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SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp SPECIES: Sesamum indicum FAMILY:
Pedaliaceae EAT IN: "It depends on the person - soaking and roasting seeds makes them easier to digest and therefore can be helpful for..." - Kimberly Kubicke,  SEE MORE REVIEWS & COMMENTSAbout the Author: John Immel, How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISFrazzled nerves, insomnia, cold extremities? Self-massaging with warmed sesame oil is another healthful application that will alleviate these conditions. Suffer from constipation, or dry, pellet-like stool? The warming nature of sesame will promote better digestion and help lubricate the intestines. However, as a heavy food, sesame must be chewed carefully to aid the body in assimilating its healthful qualities. If you tend toward inflammation, rashes, diarrhea, and nut allergies, sesame should be taken moderately, if at all. Its warming nature is not the perfect fix for all, but a great supplement for many. Sesame is a survivor native to sub-Saharan Africa and India. The golden or black sesame seed can miraculously grow in drought conditions. Ayurvedic knowledge says that the sesame's survivor nature imparts a special strength to those who use it for medicine. Ayurveda knows sesame as a strengthener. Its luscious, unctuous nature fortifies immunity, protects those with debility, and deeply feeds bodily tissue. ABOUT SESAME SEEDSHistory is rife with exultations of the sesame seed. Assyrian legend says that sesame wine inspired gods to create the Earth. Romans ate the seeds mixed with honey for valor in battle; the women of ancient Babylon ate the same mixture to preserve youth and beauty. After ghee, the oil of sesame seeds is the most prized in Ayurveda, used both in food and in many body treatments like massage. BUYING & PREPARATIONCOOKING SESAME SEEDS Browse RecipesLearn about the health benefits of Sesame Seeds for FREE
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WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Are Sesame Seeds Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICSWhat is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Bone & Joint: Bone Tonic BONE-TONICAn herb that strengthens the bones and joints.Energy Vitality Strength: Builds stamina , BUILDS-STAMINAPromotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.Satisfies stomach , SATISFIES-STOMACHProvides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.Stimulates energy , STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsNutritive , NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Tonic TONICA tonic herb strengthens tissue, often restoring healthy function. Tonics usually target a specific organ, tissue, or system ie: brain, muscle or respiratory tonic.Heart & Circulation: Blood Tonic BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body or otherwise strengthens blood. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Liver & Gall Bladder: Livotonic LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Grounding GROUNDINGEncourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth.Reproductive Health: Builds Semen , BUILDS-SEMENHerbs that increase the production of semen, often by rebuilding fluids in general.Galactagogue , GALACTAGOGUEIncreases production of breast milk.Promotes Fertility , PROMOTES-FERTILITYAn herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period).Promotes Virility PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency.Skin Care & Beauty: Rubefacient , RUBEFACIENTAn herb used topically that causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. The skin will appear red or flushed.Skin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Bowel-Poop-Elimination: General Laxative GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...Strengthening-Tonics: Muscle Tonic MUSCLE-TONICHerbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain.HEALTH & WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) Eat Well for Life With Ayurveda: Balance Your DoshaHOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.View Other Ingredients for Autumn-WinterSesame Seeds is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Sesame Seeds'Do you like 'sesame seeds'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'sesame seeds'?
Sesame also gives warmth and is rich in bio-available calcium and other bone minerals. It also calms and nourishes Vata. Dr. Shrestha always encourages toasting sesame to prevent ama accumulation (special enzyme inhibitor perhaps?) of raw sesame.
Why is sesame oil used in Pitta massage formuations since sesame is warming/hot for Pitta? Does the coconut oil in Pitta formulations balance the hot from sesame seed oil?
is it safe to use sesame seeds in pregnancy?
Sesame oil is contraindicated for Pitta dosha - many Pitta massage formulations use coconut oil instead.
Does Joyful belly recommend soaking dehydrating sesame seeds (and seeds in general) before use? Or, is eating raw seeds allowable?
It depends on the person - soaking and roasting seeds makes them easier to digest and therefore can be helpful for those with weak digestion.
a traditional home remedy for
This information has not been validated by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Reproductive Health Abortion (Past, Recent or Considering), Small breastsMind Stress Sleep Anxiety, fear, uncertaintyBlood and Circulation High Blood PressureWeight Loss Sunken, ribs showingBones Thin hair, Weak muscles
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. |
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