Gray Sesame Body Massage Oil

Sesame Body Massage Oil

Benefits of Sesame Oil:

The sesame seed, Sesamum indicum, is a tiny gem that packs a mighty punch.  Each sesame seed is protected by an outer shell that naturally opens when the seed ripens (giving rise to the phrase  Open Sesame  At this time the seeds are ready to be pressed into light golden sesame oil.

Sesame seed is rich in a number of nutrients, including calcium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, thiamine, and magnesium (2).  It also contains a good bit of dietary fiber, supporting a healthy colon.

Sesame oil has been used to support numerous healthy systems in the body, including the nervous system, bones and muscles, skin and hair, the digestive tract including the colon, and the male and female reproductive system (1).

Sesame Oil and Ayurveda: Traditional Uses

The sesame seed, from an Ayurvedic perspective, is sweet, pungent, astringent, and bitter, and has a heating effect (1).   Its greatest benefit is in balancing vata.  The heating nature of sesame can also be good for kapha, though you must be careful in cases of excess kapha as it is also heavy and building.  It grows in a dry climate, and in turn, is beneficial when the dry quality is in excess (1).

Nourishing, calming and warming, sesame oil is a fundamental part of the nurturing Ayurvedic massage tradition of India.  Self-massage with sesame oil is highly recommended for these benefits:

In addition to massage, traditional Ayurvedic uses of sesame oil include the following: