Sesame oil is an indispensable kitchen helper. Adding a dash to dishes enhances their flavor. In fact, sesame oil isn't just a seasoning—it has many other uses. Traditional Chinese medicine considers sesame oil cool in nature and sweet in taste, capable of treating minor ailments like constipation, rhinitis, and menstrual irregularities. Let's explore its benefits and applications.Sesame oil, known in traditional Chinese medicine as "sesame seed oil," is considered sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, and non-toxic. It enters the Yangming meridian. It has effects such as moistening dryness, relieving constipation, detoxifying, and promoting tissue regeneration. It can assist in treating conditions like intestinal dryness and constipation, roundworm infestation, food stagnation with abdominal pain, sores and swellings, ulcers, scabies, and skin fissures.The Compendium of Famous Physicians' Prescriptions records its ability to promote bowel movements and aid in the expulsion of retained placenta. Raw sesame oil can be rubbed on sores and swellings and is used to promote hair growth in bald spots.The Thousand Gold Prescriptions: Dietary Therapy notes its ability to dispel wandering wind affecting the head and face. Meng Shen, the renowned Tang Dynasty dietary therapy expert who lived to 93, also stated it can eliminate five types of jaundice, clear heat toxins from the triple burner, unblock the large and small intestines, treat heart pain caused by roundworms, and when applied topically, heal all malignant sores, scabies, and kill all parasites.
Sesame oil contains approximately 40% unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and palmitic acid, which are easily broken down, absorbed, and utilized by the body. This promotes cholesterol metabolism and helps eliminate deposits on arterial walls.
Due to its high fat content and calorie density, healthy individuals should limit daily sesame oil intake to less than 5 milliliters.Individuals with coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia should avoid excessive consumption.
Benefits and Uses of Sesame Oil:
1. Treating Rhinitis
Dry weather, poor sleep, or excessive fatigue can cause nasal dryness, congestion, headaches, and other chronic rhinitis symptoms.In such cases, apply sesame oil to the affected nasal passages using a sterilized cotton ball. Relief is typically felt after one application, with symptoms fully subsiding after two.Finally, pour in the warm water and stir thoroughly before drinking. This method is highly effective for constipation caused by intestinal dryness.
3. Sesame Oil for Eczema
Sesame oil can also help with eczema. Apply it directly to the affected area. For eczema with oozing yellow fluid, add mung bean powder, which has detoxifying properties.The specific method involves roasting mung bean powder until golden, letting it cool, then mixing it with sesame oil to form a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area.
4. Sesame Oil for Skin Care and Spot Removal
The Compendium of Materia Medica states: Regular consumption of sesame oil can relieve heart palpitations, enhance appetite, refresh the mind, improve eyesight, and prevent aging. Rich in vitamin E, sesame oil promotes cell division and delays aging.Additionally, the lecithin in sesame oil not only moisturizes the skin but also fades spots, particularly age spots. Long-term use also protects gums and oral health. In dry northern winters, applying a small amount of sesame oil to the skin keeps it smooth and refined; applying a little to the lips morning and night serves as a natural lip balm.
5. Moisturizing the Lungs and Relieving Coughs
Stir-frying lamb liver with sesame oil can moisturize the lungs and alleviate coughing.
6. Treating Coughs
Before bedtime, fry an egg in pure sesame oil. Consuming this daily for several days can help cure coughs.
7. Protects Esophagus and Stomach Mucosa
Consuming sesame oil before drinking alcohol provides protective benefits for the esophagus and stomach lining.
8. Removes Fish Bones Stuck in Throat
When a fish bone lodges in the esophagus, drinking sesame oil helps it slide past the mucosa and facilitates expulsion.
9. Treating Periodontitis, Bad Breath, Tonsillitis, and Gum Bleeding
Rinsing with half a tablespoon of sesame oil daily can alleviate symptoms of periodontitis, bad breath, tonsillitis, and gum bleeding.
10. Protecting the Voice
Regular consumption of sesame oil enhances vocal cord elasticity, improving the flexibility and strength of vocal cord movement. It effectively aids recovery from hoarseness and chronic pharyngitis.
11. Alleviates bronchitis
For those with bronchitis or emphysema, taking a sip of sesame oil before bed and another upon waking the next morning can significantly reduce coughing that day. Daily consumption may gradually alleviate coughing over time.
12. Mitigate Cigarette Harm
Regular consumption of sesame oil by smokers can lessen direct irritation and damage to teeth, gums, and oral mucosa caused by tobacco, reduce the formation of lung stains, and relatively inhibit nicotine absorption.
13. Treating Emphysema and Bronchitis
Sesame oil greatly benefits those suffering from emphysema and bronchitis. Taking a sip before bed and another upon waking the next morning can significantly reduce coughing that same day. If consumed daily, the cough will gradually lessen.
The above highlights sesame oil's benefits and versatile applications. With so many uses, if your kitchen lacks sesame oil, hurry and grab a bottle!