Sesame oil comes from the seeds of the sesame plant, which is native to the Middle East. These seeds can be used whole in baking breads and deserts or pressed to release their high oil content. This oil is valued for its healthy fats, antioxidants and resistance to spoiling. These properties make it a common ingredient in many home remedies and natural health care treatments.
Constipation
Sesame oil is a mild laxative that is sometimes used as a natural treatment for constipation. One homemade formula instructs you to mix 1 to 2 tbsp. of sesame oil with 1/4 tsp. ginger and a touch of tamari sauce. When taken on an empty stomach, it loosens the bowels. Other remedies include taking a teaspoon of pure oil before bed each night or habitually cooking with sesame oil. While the gastrointestinal effects of sesame oil have not been thoroughly investigated by the scientific community, no harmful effects have been noted.
Dandruff
Some people use sesame oil to treat an itching, flaking scalp. Massage the oil into your scalp and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. You might also wrap your hair in a towel and let it stay on your head overnight for better results. This kind of remedy is only intended to help cure dandruff that is caused by a skin disorder. Other types of dandruff can be caused by dehydration and lack of proper hygiene, which are better cured by drinking more water and washing your hair more often.
Skin Care
Sesame oil contains vitamin E and antioxidants, which might inhibit skin damage caused by free radicals. Because of these properties, some home remedies call for you to rub it on your skin as a moisturizer, anti-aging cream and as a treatment for skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis. Because it can dissolve impurities and toxins on the skin that will not dissolve in water, it is also used as a face rub for acne. Some people use it as a natural mild sunblock.
Nutrition Facts
Sesame oil is high in copper, which is essential for hormone production and oxygen transport. It is also high in manganese, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B1, or thiamin. Although it is also high in calories from fat, it is a polyunsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol when taken in moderation.
References
- GoodHealthinfo.net; Macrobiotic Dietary Recommendations; Home Remedies
- MoneyWatch.com; Sesame Oil; Greg Annussek; April 2001
- Natural Constipation Cure: Home Remedy for Constipation
- Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute: Sesame
- Home Remedies: How Can Sesame Oil Treat Dandruff?
- Natural-HomeRemedies.org: Sesame Oil -- A True Benefit for Skin
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