I know many will scrunch up their faces and ask themselves, "They come in black?" Beyond the sprinkling of its paler counterpart on a hamburger bun, black sesame seeds may not even have gotten a cursory glance from many. Black sesame seeds, also known as hei zhi ma, are used in traditional Chinese medicine for a number of health benefits.
Read on and you will learn of a few.
RELIEF FROM HOT FLASHES: As this is a cooling herb used to clear heat from the body, this seed may be used to minimise hot flashes associated with menopause. It may also be used to relieve accompanying symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness, which accompany feelings of heat in the body and/or increased thirst.
CONSTIPATION: Black sesame seeds are used to moisten and lubricate the intestines, helping to guide out accumulations in the intestines. It may be used in cases of mild to moderate constipation and may be taken at bedtime, whether daily or on alternate nights, depending on the severity of the problem. It is always best to use the least amount of the herb that is necessary to allow for regular bowel movements without straining, in order to prevent the other extreme of excessive and loose bowel movement.
LOWER BLOOD SUGAR: It can affect the endocrine system by lowering blood sugar levels, thus reducing the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. This makes it a beneficial dietary inclusion for persons living with diabetes, in conjunction with other lifestyle adjustments geared toward lowering blood glucose.
STRENGTHENING HERB: Black sesame seeds may be used to fortify and nourish the body in cases of weakness, particularly following a long illness during the recovery stage. It is especially useful when there is a noticeable increase in warmth in the body, generally.
WHERE TO FIND IT: You may have walked by it many times without realising it. Many supermarkets carry black sesame seeds, usually in the spice aisle. They may also be found in some health-food stores.
PREPARATION - HOW TO USE: Black sesame seeds can be easily incorporated in any number of fish and meat dishes. They are used in Japanese and Chinese cooking to add flavour to salads, dressings, dipping sauces, cakes, biscuits, desserts, ice creams, and beverages. The Japanese lightly dry-roast the seeds before use, then combine with salt to be used as a popular table condiment called goma-shio ('sesame salt'), which is sprinkled over rice.
DOSAGE: 10-grams may be taken daily, even as much as 20-grams.
CAUTION: Black sesame seed is relatively safe to be used by just about anyone. However, it is not recommended for persons with diarrhoea.
