Natural Herb Library

Sesame Oil

Chinese
芝麻油
Pinyin
Zhi Ma You
Latin
Oleum Sesami
Botanical illustration of Oil of Oriental Sesame, Sesamum indicum, showing sesame capsules, seeds, and concentrated golden medicinal oil details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Zhi Ma You (芝麻油), this sweet, cool herb enters the Large Intestine. Traditionally, it resolves toxicity and promotes tissue regeneration; used as a base for topical powders, pastes, and ointments for wounds, burns, sores, and bruises, most often applied for constipation, burns, and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Sesamin among its active constituents.

Part used: Oil

Also Known As

Sesamum indicum oil Ma You Sesami

Latin: Oleum Sesami | Pinyin: Zhi Ma You | Chinese: 芝麻油

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet
Temperature
cool
Channels
Large Intestine

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Resolves toxicity and promotes tissue regeneration; used as a base for topical powders, pastes, and ointments for wounds, burns, sores, and bruises
  • Moistens dryness and relaxes the bowels; treats constipation from intestinal dryness

Secondary Actions

  • Used both orally and externally; also applied for tinea, scabies, and chapped skin

Classical References

  • Documented in later Chinese materia medica primarily as a topical vehicle for wound and burn preparations, with secondary oral use for dryness

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Sesamin
  • Sesamolin
  • Linoleic and oleic acids
  • Vitamin E (tocopherols)

Studied Effects

  • Lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) show antioxidant activity
  • Studied for topical wound-healing applications and as a carrier oil for other therapeutic compounds
  • High unsaturated fat content supports traditional moistening, laxative use

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Sesame allergy

Cautions

  • Spleen deficiency with loose stools, due to its moistening, laxative effect

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sesame Oil used for?

Sesame Oil is traditionally used to Resolves toxicity and promotes tissue regeneration; used as a base for topical powders, pastes, and ointments for wounds, burns, sores, and bruises, Moistens dryness and relaxes the bowels; treats constipation from intestinal dryness. Research has investigated its effects on: Lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) show antioxidant activity; Studied for topical wound-healing applications and as a carrier oil for other therapeutic compounds.

What are other names for Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil is also known as Sesamum indicum oil, Ma You, Sesami. In TCM: 芝麻油 (Zhi Ma You); Oleum Sesami.

Is Sesame Oil safe during pregnancy?

Sesame Oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.

What are the contraindications for Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil should not be used in: Sesame allergy. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.