Sesame for hair loss and a herbal sunscreen

Sesame, Sesamum indicum but sometimes labeled Sesamum orientale, is a tropical plant which originates from India, although it is found across most of Africa and Asia. It is a tender annual which requires full sun and reaches a height of around 3 feet (1m), bearing yellow, blue or purple flowers in July.

In Britain, it is difficult to grow to maturity, although the variety “90 Day” is more likely to succeed, at least in Southern counties. It may do better under cover. It grows well in Southern United States, and is grown commercially there, principally in Texas, but as it needs moist soil, requires irrigation.

Sesame has a long history of use in Indian medicine, and is regarded as a holy plant representing Vishnu’s consort, Devi. Although we normally see creamy-white seeds on sale in the West, the color can range through to charcoal, which is the color preferred in the Far East. It is not suitable for use by pregnant women or the obese.

Medicinally, the leaves, seed and oil are all used for various purposes.

Mixing the leaves with water produces mucilage which can be used to treat diarrhea and bladder problems, and is safe for infants.

The seed is very rich in nutrients, but unfortunately also in calories. A quarter of a US cup (2 fl oz, 60ml) provides 206 calories, almost 75% of the adult daily requirement of copper, and useful quantities of manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition sesame seeds contain lignans which act as an antioxidant, lowering cholesterol and  protecting against high blood pressure. When eaten the seed acts as a diuretic and liver/kidney tonic, promotes milk flow in nursing mothers, and is used to treat premature hair loss, constipation and osteoporosis. Externally, in the form of a poultice (made by crushing the seed and mixing with very hot water, then wrapping in a finely woven cloth), it is used to treat hemorrhoids and external ulcers.

Sesame oil, which is difficult to produce at home but can be purchased in many larger supermarkets and in some Asian grocers, can be used to promote menstruation, as a laxative and externally to treat rough skin and act as a protection against UV light.

Although many gardeners will have difficulty growing this plant, if you decide to do so, it’s important that you use organic methods, so that the intrinsic properties are not destroyed by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic sesame visit the Gardenzone.

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