Sesame Seed Carrier Oil (Sesamum indicum)

The plant: The sesame plant, originating from the tropical regions of the East Indies, is an annual herb with long bell-like flowers, like foxglove. The flowers are a tinge of red, blue or yellow.

Therapeutic properties: Sesame oil is excellent for massage when used at around 20% in the base carrier. Beneficial for skin conditions, psoriasis, dry eczema and broken veins.

The oil: Similar properties to olive oil. It is a very stable oil as it contains natural antioxidant system made up of sesamol and sesamolinol formed from sesamolin, these reduce the rate of oxidation.

Extraction method: A clear pale yellow colour oil is produced by cold pressing and filtering.

Latin name: Sesamum indicum.

Family: Pedaliaceae.

Contains vitamins: A, B and E, and calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.