Plant Description:

Sesame oil is extracted from the edible seeds of the tropical flowering plant, sesamum. The use of sesame seed and oil as food and natural medicine dates back to 1600 BC.
The oil varies in color depending upon the seed and distillation process. Cold pressed oil is lighter in color and the hot pressed oil is dark in color. The oil is extracted from the flower, sesamum, while the seeds on the pod are edible.
Sesame seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, A and B complex, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and protein.

Sesame Oil Benefits for Hair:

Sesame is one of the best herbs for hair treatment! It is highly nourishing, healing and lubricating. The vitamins, minerals and protein strengthen and nourish the hair down to the root. Following are the benefits of the oil:

• Hair Color:

  It darkens and improves the color of your hair, thus preventing premature greying.

• Increases Scalp Circulation:

  This carrier oil penetrates deeply into the scalp to strengthen the hair shaft and roots and stimulates hair growth.

• Natural Sunscreen:

  Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen that protects your hair from ultraviolet rays. It forms a protective coat around the hair protecting it against the harmful rays and also saves it from the damaging effects of pollution.

• Prevents Head Lice:

  Sesame oil is antibacterial and applying it on the scalp helps to keep both fungal and bacterial infections out, including head lice.

• Soothing & Tranquilizing Properties:

  Harsh heat can be damaging to the hair follicles. Sesame oil acts as a coolant working from within and nourishing the scalp in and out. Sesame oil locks moisture within, thus preventing dryness.

• Conditions the Hair and Scalp:

  Massaging helps control dryness and flakiness, thus preventing hair loss. It will moisturize dry damaged and chemically treated hair. It penetrates deeply to nourish the hair. It will also improve the texture and physical condition of the scalp by reducing dryness, tightness and itchiness.

• Reduces split ends:

  It prevents breakage and brittle hair that can lead to excessive hair fall.

Try using this oil with olive oil or almond oil to reap maximum benefits for the hair.

Skin Benefits of Sesame Oil:

1. Natural Sunscreen:

   Vitamin E contained in sesame oil acts as excellent antioxidant thus it is useful as natural sunscreen lotion. Free radicals and oxidation that come with sun exposure can damage your skin.

2. Moisturizes the Skin:

   Sesame oil contains linoleic acids, stearic acids, and palmitic acids and can act as both moisturizer and emollient for the skin. Sesame oil can be added to your bath water to help prevent dry and rough skin around the elbows, knees, etc.

3. Slows Aging of the Skin:

   The oil has an antioxidant called sesamol, which effectively prevents the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines.

4. Removes Toxins:

   Sesame oil removes dangerous toxins from the skin due to pollution, the environment and digestive substances. Apply a small amount of the warmed oil to your skin for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water (no soap). Pat dry.

5. Repairs Damaged Cells and Improves Circulation:

   Although sesame oil is fairly thick, it has a high viscosity, which allows it to seep down into your pores when you massage it into the skin. It is often used as a carrier oil and a base oil along with other essential oils. When used for massage therapy, sesame oil helps to repair damaged skin cells and improve blood circulation.

6. Reduces Antibacterial Infections:

   Sesame oil can help prevent bacterial infections as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Healing for the skin:

   Because the oil is high in antioxidants, it can speed wound healing. These antibacterial properties have also proven effective for some who suffer from skin ailments, such as eczema or psoriasis.

8. Reduces Blemishes:

   Sesame seed oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which are helpful in reducing pimples and preventing the development of blackheads. Apply sesame oil to problem areas at night and wash off the next morning. It can also be used as a cleanser for the skin.

WARNING:

This article is for informational purpose only. Sesame oil is not a treatment for any disease or condition. It is generally safe when used on the skin or hair, but to ensure safety, it is best to do an allergy test. Consult your doctor before using for medical purposes.

Bibliography:

1. Book “Herbal Encyclopedia"