Latin Name
Sesamum indicum
General Description
The oil is prepared from large, round, black sesame seeds, which have a sweet taste.
Chinese medicine practitioners often prescribe the oil, sometimes called hu ma you,
for constipation. They also use the
sesame seeds as a laxative. Traditional Chinese medicine characterizes sesame oil as
sweet and neutral.
Target Ailments
Preparations
Sesame seeds or oil is available at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and Western health
food stores. The seeds are also available in tablet form. A tablespoonful of the oil by
itself in the evening is considered effective for constipation.
Combinations: Sesame oil is also mixed with therapeutic oils that contain other
medicinally useful herbs. One remedy for constipation
combines the seeds with chicken eggs; another formula mixes sesame seeds, dong quai and
biota seeds. Chinese medicine practitioners prescribe a combination of sesame seeds and
white mulberry leaf for dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus
(ringing in the ears) and headaches.
For information on dosages and other preparations, check with a Chinese medicine practitioner.
Special Information
