Organic Sesame Oil

Cold dishes - use in salads, vinaigrettes and dressings or to flavour cheeses.
Seasoning - the oil can also be used to season hot dishes near the end of cooking, such as soups.
Asian recipes - sesame oil is a traditional part of Japanese, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

The sesame seed, Sesamum indicum, is a small gem that holds great power. Each sesame seed is protected by an outer shell that opens naturally when the seed ripens, giving rise to the phrase “Open sesame!” At this point, the seeds are ready to be pressed into light golden sesame oil. Sesame seeds contain a large amount of fibre and support a healthy colon. Sesame oil is used to support the health of a range of systems in the body, including the nervous system, bones and muscles, skin and hair, the digestive tract including the colon, and the reproductive systems of men and women.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, sesame seed is sweet, pungent, astringent and bitter, and has a warming effect. Its greatest benefit is balancing the Vata type. The warming nature of sesame can also be beneficial for Kapha, although care should be taken where there is excess Kapha because sesame is also heavy and nourishing. It grows in a dry climate and actually benefits when the dry season is longer. Nourishing, calming and warming sesame oil is a cornerstone of India's nourishing tradition of Ayurvedic massage.
Because sesame oil is known to absorb readily into the skin and deeply carry its nourishing and calming properties, it is used as a base for therapeutic preparations.

• Supports your ability to manage stress.
• Supports physical strength.
• Nourishes muscles and bones.
• Supports comfortable joint movement.
• Supports sound sleep patterns.
• Supports the intellect and nervous system.
• Nourishes the skin and hair.

In addition to massage, traditional Ayurvedic uses of sesame oil include the following:

• Swishing it around the mouth supports strong teeth and gums. A study has also shown a reduction in the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
• It is used to lubricate and support the bowel and soften stools.
• As a vaginal douche to maintain a healthy vaginal balance.
• It is used for local massage to reduce the Vata type. For example, a warm abdominal massage may help reduce imbalanced Vata in the abdomen.
• Warm oil in the ear helps support ear health.

To use sesame oil as part of your massage, follow these instructions:
Place the sesame oil in a bowl or small container and set it inside a larger container of warm water to heat the oil. Test the oil before use to ensure it is not hot.
Pour a small amount of oil into your palm and begin massaging the scalp and face with circular strokes. Make sure to massage the ears and place some warm oil in the ears.
Massage the rest of the body. Use long strokes on the limbs and long areas of the body, such as the back and side. Start at the extremities and move towards the centre of the body. Use circular strokes on the joints and remember to pay attention to the small joints. Also use circular strokes on the chest and abdomen.
After completing the self-healing massage, enjoy a warm shower or bath and take care not to slip with oily feet.
Read more about the detailed benefits of daily warm oil massage in our article about Abhyanga by Dr Claudia Welch.
To support healthy sleep patterns, massage sesame oil into the scalp and soles of the feet before bed. Use sesame oil as part of your daily oral routine: in the morning, take one tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth. Do not gargle or drink it. Swish it around the mouth for up to 20 minutes (you may need to build up this habit); the combination of the oil and your saliva will form a yellowish mixture in the mouth. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water. You can then rinse with mouthwash or brush your teeth to remove any residue.
Contraindications
From an Ayurvedic perspective, sesame seeds and oil should be avoided if there is excessive heat in the body, as well as high ama (toxic accumulation) or congestion.