Sesame is one of the oldest oil plants in the world and is used as a healthy kitchen condiment and natural medicinal plant. The earliest evidence of the use of sesame dates back to the third millennium BC (Indus culture). From India, the plant began its triumphal march around the world. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine also make frequent use of sesame.
Occurrence and cultivation of sesame
Since the sesame plant prefers a warm and moderately humid climate, it is now grown almost everywhere in the Orient, Asia and Africa. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) belongs to the sesame family (Pedaliaceae). The annual herbaceous plant grows 1.20 m high. Its furrowed stem has a quadrangular cross-section and is covered with fine hairs. The lower leaves of the oil plant are arranged opposite, ovate, toothed, pointed at the front and are on stems about 11 cm long. The upper leaves are on stems only 3 cm long, alternate, narrowly lanceolate and with entire margins. Depending on the variety, white and pink flowers are formed. If the hairy fruiting stalks, which are rounded at both ends, burst open, tiny smooth seeds fall out. They are black, white or brown in color. The black sesame seeds are considered the original form of the medicinal plant. They are similar in taste to the other colored seeds, but have a much higher content of ingredients that can be used as a natural medicine and basis for natural cosmetics. Since the sesame plant prefers a warm and moderately humid climate, it is now grown almost everywhere in the Orient, Asia and Africa. It does not make high demands on soil conditions, does not require fertilizer and is therefore ideally suited for controlled organic cultivation.
Effect and application
Because of its high content of vital healthy fats, essential amino acids (L-tryptophan, L-methionine, L-lysine), vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, E-complex: tocopherols, tocotrienols), minerals and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium), sesame is used as a staple food in various Asian and Arab countries. However, to use it as a natural remedy, it must be consumed daily. The ancient cultivated plant originating from India is mainly used internally in the form of sesame seeds, sesame flour and sesame oil. For external use, only sesame oil is suitable. In order to benefit from the full healing properties of the oil, the user should use only virgin cold-pressed sesame oil from controlled organic cultivation and should not heat it under any circumstances. Natural sesame oil contains 35-50 percent oleic acid, 35-50 percent linoleic acid as well as palmitic acid, stearic acid, the plant estrogens (lignans) sesamin and sesamolin as well as vitamin E. Applied externally, pure sesame oil stabilizes the skin‘s protective acid mantle, which has been damaged by environmental influences and incompatible skin care products, and counteracts dry skin. A homemade sesame paste containing sesame oil also helps against chapped and cracked skin on the hands. The essential amino acid L-lysine present in the oil, thanks to its antiviral properties, contributes to the healing of herpes and shingles when the sesame oil is applied to the affected areas of the skin. It gently loosens skin scabs from already healed wounds. Since sesame oil quickly penetrates the lower layers of the skin, it further enhances the effects of massage therapy when used as a basic massage oil. Applied to the face and neck, it promotes skin elasticity (anti-aging effect). It even has a low sun protection factor. Applied to the inside of the nose, it heals chronically dried out nasal mucous membranes (rhinitis sicca). Contraindications exist in the form of sesame allergy (only when sesame is used internally!). Therefore, the retail trade is always obliged to list sesame products in the list of ingredients. Interactions of sesame with other remedies and any side effects are not known.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
Sesame seeds and sesame oil have a strong anti-oxidant effect due to their high content of phenols, lignans and vitamin E. Inflammatory processes in the body are stopped. Premature death of cells is prevented. This not only prevents arteriosclerosis, which is caused by inflammation in the walls of blood vessels. Above all, the phytoestrogens sesamin and sesamolin prevent cells from degenerating into tumor cells.Selenium and the essential amino acid cysteine promote the formation of the antioxidants glutathione and glutathione peroxidase. As a recent study with knee osteoarthritis patients showed, sesame products even relieve joint inflammation. They are a good supplement to cortisone administration and, because of their high calcium content, also compensate for the dissolution of calcium from bone tissue (a side effect of cortisone). Since calcium and magnesium are present in sesame in an optimal ratio, oil plant consumption promotes the development of skin, hair, nails, bones, cartilage, teeth and muscles. L-lysine, cysteine, L-methionine and taurine form collagen and elastin, which promote skin tone. The high fiber content in sesame seeds gently regulates digestion and facilitates intestinal transit. Since the fiber has a high binding capacity, sesame has a strong detoxifying and purifying effect. L-methionine cleanses the liver from drug degradation products. Phyto-sterols and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) contained in sesame products reduce pathologically elevated cholesterol levels. The intake of 20 ml of sesame oil and rice germ oil daily is already sufficient to keep high blood pressure permanently at a lower level. The lecithin present in sesame is used to improve brain and nerve performance during stress. The L-tryptophan has a calming effect on nerves, mood and ensures an undisturbed sleep-wake rhythm. Vitamins A, B1 to B3, E and iron ensure that energy transport to the body cells is improved, which strengthens the overall performance of the human organism.
