Medicinal Values

The main cause of heart disease today is arteriosclerosis, a slow buildup of cholesterol and fatty tissue in the arteries. A lifetime of abuse leads to the narrowing and harde3ning of the arteries, similar to old pipes, which have become encrusted with mineral deposits over the years. This leads to a pinching down on the blood flow, resulting in heart attack or stroke. 

Arteries get plugged due to the fat found in many of our favorite foods. Fat coasts the red cells making them stick together. As a result they are unable to get through the tiny capillaries and oxygen uptake is also reduced. The Cells are deprived of oxygen and the heart cannot work right either.

To make sure that cholesterol is circulated properly thought the bloodstream; body wraps it in protein packers. The combination and protein is called lipoproteins and comes as high and density low-density lipoproteins. The high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the good guys, because they take excess cholesterol out of the cells and the lining of the arteries and deliver it to the liver for removal. The low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the culprits that deposit cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. 

You don’t need a cholesterol level of 265 to be in trouble. Studies have shown that people with cholesterol levels lower than this, (between 210 and 265) experience the most heart attacks. In fact, the risk of heart disease increases significantly when blood cholesterol levels reach a measure of 200. To have a healthy heart, means a cholesterol reading of not more than 200mg. Therefore it is sensible to be careful about the amount and kind of fat you eat. A proper diet can increase the HDL and lower the LDL cholesterol levels in your blood leading to healthier arteries.

The best heart saving plan is to reduce the amount of fat you eat. There is evidence that a low-fat diet may reverse existing arteriosclerosis. Studies have shown that arterial plaques induced by high-cholesterol diet shrink or disappear when the animals eat less fat and cholesterol. 

When a food pattern is very common and so much a part of our daily life, it may be smart to follow the advice of experts who suggest reducing, substituting for and alternating rather than eliminating fat altogether. 

If you are going to cook with oil, try to use more of the polyunsaturated oils, which have been proven to lower cholesterol. However, fats are fats. Regardless of the type, you should cut down on fats whenever possible. Hydrogenation also alters the fatty acids into substances, which tend to collect in the heart. 

Monounsaturated fats can lower cholesterol in the blood. A diet high in monounsaturated fat is better than a low-fat diet because the low fat diet also reduces the amount of good cholesterol in the blood whereas the monounsaturated fat diet does not. 

It is easier to live with a diet in monounsaturated fat than with one that severely restricts fat intake. A diet where 30% of the calories come from fat is a realistic one. Out of which, 10% or less should come from saturated fat, 10-15 % from monounsaturated fat and the remainder from polyunsaturated fat. 

Sesame seed oil, which is low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, is an ideal cooking medium for a heart saving diet plant. The antioxidants in sesame seed oil, viz., sesaminol and sesamolinol protect fats from being oxidized. Sesaminol maintains the so-called bad cholesterol low-density lipoproteins in an unutilized state which prevents arteriosclerosis. Sesamolin is another potent antioxidant.  

Sesamin, found in sesame seed oil helps maintain normal Blood Fats. In animal research, supplementation with sesamin inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Sesame also stops triglyceride production in the liver, thereby decreasing blood triglyceride levels.

Sesamin also helps maintain Normal Blood Pressure. It helps regulate the body’s immune and auto immune system balance. It inhibits a set of regulating compounds, which  cause  inflammation, clotting and other immune imbalances that contribute to disorders such as heart disease and autoimmune joint disorders. Sesame seed oil has been used extensively in India as healing oil. Experiments show that it is useful in unblocking arteries.

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The Magic Rub That Soothes

Sesame seed oil has been an inherent part of the lives of the people of Tamil Nadu since time immemorial. Though the daily ritual of the sesame seed oil bath has come down drastically, even today in traditional households, oil bath is taken on Tuesdays and Fridays. Sesame seed oil bath accords several benefits. Unfortunately, today’s generation has given up the wise old ways that were handed down to us by our ancestors, in an attempt to ape the West. Little do they realize that the western habits do not befit our climatic conditions? The hot and humid climate of Tamil Nadu causes increased body heat, fatigue of the brain and nerves, tiredness of the limbs etc. Sesame seed oil helps retain body heat at desirable levels. A regular routine of sesame seed oil massage in the head and body, followed by retaining the oil for about half an hour and a warm bath helps in rejuvenating the mind and the body

The last few decades of bygone millennium have thrown up a plethora of disorders, changes in the atmosphere and living conditions being predominant causes. Thanks to the environmental pollution, we are constantly inhaling and ingesting toxins everyday.

Sesame seed oil massage is a natural technique to detoxify our body. In Ayurveda, it is known as ‘Abhyanga’. Charaka Samhita, the medical treatise, delineates the benefits of sesame seed oil massage in great detail. Sesame oil massage promotes softness and luster of the skin, lubricates the muscles, tissues and joints and increases flexibility. A regular routine of this massage is believed to make one strong, and diminish the effects of aging. It helps increase the body’s capacity to handle strenuous work and healing after injury.
Research studies on the healing properties of sesame oil massage have documented that it decreases stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. It reduces anxiety. Depression and pain. The National Cancer Institute recommends this massage for alleviation the pain of cancer patients.

The linoleic acid in sesame seed has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the oil massage decreases the bacteria on the skin.

Certain procedures have to be followed to derive true benefits of sesame seed oil massage. Curing the oil by heating it to212 degrees F is important. For this, the oil is heated gradually on a low flame. A drop of water is placed in the oil, which is removed from fire as soon as the water pops. The oil is then allowed to cool. The oil should be warmed before use to enhance the antioxidant properties. But curing is done only once.

For applying oil, the palms of the hands are used instead of fingertips, in vigorous circular motions. It is ideal to begin the massage on the scalp, followed by the face, ears motion over the muscles are effective for the arms and legs. The chest and abdomen are massaged in large clockwise motions. The massage on the back is done vigorously. The ritual is concluded with a rub on the legs and feet.

Traditionally the massage used to be done before meditating and showering. The oil is kept for about 20minutes and then a shower is taken.

Body’s self purification mechanisms have been rendered inadequate by the impurities surrounding us. To contend with our daily encounters with varying types of toxins everyday, eliminating them on a regular basis makes sense. Our ancestors have provided us with excellent habits that not only help us to get rid of body toxins but also accords immense benefits to our general health. A gentle run that soothes is all you need to keep you rejuvenated, energized and radiant!
 

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The Magic Botanical Potion

Sesamum indicum has been identified as possessing immense medicinal properties not only by ancient Ayurvedic texts like charaka samhita and oral accounts of the Vedic traditions, but also by traditional Chinese and Japanese medical practitioners.

It has been recognized that sesame seed oil contains powerful antioxidants, which prevents arteriosclerosis and aging and certain types of sarcomas. Molecules of sesame seed oil maintain good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Experiments show that sesame seed oil lignin protects the liver from environmental toxins, helps maintain normal blood pressure, sesame seed oil also improves the body’s immune system balance.

Sesame seed oil has been used as healing oil for thousands of years and is mentioned in the Vedas as excellent for humans. It has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil has been used in the treatment of several chronic diseases processes, including hepatitis, diabetes and migraines.

Rinsing the mouths with sesame oil reduces the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Used as nose drops, sesame seed oil is known to cure chronic sinusitis. As a throat gargle it kills strep and other common cold bacteria. It helps those afflicted with psoriasis and dry skin ailments. It has been successful in eliminating lice infestations in children. It is also a natural UV protector.

Sesame seed oil nourishes and feeds the scalp and controls dry scalp dandruff. It protects skin from the effects of chlorine in swimming pool water. Used before and after radiation treatments, sesame oil helps neutralize the flood of oxygen radicals. Oil soluble toxins are attracted to sesame seed oil molecules when rubbed on the skin which can be washed away with hot water and a mild soap. Internally too, the oil molecules attract oil soluble toxins and carry them into the blood stream and then out of the body as waste. Used as a douche mixed with warm water, the oil controls vaginal yeast infections.

Sesame seed oil helps joints retain their flexibility. It keeps the skin supple and soft. It heals and protects areas of mild scrapes, cuts and abrasions. It helps tighten facial skin, particularly around the nose, controlling enlargement of pores as the skin ages.

Due to such innumerable beneficial aspects of sesame seed oil, it is used as the base for several Ayurvedic preparations. In olden days, sesame seed oil was administered for snakebites. The property of sesame seed oil to counter toxins is the rational behind this practice. Used both for consumption and for body massage, the oil helps eliminate body toxins.

Vitamin E in sesame seed oil is beneficial for girls who have attained puberty because it is believed to strengthen the uterus. Two tablespoons of sesame seed oil, mixed with equal quantity of molasses, when ground and given as a paste, induces conception.

For those afflicted with intestinal disorders, a potion of two teaspoons of sesame seed oil in one cup of milk mixed with molasses is very effective. It is also believed to be beneficial for anemia and for those who are unable to adsorb nutrition from the food consumed.

Sesame seed oil is also believed to cure sore throat. It is good for relieving pain in the lower stomach, especially if massaged around the naval area. It also alleviates pain in believed to cure piles. A teaspoon of sesame seed oil relieves coughs and colds.

Oil pulling is a medical practice observed by people of South India. Sesame seed oil is kept in the oral cavity for at least 15 minutes and then gargled. It is believed that oil pulling cures mouth ulcers, increases visual acuity cures pain in the hips and eliminates constipation, cold and coughs and is also beneficial for heart ailments. Sesame seed oil also helps controls sugar levels and therefore beneficial to diabetics.

With such extensive medical benefits, it is small wonder then that sesame seed oil has always been an important ingredient of our traditional food culture. It is time that we re considered some of our modern food habits and adopted time-tested and beneficial practices that would probably be a wonderful solution to the myriad, new ailments of the modern millennium.
 

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Open Sesame Unveiling The Gateway To Perfect Health

India abounds in a variety and diversity of health traditions with the green pharmacy

Playing a major role in the day to day living as well as treatment of various health disorders. It is amazing that the people of India had an incredible knowledge of the medicinal value of plants eons ago and have evolved an extensive medical culture. Not only that, their day to day living was centered on living in harmony with nature, making use of nature’s bounty to achieve optimum health conditions. 

Recent times have witnessed a resurgence of interest in the sagacity and veracity of our monumental heritage. Truth has dawned upon many with a scientific bent of mind that our ancestry had evolved perspicacious ways of living with astute scientific acumen. 

It can be observed that the cooking medium used in various parts of the country were different, according to the climatic conditions as well as the suitability of cultivating the plants. One such oil that has played a major role in the daily comestibles as well as in medicinal preparations, especially among the people of Tamil Nadu, is the sesame seed oil. 

Our forefathers have acknowledged the beneficial aspects of sesame seed oil by adopting it as an important ingredient of the morning meal. Combined with milagai podi or the gunpowder, as it is known, it makes a delicious side dish for idles. This combination of carbohydrate, protein and beneficial fat was considered to invigorate the body and mind to contend with the daily grind. 

The sesame plant has been grown for thousand of years in the tropical belt, extending form Africa to India. The magic words “open sesame” found in the Arabian Nights is inspired by the characteristic bursting open of the sesame pods when the grain is ripe. Due to the presence of certain chemical compounds called lignin’s, sesame seed oil unveils the door to innumerable beneficial physiological effects. 

Sesame seed oil contains powerful antioxidants, which protect cell integrity, block formation of certain carcinogens, and protect fats from being oxidized. It maintains the so-called bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins, LDL) in an unoxidized state, which prevents arteriosclerosis. 

Sesame seed oil mimics vitamin E Activity, promoting healthy skin and reproductive functioning and protects against oxidation damage, which contributes to aging, arteriosclerosis and other conditions. Sesame oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of malignant melanoma and colon cancer cells. The antioxidants, which are present in sesame oil, increases when the oil is heated. 

The dark color and nutty taste of unrefined sesame oil, known as gingerly oil or till oil make it good for general cooking. For stir-frying, in refined form, it has a higher smoking point of 410f. (The temperature at which oil begins to smoke and discolor is called its smoking point. Cooking above the smoking point degrades the oil and releases irritating substances into the air and food causing stomach distress). 

This oil extracted from sesame seeds is of very high medicinal quality. Charaka, the great medical authority of Ancient India, has said that of all the oils the Gingerly or sesame oil is the best. That is why it is known as Nalla Yennai in Tamil. 

There’s great news for youngsters from the queen of oils! Sesame oil is friendly to youthful skin, controlling eruptions and neutralizing the toxins that develop both on the surface and in the pores. With sesame oil, no cosmetics are needed. The oil causes young facial skin to remain natural and glow radiantly! So those of you who have been eschewing the traditional sesame seed oil bath can now adopt it in the earnest as a regular ritual!

Sesame seed oil is not an adversary to baby skin too. It protects the tender skin of babies, especially in the areas covered by diapers, against rashes that are caused by the acidity of body wastes. Used in the nose and ears, it is safeguard against common skin pathogens.

A drop of sesame seed oil swabbed in the nose of school going children can do wonders for them, protecting them against air borne viruses and bacteria.

For the senior citizens, a regular routine of sesame seed oil massage in circular motions over all joints stimulates the natural energy of joints. 

Sesame seed oil is believed to invigorate the brain. Therefore, in some countries, a tablespoon of sesame seed oil is added to children’s morning nourishment. Sesame functions. And it has omega EFA and Omega FA, acids that we need on a daily basis. Sesame seed oil has a naturally high content of sesamin, sesamol and sesimolin. Each a powerful antioxidant. 

According to Dr. (Mrs.) Chandra Venkatasubramaniam, Reader in food service management and Dietetics, Department of Home Science, Queen Mary’s College, sesame oil is very popular because of its pleasant mild taste and remarkable stability. It is the most stable naturally occurring liquid vegetable oil. Sesame oil is much sought after because of the presence of natural antioxidants and because of its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Its iodine value is 11.4. Its keeping quality is very good and this oil will not become rancid for several years 

Fatty Acid Composition of Gingelly Oil 

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PUFA Vs Saturated Fats

Dr. Chandra avers that most of the vegetable oils are more unsaturated than fats (from animal origin). Since vegetable oils are free of cholesterol, the risk of developing arteriosclerosis is less in those consuming only vegetable oils, especially oils like Safflower, Sunflower and Sesame oils.

 She says that regular consumption of sesame oil instead of saturated fats has led to 

 :: Twenty percent drop in blood cholesterol
 :: Reduction in the tendency of blood to form clots
 :: Vitamin E in extra amounts is required to prevent formation of toxic  
    peroxides when PUFA is high. (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid).

Sesame seed oil is the queen of oils. Stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight the oil will stay fresh and sweet indefinitely. No wonder that it has been granted the pride of place in South Indian cuisine!

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Go For Oil Massage

Our body is composed of five elements viz., Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space in different proportions Man is epitome of universe. World is a macrocosm and man is a microcosm of the universe.

Man must work for about 8 hours a day and take rest. The modern world is full of stress and strain hurry, worry and excitement. He has no physical or moral rest. This has caused many mental and bodily diseases. Irregular in take of food also aids in contracting the diseases.
The best thing to alleviate the disorders of stress and strain is to go for a simple oil massage. The best oil is till oil i.e. gingerly oil. For all pains and aches this is the best oil.
Our ancestors were taking oil bath, especially people of the upper classes and they were having sound body and mind and were able to work hard and face any challenges.

How to Apply oil

Warm the till oil and apply it allover the body from head to foot. You should not rub harshly, roughly while applying the oil as it aggravates pain. The massage must be smooth and comfortable to the body.

How long the massage should be done

After applying the oil, massage with your palm, then stay for about half an hour and take bath.

Benefits

Regular application of oil will make you live longer. Fatigue and pains will be relieved promotes your eye sight, tones up your body and induces sleep. The high blood pressure and mental disorders will automatically disappear or would be prevented. So if one ha not taken oil bath till now, it is not late to start and become healthy in mind and body and live longer.