein) are used in baking, candy making, and other food industries. Oil from the seed is used in cooking and salad oils and margarine, and contains about 47% oleic and 39% linoleic acid. Sesame oil and foods fried in sesame oil have a long shelf life because the oil contains an antioxidant called sesamol. The oil can be used in the manufacture of soaps, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals and insecticides. Sesame meal, left after the oil is pressed from the seed, is an excellent high-protein (34 to 50%) feed for poultry and livestock.

Sesame Seed Oil is known as the Queen of Oils
Sesame Seed Oil has been used as a healing oil for thousands of years. Sesame oil is mentioned in the Vedas as excellent for humans. It is naturally antibacterial for common skin pathogens, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus as well as common skin fungi, such as athlete’s foot fungus. It is naturally antiviral. It is a natural anti inflammatory agent.

It has been used extensively in India as a healing oil, including in experiments which showed it was useful in unblocking arteries. In recent experiments in Holland by Ayurvedic physicians, the oil has been used in the treatment of several chronic disease processes, including hepatitis, diabetes and migraines.

Research shows that sesame seed oil is a potent antioxidant. In the tissues beneath the skin, this oil will neutralize oxygen radicals. It penetrates into the skin quickly and enters the blood stream through the capillaries. Molecules of sesame seed oil maintain good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Sesame seed oil is a cell growth regulator and slows down cell growth and replication.

In both the small intestine and the colon, some cells are nourished by fat instead of sugar. The presence of sesame seed oil can provide those cells with essential nourishment.

In an experiment at the Maharishi International College in Fairfield, Iowa, students rinsed their mouths with sesame oil, resulting in an 85% reduction in the bacteria which causes gingivitis.

As nose drops, sniffed back into the sinuses, sesame seed oil has cured chronic sinusitis. As a throat gargle, it kills strep and other common cold bacteria. It helps sufferers of psoriasis and dry skin ailments. It has been successfully used in the hair of children to kill lice infestations. It is a useful natural UV protector.

Used after exposure to wind or sun it will calm the burns. It nourishes and feeds the scalp to control dry scalp dandruff and to kill dandruff causing bacteria. It protects the skin from the effects of chlorine in swimming pool water. Used before and after radiation treatments, sesame seed oil helps neutralize the flood of oxygen radicals which such treatment inevitably causes.

On the skin, oil soluble toxins are attracted to sesame seed oil molecules which can then be washed away with hot water and a mild soap. Internally, the oil molecules attract oil soluble toxins and carry them into the blood stream and then out of the body as waste.

Used as a douche mixed with warm water, the oil controls vaginal yeast infections.

Sesame seed oil absorbs quickly and penetrates through the tissues to the very marrow of the bone. It enters into the blood stream through the capillaries and circulates. The liver does not sweep sesame seed oil molecules from the blood, accepting those molecules as friendly.

Sesame seed oil helps joints keep their flexibility. It keeps the skin supple and soft. It heals and protects areas of mild scrapes, cuts and abrasions. It helps tighten facial skin, particularly around the nose, controlling the usual enlargement of pores as skin ages chronologically.

Teen boys and girls have learned, wrongly, that all oil is bad for their facial skin. Heavy oils and toxic oils and creams are bad for all facial skin. But sesame seed oil is the one oil which is actually good for young skin. It helps control eruptions and neutralizes the poisons which develop both on the surface and in the pores. With sesame oil, no cosmetics are needed. The oil will cause young facial skin to have and display natural good health.

Used on baby skin, particularly in the area covered by a diaper, sesame seed oil will protect the tender skin against rash caused by the acidity of body wastes. In the nose and ears, it will protect against common skin pathogens.

For children going to school, who will be in the presence of other children with colds and sniffles, sesame seed oil swabbed in the nose can protect against air borne viruses and bacteria.

When using the oil as a massage oil, stroke the long limbs up and down. Use circular motions over all joints to stimulate the natural energy of those joints.

Sesame a Medicinal Herb For Longevity
Nobody is willing to fall sick. Growing old and aging are even more disliked by everybody. If it is possible, everyone would want to maintain his/her youth and not age. No matter at what age, to possess a young and healthy body. This can be said to the desire of every single person’s heart.

Whether if it’s the ancient people or the modern person, even the Chief Officials of the Warring States era, or the Jiang Hu era of the famous Xiong Bao Bao. They all have the same desire.

Hence, since ancient times, mankind has been continuously researching and inventing medicinal substances to build up one’s resistance to diseases. Among which is the sesame. Currently there exists a book on the art of healing called “Healing The Heart” which is the earliest such book in Japan peace times, and is a very important book. In the book, it is mentioned how important the sesame is to our body. The narration is as follows:

“Sesame is the main treatment medicine for those lacking in vital energy and easily fatigued, it can replenish the energy of the five main organs, increase strength, promote smooth skin, nourish the brain, and make the muscles strong and firm. If sesame is consumed for a long period of time, it can make the body slim and lithe, prevent senility, improve the eyesight, enable resistance to hunger, extend lifespan, and other usefulness.”

In the book “Food Inspection/Examination of the Dynasty” from the Jiang Hu era, it is recorded that:

“Sesame can nourish the five major organs, improve blood circulation, and regulate the functions of the large and small intestines.”

In both these two books, the beneficial effects of the sesame were mentioned similarly, with regards to resisting illnesses and extending longevity. In addition, the similar emphasis on “nourishing the brain” is a point that especially captures everyone’s attention. If sesame is consumed regularly, the brain would be more supple and the brain’s functions would be improved.

Also, in ancient Greece, Hipocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine.” had also said before, “Sesame is a food that can improve mankind’s energy and vitality.”

Some people say, “Mankind’s aging process starts from the blood vessels.” Hence, the blood vessels should be considered first. Once the blood vessels start to age, this will lead to the hardening of arteries and with bad blood circulation in the body, this leads to a weakening of the brain’s functions and memory power will deteriorate as well. And sesame can maintain the “softness” and “youth” of blood vessels. Sesame also contains very good vitamin E and fatty acids, which can enable good blood circulation. It also contains amino-fats which is needed by the neural impulses transmission substance that is closely related to memory power. Besides, it also contains calcium that is highly effective for calming nerves, to contain anxiety and symptoms of mental distress.

Vitamin E has been called the vitamin to reverse old age and regain youth. If it is absorbed continuously in daily food consumption, there will be less white hair, the skin will also be smooth, and of course, the brain cells will be able to function alertly. Hence, even if you are getting on with age and have become an old person, you will definitely not decline with old age, but be forever a healthy and youthful aged.

Although sesame seeds contain no cholesterol, they are still 50 percent unsaturated fat, so those watching their fat consumption should exercise moderation. Luckily, a small amount goes a long way in flavoring foods. They have a high magnesium content to help steady nerves and are used in laxatives as an emolient. One-half cup of sesame seeds contains over three times the calcium of a comparable measure of whole milk. Some studies show that sesamin, a lignan found only in sesame seeds, has remarkable antioxidant effect which can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol and the production of cholesterol in the liver. The seeds are also rich in Vitamin A, E and protein. An old folk remedy recommends thoroughly chewing and swallowing one tablespoon of sesame seeds per day to regulate the menses.

Consuming sesame
To eat sesame, it can be consumed as it is, and can also be added to dishes, desserts and mixed into the rice to eat. No matter how it is eaten, remember to chew and grind it to bits, then the nourishing elements can be easily absorbed by the human body. Sesame paste and sesame oil are the best substitutes. 

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