Sesame oil Ayurveda and Yoga are just the best there are so many benefits. Sesame oil is one of the most widely and commonly used products in Ayurveda. Likewise sesame oil has also been esteemed for thousands of years by Mediterranean and cultures known for their longevity. The nutrient-rich sesame seed itself is a symbol of prosperity and health in ancient folklore. Also the benefits of sesame oil are highly touted in various Ayurvedic regimens, the most popular being for massage.
Benefits of sesame oil
Sesame seed is rich in a number of nutrients, including calcium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, thiamine, and magnesium. It also contains a good bit of dietary fibre, supporting a healthy colon.
There are many benefits in using sesame oil in Ayurveda. It has been used to support numerous health systems in the body, including the nervous system, bones and muscles, skin and hair, the digestive tract including the colon, and the male and female reproductive system.
The sesame seed, from an Ayurvedic perspective, is sweet, pungent, astringent, and bitter, and has a heating effect. In fact its greatest benefit is in balancing Vata. The healing nature of sesame can also be good for Kapha, though you must be careful in cases of excess Kapha as it is also heavy and building. It grows in a dry climate, and in turn, is beneficial when the dry quality is in excess.
Sesame oil is a boon to humanity!
Nourishing, calming and warming, sesame oil has so many benefits and is a fundamental part of the nurturing Ayurvedic massage tradition of India. In face self-massage with sesame oil is highly recommended for these benefits:
Bolsters your ability to handle stress
Promotes physical strength
Nourishes muscles & bones
Supports a comfortable joint movement
Promotes sound sleep patterns
Supports the intellect & nervous system
Nourishes skin and hair
Modern research of sesame oil
Sesame seeds and sesame oil have been the subject of a number of studies around the world, including those which show potential benefits on maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and appropriate blood pressure, as well as having antioxidant properties. Studies have also shown a beneficial effect on the liver.
Contraindications of sesame oil
Sesame seed and oil should be avoided from an Ayurveda perspective if there is excess heat in the body, as well as high ama (toxic build up) or congestion.
Learn more about Ayurveda and sesame oil for internal cleansing.
In addition to massage, traditional Ayurvedic uses of sesame oil include the following:
Oil pulling in the mouth
Swish in the mouth to support strong teeth and gums. It has also been shown in a study to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
Used to lubricate and support the bowel and soften the stool
As a vaginal douche to help maintain healthy vaginal balance
Used for local massage to reduce Vata
Warm massage on the abdomen can help reduce imbalanced Vata in the abdomen.
Abhyanga oil massage
To use sesame oil as a part of your Ayurveda massage routine, follow these instructions:
Place the sesame oil in a smaller container ( I use a small metal bowl)
Place the bottle in a pot of hot water to warm the oil
Test the oil before using to make sure it is not too hot
Undress and stay in a warm room
Use a towel that you don’t mind getting oily (or I use paper towels)
Pour small amounts of oil into your palm, and start massaging your scalp and face with circular strokes
Be sure to massage the ears and place some warm oil in the ears
Massage the rest of the body using long strokes on the limbs and long areas of the body, like the back and front side
Start at the extremities and move towards the centre of the body
Use circular strokes on the joints, and don’t forget to give attention to the small joints
Use circular strokes on the chest and abdomen
After you have completed the self-nurturing massage, enjoy a warm shower or bath, taking care not to slip with oily feet
The warm oil seeps inside the body from the massage giving a really soothing effect
Note: sesame oil can stain the carpet and other floor types – clothes will stretch out of shape, even if wiped off after the shower – the shower will eventually clog, it is best to use a filter, its impossible to get the oil out of the towel, so best to use paper towels.
Promoting healthy sleep
To promote healthy sleep patterns, massage the scalp and soles of the feet with sesame oil before bedtime and you will experience one of the many benefits of sesame oil.
Daily oral routine benefits of sesame
Using sesame oil as a part of your daily oral routine, take one tablespoon of oil in the morning, and swish around in the mouth. Do not gargle, and do not swallow
Swish for 20 minutes (you may need to build up to this), allowing the oil and your saliva to make a yellowish mixture in your mouth
Spit, and rinse out the mouth with warm water
You can follow by rinsing with a mouthwash or brushing to remove any leftover residue.
