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The Hindu, May 27, 2004
SESAMUM, COMMONLY known
as sesame or till or
gingerly belongs to the
family pedaliaceae.
The rich, almost
odorless oil expressed
from the tiny seeds is
very stable and contains
an antioxidant system
comprising sesame and
sesamolinol formed from
sesamolin, which
substantially reduce its
oxidation rate. It is
also highly nutritious.
It also contains
linoleic acid and Alpha
tin oleic acid is
wonderful for reducing
stress and tension and
preventing nervous
disorders, relieving
fatigue and promoting
strength and vitality.
Its rejuvenating
properties certainly do
revitalize those feeling
tired and run down;
while it’s warming
effects enhance the
circulation.
Its relaxing properties
ease pain and muscle
spasm, such as sciatica,
dysmenorrhoea, colic,
backache and joint pain. |
Regular oiling of the
skin restores moisture
to the skin, keeping it
soft, flexible and
looking young.
It also lubricates the
body internally,
particularly the joints
and bowels and eases
symptoms of dryness such
as irritating coughs,
cracking joints and hard
stools.
Sesamum oil shows
antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory
effects due to presence
of linoleic acid (40
percent). It stimulates
antibody production and
enhances immunity. It
also has anti-cancer
properties. Warm oil is
applied in large amounts
over the patient’s body.
By stimulating the
tissues in the body it
helps prevent toxins
from accumulating in the
system and to drain into
the gut for elimination.
For external use,
sesamum oil is prepared
by heating the oil with
one or two drops of
water until the water
evaporates. Heating the
oil has shown to
increase the antioxidant
effect.
SanjayKumar Tyagi &
K.Ramamoorthy,
Department of Agronomy
Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University
Coimbatore-641003 |
