Common Name: |
Gingili |
Other Names: |
Sesame, Benne |
Botanical Name: |
Sesamum indicum |
Genus: |
Sesamum |
Family: |
Pedaliaceae |
Native Location: |
S Africa, widely naturalized and cultivated. |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, sandy soil in sun. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring at 18-24°C (56-75°F) |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked during the growing season for use in infusions. Seeds are collected when ripe and stored whole for decoctions, pressed for oil, or ground into paste. |
Height: |
1-2m (3-6ft) |
Width: |
45-90cm (18-36in) |
Variations: |
Afghani Is dwarf and early, with abundant golden-brown seeds. Height: 1m (3ft) |
Black Thai Has pink-white flowers and black, richly flavored seeds. |
|
Hardiness: |
Min. 15°C (59°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, seeds (hei zhi ma), oil |
Properties: |
A sweet, warming, soothing herb that strengthens bones and teeth, lubricates dry tissues, relaxes spasms, and has a tonic effect on the liver and kidneys. It is a mild laxative and lowers blood sugar levels. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for premature hair loss and graying, convalescence, chronic dry constipation, dental caries, osteoporosis, stiff joints, dry cough, and symptoms such as tinnitus, poor vision, dizziness, headache associated with weak liver and kidney energy (seeds); infantile cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, mucus, and cystitis (leaves); dry constipation in the elderly (oil). Externally for hemorrhoids (seeds), and burns, boils, ulcers, (oil mixed with lime water). |
Culinary Uses: |
Dry, roasted, or toasted seeds are used in breads, cakes, cookies, (such as benne wafers), and pastries; also as a garnishing and flavoring for vegetables. Ground seeds are made into a paste (tahini), dip hummus (Middle East), mixed with honey as halva (Middle East, India), or salt (gomashio); also to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. Sesame oil (also known as benne/bene oil or gingili) is used in cooking and salad dressings, especially in Japanese cuisine. Leaves are eaten in salads or cooked as a vegetable. |
Economic Uses: |
Seeds are added to bakery products. Sesame oil is used in the manufacture of margarine, lubricants, soaps, and pharmaceutical drugs. Residue is used in livestock feeds. |
Warning: |
Seeds and oil are high in calories, and may not be advisable in the treatment of obese patients. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 367-368 |