Sesame Seeds Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Sesame Seeds Health Benefits

Sesame seeds are commonly known as Til, and it is mostly used in the form of oil or as raw seeds. Sesame seeds are highly nutritious for your health, and that is why they are good for consumption or adding to your food dishes. You can consume sesame seeds by crushing, roasting, or sprinkling them over salads or other food items. These nutritious sesame seeds are used for the treatment of several health problems. You can use sesame seeds for lowering high cholesterol levels in the body.

Moreover, sesame seeds have many medicinal properties that are beneficial for the overall health of the body. Sesame seeds have anti-diabetic properties, which are beneficial for managing high blood sugar levels in the body.

Furthermore, the consumption of raw sesame seeds is good for improving the digestive fire as it has ushna properties. Sesame seeds are also used for a number of other problems. It helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritic pain; this is because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of sesame seeds. These seeds also have the properties of antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are good for treating wounds. However, there are chances of allergic reactions after using sesame seeds or oil, and that is why you must consult your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction.

Properties of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have so many essential properties that help treat various problems related to the overall health of the body. Some of these properties of sesame seeds are as follows:

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory property
• Sita property
• Antimicrobial property
• Antibacterial property
• Anti-diabetic properties
• Vata balancing property 
• Rasayana property
• Pitta balancing property 
• Ropan property

So these were some of the properties of sesame seeds.

Historical Uses of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds for years have been used for treating several health problems. This is because of the medicinal and ayurvedic properties of these nutritious seeds. Sesame seeds are highly used for treating health problems, and it is also used in food dishes. Sesame seeds are used in the form of oil or raw seeds. The natural medicinal properties of sesame seeds have treated a number of health issues. Some of these problems that can be treated by using or consuming sesame seeds are:

• Sesame seeds help in managing arthritic pain
• It helps in the treatment of wounds
• It helps improve digestion
• It helps in treating skin problems. 
• It helps lower high cholesterol levels in the body. 
• It helps in managing high blood sugar levels in the body. 

So these were some of the problems that can be treated by using or consuming sesame seeds. 

Benefits of Sesame Seeds in Ayurvedic Treatment

Sesame seeds have many health benefits when it comes to Ayurvedic treatment. Let us have a look at some issues that could be treated with the help of these natural, nutritious seeds. 

Helps in Managing the Symptoms of Arthritis 

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, the reason for arthritis is because of an increase in the Vata dosha of the body. Increased Vata dosha leads to pain, swelling, and inflammation. However, sesame seeds have Vata balancing properties that balance the Vata dosha in the body and thereby manage pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seeds for managing arthritic pain
If you are suffering from arthritic pain, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about ½ -1 tablespoon of sesame seeds or take the quantity required by you. 
• You can consume these sesame seeds regularly by roasting them.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seeds to your salad for managing arthritic pain.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for managing arthritis symptoms. Sesame seeds have a bioactive compound called sesamol that produces pro-inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing joint and bone pain associated with arthritis.

Helps in Managing Osteoporosis

There is not enough evidence available to support whether sesame seeds are beneficial for managing osteoporosis. However, it may be somewhat good for managing osteoporosis as it has zinc content. 

Helps in Managing Diabetes

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for diabetes is because of an increase in Vata and improper digestion of food. The improper digestion of food leads to the accumulation of Toxic waste or Ama, which gets collected in the body because of improper digestion. This leads to disturbed insulin function, which causes an increase in the sugar levels in the body. However, sesame seeds have Vata balancing, deepan, and pachan properties, which are beneficial for reducing Ama and improving digestion, thereby maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds are beneficial for managing diabetes. It helps reduce the body's blood sugar levels and reduce the absorption of glucose or sugar in the body.

Helps in Managing Heart Disease

There is not enough evidence to support whether sesame seeds are beneficial for managing heart disease. However, sesame seeds may be beneficial for managing heart disease. 

Helps in Lowering High Cholesterol Levels 

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for high cholesterol is because of an imbalance of Pachak Agni in the body, and another reason is improper digestion of food, which leads to the accumulation of Ama in the body, which further creates blockages in the blood vessels leading to high cholesterol levels. However, sesame seeds have deepan and pachan properties, which help balance the pachak agni and improve digestion. Sesame seeds also help reduce the amount of Ama in the body and thereby lower high cholesterol levels.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seeds for lowering high cholesterol levels
If you are suffering from high cholesterol levels, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about ½ -1 tablespoon of sesame seeds or take the quantity required by you. 
• You can consume these sesame seeds regularly by roasting them.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seeds to your salad for lowering high cholesterol levels.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds are beneficial for lowering high cholesterol levels as it is rich in lignans, sesamin, and sesamolin, which are cholesterol-lowering ingredients. Therefore, sesame seeds or oil can be used for managing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein.

Helps in Managing High Blood Pressure

Sesame seeds help manage high blood pressure as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, sesame seeds have antihypertensive properties, which help in lowering high blood pressure. 

Helps in Managing Weight 

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, the increase in weight is because of an unhealthy lifestyle, which leads to a weak digestive system and an imbalance of digestive fire. This leads to Ama's accumulation which causes an imbalance of meda dhatu, which leads to obesity. However, sesame seeds have ushna property, which helps in correcting the digestive fire and reducing Ama.

Science: According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence available to support whether sesame seeds are beneficial for managing weight or not. However, sesame seeds may help in managing weight.

Helps in Managing Constipation 

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for constipation is because of an increase in Vata dosha in the body, which is increased because of eating junk food, consuming excess coffee or tea, stress, depression, and sleeping late at night. These factors lead to an increase in Vata dosha, which may lead to constipation. However, sesame seeds have Vata balancing properties, which help manage the problem of constipation.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seeds for managing constipation
If you are suffering from constipation, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about ½ -1 tablespoon of sesame seeds or take the quantity required by you. 
• You can consume these sesame seeds regularly by roasting them.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seeds to your salad for managing the problem of constipation. 

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds have high fiber content, which could help in managing constipation. This happens because fiber has a high water-holding capacity, which helps cleanse your stomach.

Helps in Managing Male Infertility

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, Male infertility or sexual dysfunction in men may include low erection time, less production of semen, or low sexual desires. However, sesame seeds have vajikarana properties, which help in the treatment of male infertility.

Science: According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence to support whether sesame seeds help manage male infertility. However, sesame seeds are beneficial for increasing the production of semen in men and thereby managing male infertility.

Helps in Managing Cough 

Sesame seeds are beneficial for managing all the symptoms of cough. However, there is no scientific evidence to support sesame seeds' role in the treatment of cough. 

Helps in Managing Alzheimer's Disease

Sesame seeds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for managing Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, sesame seeds prevent the damage caused to the neural cells because of reactive oxygen species, thereby managing Alzheimer's disease. 

Helps in Managing Anemia

Sesame seeds are rich in iron, which is beneficial for an anemia patient. Therefore, sesame seeds are beneficial for increasing hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in the body, thereby managing anemia.

Helps in Managing Cataracts

Sesame seeds may be beneficial for managing cataracts. However, there is not enough evidence available to support the role of sesame seeds in managing cataracts.

Helps in Managing Stomach Ulcers

Sesame seeds have anti-ulcer properties, which are beneficial for managing stomach ulcers. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the role of sesame seeds in managing stomach ulcers. 

Helps in Managing Anxiety

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for anxiety is because of an imbalance of Vata in the body as Vata takes care of all your body movements and controls your nervous system. However, sesame seeds have Vata-balancing properties, which help balance the Vata of the body and manage anxiety or stress.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seeds for managing anxiety
If you are suffering from anxiety, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about ½ -1 tablespoon of sesame seeds or take the quantity required by you. 
• You can consume these sesame seeds regularly by roasting them.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seeds to your salad for managing your anxiety.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds have anxiolytic properties, which are beneficial for managing anxiety. Moreover, sesame seeds have antioxidant properties, which help kill free radicals and manage stress or anxiety.

Helps in Managing Psoriasis

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, Sesame seed oil can be used for managing the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis's problem leads to the skin becoming red, dry, flaky, or having scaly patches. However, sesame seed oil has Vata balancing and Snigdha properties, which are beneficial for treating psoriasis symptoms.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seed oil for managing psoriasis
If you are suffering from psoriasis, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take some amount of sesame seed oil and use it over your salads for consumption.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seed oil to your regular food dishes for treating all the symptoms of psoriasis.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seed oil is beneficial for managing psoriasis. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the role of sesame seeds in psoriasis.

Helps in Treating Wounds

Sesame seeds or oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are beneficial for treating your wound infections as sesame oil prevents bacteria's growth on your wound. Moreover, sesame oil also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which further help promote collagen formation and cell proliferation, which are important factors for healing your wounds. 

Helps in Treating Skin Burns

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, Sesame seed oil is beneficial for treating skin burns as it helps in the fast healing of your burns and also reduces inflammation as it has ropan properties.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seed oil for treating skin burns
If you want to treat your skin burn, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about 1-2 teaspoons of sesame seed oil or take the quantity required by you. 
• Start applying this oil on your skin burn two times a day for getting relief.

Science: According to scientific studies, There is not enough evidence to support the role of sesame seeds in managing skin burns. However, sesame seed oil can be applied topically over the burn for some relief.

Helps in Managing Gum Inflammation 

Sesame seeds have antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for reducing the inflammation of gums. This happens as sesame seeds prevent the growth of bacteria, which causes gingivitis. 

Helps in Preventing Hair Loss

Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, Sesame seeds and their oil are beneficial for promoting new hair and controlling hair fall. The reason for hair fall is because of an increase of Vata dosha in the body. However, sesame seeds have Vata balancing properties, which balance the Vata in the body and thereby manage hair loss. Moreover, the sesame seed oil is also good for promoting new hair growth and removing dryness from hair as it has Snigdha and ropan properties.

Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seed oil for managing hair loss
If you are suffering from hair loss, then you can follow these steps.

• You could take about 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil in a bowl, and then you could add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to the bowl. 
• Now heat both the ingredients for about 1-2 minutes and mix them well.
• Let the mixture cool down for some time.
• Start applying this mixture to your scalp and hair after it cools down.
• Massage the mixture on your scalp and hair properly.
• Leave the mixture untouched for about 35-45 minutes. 
• After 35-45 minutes, you can wash off the mixture with shampoo and tap water. 
• You can repeat this process two times a week for better results.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds and oil are beneficial for managing and preventing hair loss. This is because of the bioactive content in sesame seed oil called sesamin, which helps to prevent the growth of enzymes that causes hair loss.

The Recommended Dosage of Sesame Seeds By Doctors

You must always follow the recommended dosage of sesame seeds by your doctor. 

• Sesame Seeds: You could take about 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds one time a day. 
• Sesame Seeds Capsule: You could take about 1-2 capsules of sesame seed two times a day. 
• Sesame Seed Oil: You could take about 2-3 teaspoons of sesame seed oil twice a day, or you could take the quantity as required by you. 
• Sesame Seed Powder: You could take about ¼ -1/2 teaspoon of sesame seed powder two times a day. 
• Sesame Seed Paste: You could take about 1-2 teaspoons of sesame seed paste or take the quantity required by you. 

Usage of Sesame Seeds for Ayurvedic Treatment

Sesame seeds are used for ayurvedic treatment in different ways; check out how you can use these medicinal seeds for your ayurvedic treatment. 

Roasted Sesame Seeds

• You could take about ½ -1 tablespoon of sesame seeds or take the quantity required by you. 
• You can consume these sesame seeds regularly by roasting them.
• You also have the option of adding sesame seeds to your salad.

Sesame Seeds As Milk 

• You could take about 1 cup of sesame seeds and soak them in about 2 cups of water. 
• Let the sesame seeds soak in water overnight.
• The next day, you could blend the sesame seeds with water. 
• Now you can easily strain the milk by using a cheesecloth.
• You could now consume it. 

Sesame Seed Oil 
If you are suffering from dental plaque, then you can follow these steps to reduce the risk. 

• You could take about 2-3 teaspoons of sesame seed oil. 
• You can use this oil for rinsing your mouth for about 5 minutes. 
• You can do this to reduce the risk of dental plaque. 
• You also have the option of using raw sesame seed oil over your food dishes or salads. 
• You could also add sesame seed oil while cooking your food.

Sesame Seeds As Capsules

• You could take about 1-2 sesame seed capsules. 
• You can swallow the capsules with water after having your lunch and dinner. 

Sesame Seeds As Powder 

• You could take about ¼ - ½ teaspoon of sesame seed powder in a bowl.
• Then you could add honey to the bowl for consumption, or you can also consume sesame seed powder with water. 
• You can consume it two times a day after having your lunch and dinner. 

Sesame Seeds As Paste 

• You could take about one cup of sesame seeds to a pan and start roasting them until the seeds turn golden brown in color. 
• Now, let the roasted sesame seeds cool down. 
• After the roasted sesame seeds have cooled down, you can put them in a blender and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 
• Start blending the seeds to make a smooth paste.
• You have the option of adding more olive oil to the blender to get the right consistency of the paste. 
• After the paste is thick, you can transfer it into an airtight container to store it in the refrigerator. 
• You could now consume this paste as a dip with your grilled or baked food items or vegetables. 

Sesame Seed Oil for Massaging 

• You can use sesame seed oil for massaging your body. 
• You could take about 1-2 teaspoons of sesame seed oil in a bowl. 
• Then start massaging your body by using this oil. 
• You also have the option of taking more quantities of sesame seed oil as required by you. 
• After massaging, you can wash off the oil with normal water.

Sesame Seeds As a Face Pack

• You can make a face pack by using sesame seeds. Follow these steps for the preparation. 
• You could take about 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and then grind them to make a smooth paste. 
• You can then mix about 1-2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. 
• Start applying this paste on your face and neck. 
• Massage the pack on your face and neck for 2-3 minutes.
• After 2-3 minutes, you can wash off the paste with warm water. 

Sesame Seed Oil for Your Hair 

• You could take about 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil in a bowl, and then you could add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to the bowl. 
• Now heat both the ingredients for about 1-2 minutes and mix them well.
• Let the mixture cool down for some time.
• Start applying this mixture to your scalp and hair after it cools down.
• Massage the mixture on your scalp and hair properly.
• Leave the mixture untouched for about 35-45 minutes. 
• After 35-45 minutes, you can wash off the mixture with shampoo and tap water. 
• You can repeat this process two times a week for better results. 

Precautionary Guide For Using Sandalwood

Certain precautions must be considered before you use or consume sandalwood. Check out certain precautions that you need to follow. 

Expert Advice 
It is recommended that if you are undergoing any surgery, then it is better not to consume sesame seeds from 2 weeks before your surgery as sesame seeds can cause interference in the blood sugar levels before or during the surgery. 

For Pregnant Women 
Sesame seeds are usually safe when consumed in the right amount. However, it is recommended that if you are breastfeeding, you must consult your doctor before consuming sesame seeds. 

For Breastfeeding Women
Sesame seeds are usually safe when consumed in the right amount. However, it is recommended that if you are breastfeeding, you must consult your doctor before consuming sesame seeds. 

For Heart Disease Patients 
There are chances that sesame seeds could lower your blood pressure. So if you are consuming sesame seeds along with your anti-hypertensive drugs, then you must monitor your blood pressure to stay on the safe side. 

For Allergic Patients 
There are chances that sesame seeds or oil can cause an allergic reaction in people. It is recommended that you consult your doctor if you encounter any allergic reaction after consuming sesame seeds or oil. 

For Diabetic Patients 
There are chances that sesame seeds could lower your blood glucose levels. So if you are consuming sesame seeds along with your antidiabetic drugs, then you must monitor your blood sugar levels to stay on the safe side. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Sesame Seeds

Q. What is the right procedure for consuming sesame seeds?
Ans. You have three options when it comes to eating sesame seeds. You can eat sesame seeds in the following ways.

• Roasted 
• Baked
• Raw 

Q. Is there any difference between black and white sesame seeds?
Ans. Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, you cannot find much difference between white and black sesame seeds. However, you should prefer black sesame seeds over white as black sesame seeds are more beneficial than white.

Science: According to scientific studies, there is a slight difference between black and white sesame seeds in that in black sesame seeds, the outer covering (hull) is not removed. However, in the case of white sesame seeds, the other covering (hull) is removed. Moreover, you can also experience a slight taste difference between the white and black sesame seeds. The white sesame seeds have more of a nutty flavor, and the black sesame seeds are a bit bitter in taste.

Q. What is the procedure for cooking sesame seeds?
Ans. You can easily cook sesame seeds by following these methods. 

Q. Toasted sesame seeds
Ans. If you want to toast your sesame seeds, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take a hot skillet; then you could take 2-3 tablespoons of sesame seeds. 
• Start toasting the seeds for about 3-5 minutes over medium heat until you get a golden-brown shade of the seeds. 

Q. Baked sesame seeds
Ans. If you want to bake your sesame seeds, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take a baking tray, but do not grease it. 
• Then you can take about 2-3 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the baking tray and bake them at 350●C for about 10 minutes.
• Keep baking until you get the brown shade of the seeds. 

Q. Are sesame seeds free of gluten?
Ans. Sesame seeds are usually free of sugar. Both black and white sesame seeds are free of gluten. 

Q. Why is there a need for soaking sesame seeds?
Ans. Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, The reason for soaking sesame seeds is that they become easy to digest after soaking them overnight. Moreover, consuming the soaked sesame seeds leads to enhanced absorption in the body, and you get complete nutrition if you consume the soaked form.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds can be soaked in water overnight if you want to make sesame seed milk.

Q. Ayurvedic tip for making sesame seed milk.
Ans. If you want to make sesame seed milk, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about 1 cup of sesame seeds and soak them in about 2 cups of water. 
• Let the sesame seeds soak in water overnight.
• The next day, you could blend the sesame seeds with water. 
• Now you can easily strain the milk by using a cheesecloth.
• You could now consume it. 

Q. Can consuming sesame seeds lead to cough?
Ans. There are chances that sesame seeds or oil can cause an allergic reaction in people. Some of these allergic reactions include cough and itching. 

Q. Does consume sesame oil lead to diarrhea?
Ans. If you have a weak digestive system or weak digestive fire, then there are chances of the following symptoms. 

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea 

These reactions are because sesame seed oil has guru properties, which makes it heavy to digest. Therefore, as mentioned above, there are chances of problems if you have a weak digestive system. 

Q. Is sesame seed oil good for body or skin massage?
Ans. You can use sesame seed oil as a body or skin massage as it has beneficial properties, which are good for treating arthritic pain or body pain. Sesame seed oil can be easily absorbed by your skin and help repair the damaged skin cells and help improve blood circulation. However, sesame seed oil has ushna property, which is the hot property of this oil, and that is why it is recommended to use sesame seed oil once a day. 

Q. Are there any benefits of sesame seeds for hyperthyroidism?
Ans. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the role of sesame seeds in hyperthyroidism. However, sesame seeds have copper content, which may be somewhat beneficial for managing hyperthyroidism. Copper is an essential requirement for the proper use of the thyroid at the cellular level in your body. 

Q. Are there any benefits of sesame seeds for kidney patients?
Ans. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the role of sesame seeds for a kidney disease patient. However, sesame seeds have lignans content, which is good for the function of the kidneys. 

Q. Are there any benefits of sesame seeds for strong and healthy bones?
Ans. Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, Sesame seeds have balya property, which helps provide strength to your bones and keep them healthy. Therefore, one can consume sesame seeds for keeping their bones strong.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds have calcium and phosphorus contents, which help keep the bones strong and healthy.

Q. Ayurvedic tips for using sesame seeds for healthy bones?
Ans. If you want healthy bones, then you can follow these steps. 

• You could take about ¼ - ½ teaspoon of sesame seed powder in a bowl.
• Then you could add honey to the bowl for consumption, or you can also consume sesame seed powder with water. 
• You can consume it two times a day after having your lunch and dinner. 

Q. Are there any benefits of sesame seeds for managing the symptoms of menopause?
Ans. Ayurveda: According to ayurvedic studies, some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, are because of an imbalance of Pitta dosha in the body, which may cause hormonal imbalance. However, sesame seeds have Pitta-balancing properties, which are beneficial for managing the symptoms of menopause.

Science: According to scientific studies, Sesame seeds have phytoestrogens content, which is beneficial for managing the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. You can consume sesame seeds to manage menopause as it helps maintain the hormonal balance in the body.

Q. Are there any benefits of sesame seeds for radiation protection?
Ans. Sesame seeds have antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for protecting against radiation. Therefore, sesame seeds help in preventing cell damage that is caused by harmful rays. 

Q. What are the benefits of regular consumption of sesame seed oil?
Ans. Sesame seed oil is highly nutritious as it has proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats, which are good for the body. Therefore, you can regularly consume sesame seed oil to manage blood sugar levels and lower high cholesterol levels in the body. 

Q. Does sesame seed oil lead to skin itching?
Ans. You can use sesame seed oil in different forms like a moisturizer, skin lotion, anti-wrinkle treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment, and body massage. The sesame seed oil has sukshma property, which makes it easier to absorb in the skin, thereby repairing the damaged skin cells and improving blood circulation. However, sesame seed oil has ushna property, which is the hot property of this oil, and it can cause skin itching in people who are allergic to sesame seed oil. 

Q. Does sesame seed oil lead to skin acne?
Ans. Sesame seed oil does not cause acne, but it absorbs the excess oil from your skin as it has ropan properties, which are beneficial for skin healing.