Black Sesame Seeds

--- Dr Zhu Weimin

Effects: Darkening of white hair, prevention of osteoporosis, skin protection, prevention of hypertension, prevention of heart diseases, fighting against cancer, etc.

Black sesame seeds are a common food and also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The famous physician of the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen, in his work "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Bencao Gangmu), said: "Taking black sesame seeds for a hundred days can eliminate all kinds of ailments; in a year, the body and face will become radiant, without hunger; in two years, white hair will turn black again; in three years, fallen teeth will regrow."

Black sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E, which slows down the aging process; they nourish the five internal organs, strengthen bones and muscles, enhance vital energy; they promote physical health, extend life, nourish the liver and kidneys, and moisturize the lungs and spleen.

Blood Pressure Control

Black sesame seeds contain a lot of potassium, with a potassium-sodium ratio of about 40:1, which is very important for blood pressure control and heart health.

Blood Vessel Cleansing, Atherosclerosis Prevention

Black sesame seeds are rich in fat-soluble antioxidants, which enhance the elasticity of blood vessels and promote normal blood circulation. They are particularly beneficial for preventing atherosclerosis in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Cancer Fighting, Anti-Aging, Longevity

The abundant anthocyanins in black sesame seeds combat aging and promote cardiovascular health. Being rich in selenium as well, they possess anti-cancer properties.

Furthermore, the fats present in black sesame seeds are mainly unsaturated fatty acids, also contributing to longevity.

Cholesterol Reduction

The unsaturated fatty acids contained in black sesame seeds can reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins.

Zhang Xichun's lietan decoction, a famous Chinese physician from the era of the Republic of China, also includes black sesame seeds. The formula is as follows:

30g of coix lacryma-jobi

12g of pinellia (processed)

9g of black sesame seeds (roasted and ground)

6g of sweet apricot kernel (roasted and ground)

6g of white peony root

6g of dried orange peel

6g of poria cocos

Infuse in water and consume.

This prescription treats numerous diseases considered serious and difficult to treat by Western medicine. It covers heart, lung, neurological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, orthopedic conditions, etc. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these diseases are often caused by the accumulation of mucus and phlegm (Tan Xian) in the body, which can lead to the aforementioned conditions, for example:In the horizontal region of the chest diaphragm, if mucus accumulates, it can cause a feeling of chest tightness and shortness of breath.

If the lungs are congested with mucus, it can lead to shortness of breath, asthma, and bouts of coughing.

When mucus obstructs the heart, it can cause palpitations and insomnia.

If mucus stagnates in the stomach, it can lead to bloating, feelings of fullness, and belching.

When mucus blocks the meridians, it can result in numbness or weakness in the limbs.

If mucus accumulates in the joints or affects tendons and bones, it can hinder joint movement, cause pain, and restrictions.

If mucus rises with liver heat, it can lead to dizziness and headaches.

In "Zhang Xichun's Medical Wisdom" (Yixue Zhongzhong Canxilu), two cases of treating illnesses with this formula are presented.

Case 1:

A friend, Dr. Mao ××, treated a woman around forty years old. She suffered from upper fullness and lower weakness, with an accumulation of mucus and phlegm, decreased appetite, and wheezing with slight exertion. Other doctors had adjusted the Er Chen Tang formula for three years, but the condition continued to worsen. Later, Dr. Mao ×× diagnosed the patient and used Zhang Xichun's formula for mucus. After a few doses, her condition improved significantly. By adjusting the formula, removing 12g of coix lacryma-jobi, and adding 15g of yam, the patient was completely cured of her mucus symptoms after about twenty doses. All illnesses were cured and did not recur for several years.

Case 2:

Dr. Mao ×× also treated a young woman with epilepsy. Initially, she had seizures every two or three months, but over time, they became more frequent, occurring every two or three days. Her pulse was slippery (Hua Mai), and she had a coated tongue. The diagnosis was excess mucus and phlegm. Zhang Xichun's formula for mucus was used, with the addition of 9g of cinnabar. After a few doses, the underlying cause of the disease was eliminated. Subsequently, Dr. Mao ×× shared his experience with me. I expressed my great satisfaction, saying, "When I originally formulated this prescription, I did not know it would be effective against epilepsy, but thanks to your application and the addition of cinnabar, the results are impressive, which is truly encouraging."

You might also be interested in the article below :

  1. What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

  2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and "The Art of War"

  3. Boulettes au sésame noir, déssert, recette chinoise 黑芝麻汤圆