Indian sesame

Indian sesame: Description, Application and Properties

Indian sesame is an annual herbaceous plant of the family Pedaliaceae that is native to tropical Africa but is also grown in many other tropical and subtropical areas. Sesame seeds, also known as Sesami semen (formerly: Semen Sesami), and sesame oil, Sesami oleum (formerly: Oleum Sesami), have numerous uses in medicine, cooking and cosmetology.

Botanical description of sesame

Indian sesame is a tall plant, reaching a height of 1-1.5 meters. Outwardly, it resembles a foxglove. Sesame leaves are long and narrow, and the flowers are white or yellow. The plant blooms during the summer and then forms pods containing small seeds.

Properties of sesame

The fatty oil pressed from the seeds is the active ingredient of sesame. It contains glycerol ester of butyric acid and other organic acids. Sesame oil has many beneficial properties, such as improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Uses of sesame

Sesame seeds are used in cooking to add to various dishes. They also serve as raw materials for the production of edible oil. Sesame oil is often used in cosmetology for skin and hair care. It can also be used for massage.

In addition, sesame oil is used medicinally as a mild laxative. It can be taken in enema form to treat constipation. Sesame oil can also help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

In conclusion, Indian sesame is a useful and versatile plant that has many uses in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. Sesame seeds and sesame oil can be used to improve skin and hair health, strengthen the immune system, improve digestion and help treat constipation.