Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Sesame is crop that is grown for the oil in its seed. It is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America. Compared to similar crops, such as peanuts, soybean, and rapeseed, the seeds of sesame are believed to have the most oil. Sesame seeds are also rich sources of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.

People take sesame by mouth for Alzheimer's disease, anemia, arthritis, heart disease prevention, cataracts, constipation, high cholesterol, infertility in men, menopause, osteoporosis, pain, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, stroke, and weight loss.

People apply sesame oil to the skin for aging skin, hair loss, anxiety, frostbite, psoriasis, warts, wound healing, and to prevent bug bites.

People use sesame oil injections to improve the vocal cords.

In foods, sesame oil is used as cooking oil and to make dressings and sauces. Sesame seeds are added to food for flavoring.

How does it work?

Sesame seems to stimulate the immune system and increase how quickly skin wounds heal. Sesame might slow how fast sugar is absorbed from food. This might help people with diabetes. Sesame might also eliminate bacteria that cause plaque. Sesame contains calcium, which might help treat rickets. Sesame also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Cough.
Weight loss due to AIDS.
Burns.
Diabetes.
Gingivitis.
High blood pressure.
Rickets.
Blockage in the small bowel.
Alzheimer's disease.
Anemia.
Arthritis.
Heart disease prevention.
Cataracts.
Constipation.
High cholesterol.
Infertility in men.
Menopause.
Osteoporosis.
Pain.
Stomach ulcers.
Stomach cancer.
Stroke.
Weight loss.
Aging skin.
Hair loss.
Anxiety.
Frostbite.
Psoriasis.
Warts.
Wound healing.
Bug bite prevention.
Vocal cord improvement.

The appropriate dose of sesame depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for sesame (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Sesame is SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food.

Sesame is SAFE when inserted to the stomach through the nose or when used as a nasal spray, short-term. A specific nasal spray (Nozoil) containing sesame oil has been used safely for up to 20 days.

There is not enough information available to know if sesame is safe to take for medical conditions by other routes.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sesame is SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. There is not enough information available to know if sesame is safe to take in amounts used for medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Sesame is SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. Sesame is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately, short-term. A dose of 5 mL of sesame oil has been used safely before bedtime for up to 3 days.

Diabetes: Sesame might affect blood sugar levels. In theory, sesame might affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Low blood pressure: Sesame might lower blood pressure. In theory, sesame might make blood pressure drop too low in people who already have low blood pressure.

Surgery: Sesame might affect blood sugar levels. In theory, sesame might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. If you have a planned surgery, stop using sesame as a medicine at least 2 weeks before.