Anti-Aging and Healing- The Mighty Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is the best antidote for vata or the air related disorders like arthritis, anxiety, depression, insomnia, constipation, gas, bloating, cold feet and hands, impatience, restlessness, nervousness, racing mind, feeling spaced out, frazzled, all over the place, finding it hard to focus or sit still, aging, wrinkles, dry eyes and old age related conditions. Sesame oil is known as the king of oils in Ayurveda. It is an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic preparations as it has the ability to penetrate deep into the tissues and is very rich in antioxidants and minerals.

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The use of sesame oil is what helped me begin my healing journey. A decade ago I suffered from terrible anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, nervous energy etc. At the time when I first learned about the benefits of sesame oil, I had the toasted sesame oil variety in my pantry. Although the cold pressed oil is recommended over the toasted sesame (which I realized later), it still helped me tremendously. Toasted sesame oil has a very strong flavor and smell and can make you feel nauseous. Cold pressed on the other hand is healthier and easier to use. After some learning and reading I quickly switched to cold pressed sesame oil.Sesame oil will help calm the nerves and relax you. It will mellow you out. If you suffer from anxiety disorders massaging scalp, will help tremendously. If you suffer from cold hands and feet, massaging them vigorously with sesame oil will help increase the pitta factor in your body and bring immense warmth. Night time is the best time for this as sesame oil can relax you and help you get deep sleep. Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants. It is a great moisturizer for the skin. It fights wrinkles and aging. Gently massaging sesame oil on acne will help dry it out within a few days. It is antibacterial, anti viral, anti-inflammatory. Dab a few drops to coat the inside of your nostrils to protect from cold and flu viruses. Touch wood, but I haven’t had the flu in 15 years and I never get the flu shot. (Great 😦 now I’m afraid I’m going to pay for bragging). But I am also careful what I eat and how I eat based on the principles of Ayurveda. I include herbs and rasayans based on my body type. For example I never drink cold, iced beverages in winter. I sip warm water throughout the day and also begin my day with medium hot water. It aids in proper digestion and assimilation of food. But my body type is pitta so I have to strike a balance between the two humors through a careful selection of what I cook and how I cook it. Even during the summer time I consume room temperature or cool foods only. Ice/cold beverages wreak havoc on your digestive system. And in Ayurveda, majority of diseases stem from poor digestion.

If you have a vata constitution, suffer from vata disorders or live in a cold dry climate make sure to include sesame oil in your diet and also use for massaging the face, body and hair. Leave it on for at lest 30 minutes to an hour; the longer the better. You can leave it on the scalp overnight and shampoo off the next day. Don’t overdo it. (I’m guilty, but that’s how you really learn-through trial and error). Everything in moderation only- ease into it starting with small doses. Drizzle sesame oil in you soups, dals, breads, rice or any preparations for that matter just before you eat. This will also prevent gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion. Don’t consume more than a teaspoon/day or you’ll feel like you have a burning fever.

Before you proceed:

Find out your body type
Follow other measures to make sure you aren’t negating your healing efforts through contradictory habits and patterns. For example: massaging with sesame oil and then eating a bowl of ice cream or having a cold salad or shake.
If you suffer from deep rooted/chronic diseases, seek guidance and treatment from an experienced Ayurveda practitioner. Ayurveda treatment involves several pronged approach which consists of prevention, treatment at the root, cleansing, dietary restrictions etc.

The above is based on my own experience with sesame oil. You can learn more about other benefits of sesame by clicking below:

According to http://naturalsociety.com/12-health-benefits-of-sesame-seeds-sesame-oil/

Promote Healthy, Beautiful Skin – Sesame seeds are full of zinc, an essential mineral for producing collagen and giving skin more elasticity. Zinc also helps damaged tissues in the body to repair. Sesame oil is also known to sooth burns and prevent skin related disorders.

Great for High-Protein Vegetarian Diet – Sesame seeds offer 4.7 grams of protein per ounce, giving them a perfect place in a high-protein vegetarian diet.

Sesame Seed Oil for Oral Health – One of the most prominent benefits of sesame seeds and sesame oil revolves around removing dental plaque and boosting oral health. By engaging in an activity known as oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around in your mouth, you can boost oral health and even whiten your teeth. One study showcases the oil pulling benefits on the oral level, where oil pulling with sesame oil was shown to reduce the amount of streptococcus mutants in both teeth plaque and mouth saliva, and boost overall health. (Click the next link to find out what oil pulling is and learn of oil pulling benefits).

Helps Prevent Diabetes – Thanks to magnesium and other nutrients, sesame seeds, and especially sesame oil, has been shown to combat diabetes. One study, published in 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that sesame oil “improved the effectiveness of the oral antidiabetic drug glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients”. Another study concluded that “substitution of sesame oil as the sole edible oil has an additive effect in further lowering BP and plasma glucose in hypertensive diabetics”.

Reduces Blood Pressure – As the above study concludes, sesame oil has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive diabetics. Additionally, magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure – and sesame seeds are loaded with magnesium.

Promotes Heart Health – Further adding to the health benefits of sesame seeds, sesame seed oil can boost heart health by preventing atherosclerotic lesions. An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound known as sesamol, which also harnesses anti-atherogenic properties, is thought to be one reason for the beneficial effects. According to GreenMedInfo, sesamol has been shown to “possess over two dozen beneficial pharmacologically active properties, many of which may contribute to improving cardiovascular health”.

Protects Against DNA Damage from Radiation – Sesamol, a compound found in sesame seeds and sesame oil, has been shown in some studies to protect against DNA damaged caused by radiation. Further, sesamol has been shown to extend life in mice treated with radiation, partly by preventing damage to the intestines and the spleen.

Prevents Cancer – Not only do sesame seeds contain an anti-cancer compound called phytate, but the magnesium in sesame seeds also harness anti-cancer properties. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the risk of colorectal tumors decreased by 13% and the risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 12% for every 100 mg of magnesium taken in.

Boosts Bone Health – In addition to promoting healthy skin, zinc has also been shown to boost bone mineral density and bone health as a whole. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found a correlation between zinc deficiency and osteoporosis in the hip and spine area. What’s more, sesame seeds are a great source of calcium – a known trace mineral that is essential for bone health and preventing related conditions.

Boosting Digestive Health, Relieving Constipation – Sesame seeds are rich in fiber, which is known to pave way for a healthy digestive system and a healthy colon.

Provides Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis – A mineral that is important for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant enzyme systems, copper is known for reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Additionally, this mineral helps provide strength to blood vessels, bones, and joints.

Promotes Respiratory Health, Prevents Asthma – Thanks to the magnesium, sesame seeds are able to prevent asthma by and other respiratory disorders by preventing airway spasms.

http://naturalsociety.com/12-health-benefits-of-sesame-seeds-sesame-oil/#ixzz2rRZ77orN

http://www.youthingstrategies.com/