Pedaliaceae
Sesame Seed
Sesamum indicum
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Africa, India (domesticated 3500 BCE)
Also known as: Til, Gingelly, Benne, Sesame
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedOil
Therapeutic Uses
Hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, liver protection, menopausal symptoms (phytoestrogen), cognitive protection, nutritive supplementation. One of oldest cultivated food-medicines.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, antihypertensive (sesamin — ACE inhibitor), hepatoprotective, hormonal balancing (weak estrogenic)
Active Constituents
Lignans (sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol — primary antioxidants), oleic acid (40%), linoleic acid (42%), vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol), calcium (975mg/100g), iron, zinc, sesaminol
Preparation Methods
💧 Infused Oil💊 CapsuleFood
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tbsp sesame seeds or 1 tbsp sesame oil daily |
| Tincture | Standardized sesamin: 40mg 2x daily for cardiovascular effects |
| Notes | Tahini (sesame paste): most bioavailable form of sesame. Black sesame (higher antioxidant than white) traditional in Chinese medicine for hair and kidney health. Oil pulling with sesame oil (Ayurvedic): 15 min daily for oral health. High calcium — alternative to dairy. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Sesame allergy (common allergen). Caution with warfarin (vitamin K). Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: Allergic reactions (sesame is a major allergen). Vitamin K interaction with warfarin. Generally very safe.