The enchanting phrase “Open Sesame!” that many of us know from childhood originates from an Arabic folk tale about Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It first appeared in the collection of the French orientalist Antoine Galland in the early 18th century titled “One Thousand and One Nights.” In the story, the key to the treasure’s hiding place is associated with the sesame pod (another name for the plant is “sesame”), which opens up to release its ripe seeds. For centuries, sesame oil has been extracted from these seeds, and its properties allow this botanical treasure to be used in cooking, beauty, and health—both for practical purposes and magical practices.
What is Sesame?
The name “sesame” is borrowed from Turkic languages (with Persian origins), while “sesam” comes from Semitic languages (the Latin term for the plant genus Sesamum has Aramaic roots): it is derived from the Hebrew concept of “creator” or “heavenly name.” In later Talmudic texts, sesame became associated with Babylonian magical rituals, where sesame oil was used from the Shaman shammī, meaning “oily plant.”
This herbaceous plant can grow up to two meters tall and has been cultivated for ages in subtropical and tropical regions, adapting to the climatic conditions of various parts of the world. Sesame is considered a food treasure everywhere and is primarily in demand as a nutritious food product. Oil extracted from sesame seeds is used in cooking, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics; its roots are made into medicines for fever, headaches, and stomach disorders, while its leaves are used to prepare refreshing drinks.
Taste Profile
Sesame seeds come in white, black, brown, red, and yellow varieties, each with its own flavor. Black sesame, which is unrefined, is considered the most beneficial, as the outer shell of the seed is the primary source of vitamins and trace elements. Black sesame is a champion in antioxidant and calcium content, making it a popular addition to desserts and baked goods. In contrast, white sesame is better suited for salads and oil production.
Sesame seeds have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that intensifies when roasted, while the leaves of the sesame plant have a pungent taste. Due to these properties, sesame is used in cooking as a fragrant spice. In culinary arts, fresh or pickled leaves, oil, seeds (which are used to garnish and flavor cookies, crackers, and baked goods), and powder (which is added to sauces, gravies, meat and mushroom , vegetable casseroles, and desserts) are utilized.
Culinary Uses
Sesame pairs well with , beef, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. People in the Middle East traditionally prepare sweets with sesame seeds, such as baklava, halva, praline, and tahini paste. Cold-pressed sesame oil, made by mechanically pressing raw seeds, has a pale yellow color and retains all its beneficial elements: it is added at the end of cooking to marinades, , and dressings. Sesame oil is not suitable for frying, as it quickly smokes when heated.
However, both raw and toasted seeds can be used to make oil. Cold-pressed sesame oil has a delicate nutty flavor and grainy aroma (its consistency resembles that of sunflower oil). Oil from toasted sesame seeds has a richer taste, intense aroma, and darker color (amber or dark brown). Raw sesame oil undergoes refining, which gives the product a neutral taste. The caloric content of sesame oil is 884 kcal/100 g or 120 calories per tablespoon.
Benefits and Risks of Sesame Oil
The oil made from white seeds is used for culinary purposes, while oil from black sesame seeds is used for medicinal purposes: it is included in topical treatments for wounds and burns. Sesame oil contains vitamins E and K, as well as omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid), monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants (lignans such as sesamin, sesamol, sesamolin, sesaminol, and pinorezinol), which may be beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Benefits of Sesame Oil:
- Prevents inflammatory processes;
- Accelerates tissue regeneration (can even help with bone fractures);
- Sesame oil for joints alleviates pain symptoms of arthritis (this effect is why sesame oil is used for massage);
- Lowers levels of “bad” cholesterol and blood sugar;
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases and memory disorders;
- Increases serotonin levels (acts as an antidepressant, alleviates stress);
- Neutralizes free radicals;
- Protects skin from ultraviolet radiation;
- Strengthens hair;
- Prevents constipation;
- Kills harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.
Uses of Sesame Oil:
- Enhancing the flavor of dishes;
- Production of margarine and other food industry products;
- Massage (sesame oil alleviates muscle and limb pain);
- Cosmetics (sesame oil for the face is used as an ingredient in masks, creams, lip balms, and hair conditioners);
- Perfume (a component of fragrances);
- Pharmaceuticals (a medicinal agent or solvent for medications).
However, the benefits of sesame oil do not exclude precautions regarding its consumption under certain conditions.
Contraindications for Sesame Oil Consumption:
- Hypotension;
- Digestive organ diseases;
- Thyroid dysfunction;
- Use of medications for diabetes or high blood pressure;
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Food or contact allergy to sesame.
Excessive consumption of sesame oil can lead to a drop in blood glucose levels below normal, increase the risk of bleeding, cause weight gain, bloating, and diarrhea. The primary reason for prohibiting sesame consumption is individual intolerance. If signs of allergic reactions occur (symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hives, facial redness or swelling, coughing, wheezing, throat itching), it is essential to consult an allergist.
How to Consume Sesame Oil
A teaspoon of sesame oil taken on an empty stomach can strengthen the immune system, kickstart digestion, alleviate gastritis symptoms, treat constipation, and increase calcium levels. However, it should be noted that sesame oil increases blood clotting, making it contraindicated for those prone to thrombosis. Typically, one should start taking sesame oil with minimal doses and gradually increase them while being cautious of allergic reactions. With a doctor’s approval, sesame oil can be used to treat various conditions.
Indications for Use:
- Hypertension;
- Hyperglycemia;
- Elevated cholesterol;
- Thrombocytopenia;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Digestive disorders;
- Vitamin E deficiency;
- Inflammation;
- Stress;
- Depression;
- Hair loss;
- Dermatological diseases;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Diabetes;
- Liver and biliary tract diseases (hepatitis, gallstones, etc.);
- Pancreatitis;
- Gastritis;
- Rickets;
- Burns;
- Otitis;
- Dryness of the nasal cavity (sesame oil for the nose in the form of a spray or drops moisturizes the mucous membrane).
For constipation and other gastrointestinal issues, sesame oil is taken by the teaspoon half an hour before meals, starting with once a day and gradually increasing the dosage to two tablespoons per day. Before consumption, sesame oil is usually mixed with water. For treating skin affected by psoriasis, sesame oil is used in its pure form. When treating joints with sesame oil, it is rubbed into the affected areas in a thin layer like a balm or gel with anti-inflammatory effects. For hemorrhoids, sesame oil-soaked tampons are applied externally.
To promote hair health, sesame oil is massaged into the scalp and washed out after an hour. It can also be added to masks for gray hair (egg, yogurt, or avocado-based ). Sesame oil is used for mouth rinsing in cases of gingivitis. For diabetes, sesame oil is consumed for at least three months instead of other oils. The effect is typically achieved in the second or third month of intake. To determine a safe dosage and create an individual diet plan, it is essential to consult a doctor before starting treatment with sesame oil.
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