Sesame Seeds - Research:
One study showed nasal mucosa dryness, stuffiness, crusts, and other symptoms improved with a sesame oil nasal spray over standard treatment with an isotonic sodium chloride solution.12 Another study showed that, in conjunction with high blood pressure medication, sesame oil lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, and increased antioxidant levels when used as the primary cooking oil.13
Sesame oil is currently used as a solvent3 by pharmaceutical companies in injected drug or intravenous-drip solutions.1,7
Due to its natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, sesame seed oil has been used as a healing oil for thousands of years.7 Internal uses for the oil include as a mild laxative for dry constipation, especially in the elderly, and to promote menstruation.1,6
Sesame oil can be used as massage oil and for soothing and healing burns and minor skin eruptions.4 The Egyptians applied sesame oil after bathing for hygienic and medicinal purposes.11
References:
1 Bown D. The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd.; 2001.
3 Bruneton J, ed. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Paris: Lavoisier; 1999.
4 Onstad D. Whole Foods Companion: A Guide for Adventurous Cooks, Curious Shoppers & Lovers of Natural Foods. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company; 1996.
6 Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. 1. New York: Dover Books; 1971.
7 Burden D. Agricultural Marketing Research Center: Sesame Profile. Available at: http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/commodity/grainsoilseeds/sesame/sesameprofile.htm. Accessed September 09, 2005.
11 Alakbarov F. Aromatic Herbal Baths of the Ancients. HerbalGram. 2003;57:40-49.
12 Johnsen J, Bratt BM, Michel-Barron O, Glennow C, Petruson B. Pure Sesame Oil vs Isotonic Sodium Chloride Solution as Treatment for Dry Nasal Mucosa. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1353-1356.
13 Sankar D, Sambandam G, Ramakrishna Rao M, Pugalendi KV. Modulation of blood pressure, lipid profiles and redox status in hypertensive patients taking different edible oils. Clin Chim Acta. 2005;355:97-104.
