Benefits of Sesame Oil: The Sacred Oil That Heals Mouth, Nourishes Skin & Anchors the Nervous System

For over 5,000 years, sesame oil has been more than a cooking fat—it’s been sacred medicine. In Ayurveda, it’s called “the king of oils,” revered for its ability to calm the mind, lubricate joints, and draw out toxins. In ancient Babylon, women consumed it for longevity; in traditional Chinese medicine, it nourished “yin” and supported kidney health. Today, modern science reveals why: sesame oil is uniquely rich in sesamin, sesamol, and vitamin E—powerful lignans and antioxidants that support heart health, oral hygiene, skin integrity, and nervous system resilience. Unlike industrial seed oils, cold-pressed sesame oil is stable, anti-inflammatory, and deeply healing—proving that some of the oldest remedies are also the most advanced.

At Tips Expensive, we believe true luxury lies in ingredients that honor both body and tradition. And sesame oil? It’s ancestral wisdom in every drop. When sourced as organic, cold-pressed, unrefined sesame oil, it delivers clinical-grade wellness with golden grace. No hexane. No deodorizing. Just pure, roasted or untoasted oil that has grounded human health since the dawn of healing.

1. Oral Health—Oil Pulling’s Original Hero

Sesame oil is the traditional oil used in gandusha (oil pulling), an Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil to detoxify the mouth. Its antibacterial and antifungal compounds—especially sesamol—reduce Streptococcus mutans, plaque, and gingivitis.

A landmark study in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found that sesame oil pulling was as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing oral bacteria—without staining teeth or disrupting microbiome balance. It’s not folklore—it’s evidence-based hygiene.

2. Skin Radiance—Nature’s Moisture Lock

Sesame oil penetrates deeply, delivering vitamin E and fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and protect against UV damage. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which soothes inflammation and supports ceramide production.

Unlike mineral oil (a petroleum byproduct), sesame oil is bioactive: it’s been shown to accelerate wound healing, reduce oxidative stress, and even exhibit mild SPF properties. In India, it’s massaged into babies’ skin daily—not for luxury, but for intelligent protection.

3. Heart Health—The Lignan Advantage

The lignans sesamin and sesamolin in sesame oil lower LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve arterial flexibility. They also enhance vitamin E absorption—amplifying antioxidant defense.

In a 2020 meta-analysis, regular sesame oil consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides. When used in place of refined vegetable oils, it becomes a cornerstone of cardiovascular wellness.

4. Nervous System Calm—Ayurveda’s Grounding Elixir

In Ayurveda, sesame oil is prized for its “grounding” effect on vata (the nervous system). Massaged into the scalp or feet before bed, it reduces anxiety, insomnia, and mental restlessness.

Modern research supports this: its magnesium and zinc content support GABA function, while its warm, heavy nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s not sedation—it’s deep, sensory recalibration.

5. Anti-Inflammatory & Joint Support

Sesamin inhibits inflammatory pathways like NF-kB and COX-2—similar to NSAIDs, but without gut damage. In arthritis models, it reduces joint swelling and pain.

Used in warm oil massages (abhyanga), sesame oil lubricates connective tissue and eases stiffness. It’s not masking pain—it’s nourishing the structures that move you.

6. Hair & Scalp Nourishment

Sesame oil strengthens hair roots, prevents premature graying (thanks to its copper content), and combats dandruff with its antifungal properties. Its dark hue also offers mild UV protection for the scalp.

Unlike synthetic serums, it feeds follicles with bioavailable nutrients. A weekly pre-wash massage isn’t indulgence—it’s ancestral haircare, validated by time.

7. Stable Cooking Fat—Resists Oxidation

Thanks to sesamol—a natural antioxidant—sesame oil is remarkably stable when heated. Light (untoasted) sesame oil has a smoke point of 410°F (210°C), making it excellent for sautéing and stir-frying.

Unlike polyunsaturated oils (like soybean or sunflower), it doesn’t degrade into harmful aldehydes. It’s not just safe—it’s one of the few culinary oils that enhances nutritional integrity while cooking.

8. A Ritual of Sacred, Mindful Luxury

At Tips Expensive, we honor fats that connect us to ritual and rhythm. Pouring sesame oil—the amber stream, the nutty aroma, the warm weight in your palms—it’s a moment of presence in a rushed world.

And though it’s globally available, its legacy is profound: from Vedic fire ceremonies to Chinese longevity tonics, sesame oil bridges earth and spirit with quiet dignity. True luxury includes purity—and sesame oil rewards those who choose organic, cold-pressed, unrefined oil in dark glass bottles (avoid “refined” or “deodorized” versions—they’ve lost their healing soul).