Sesame Seed Oil Benefits
Date Posted:20 August 2011
The amazing healing properties of sesame oil have been relied upon since Vedic times to treat a wide range of health issues. Known as "til" oil in Sanskrit, this oil was the subject of a treatise by the ancient Ayurvedic student Charaka. Writing at length about all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine, Charaka claimed that linoleum acid-rich sesame oil is the very best of all oils.
The daily Ayurvedic self-massage, known as abhyanga, recommends the use of sesame seed oil, due to its high antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The oil is extremely nourishing, and regular use prevents the skin from drying out. This makes it particularly beneficial for pacifying Vata; if a person has a Vata imbalance, they may suffer from excessively dry skin. If the scalp is dry and the hair lacking shine and lustre, massaging this oil into it once per week can provide excellent nourishment and give your hair all the sesame seed oil benefits.
The product can be used in three ways:
- Apply a small amount inside the nostrils and sniff the oil to lubricate your nose and protect your sinuses. By clearing mucous out, the ventilation systems of the brain are greatly improved. It is an incredibly simple method: dab a little amount of the oil on your fingertip and rub it inside each nostril. To finish, pinch your nostrils together, then release them quickly, while inhaling.
- Gargle with the oil for around two minutes, and then spit it out. Wash your mouth out with warm water. This process will clear out a build-up of mucous, and is also believed to help prevent gum disease and the build-up of tartar.
- The third method is the most effective. Massage a generous amount of oil over your entire body. Take your time to allow the oil to release all impurities from the skin. Follow the massage with a warm bath or shower.
Our 250 ml Ayurvedic sesame oil is 100% organic, cold-pressed and comes with the NZ AsureQuality certification. "Curing" the oil heightens its penetrating qualities allowing it to be absorbed more deeply into the tissue. To cure sesame oil heat it to 100 degrees Celsius in a pan. Do not leave it unattended. Use a cooking thermometer to watch the temperature. At 100 degrees Celsius remove it and let it cool. Once cool re-bottle it, preferably in glass. It is now ready for massaging.
- The Power of Ayurvedic Massage Oil (getbalance.co.nz)