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The plant has an unpleasant odor. The leaves vary from ovate to
lanceolate and are hairy on both sides. The flowers are purple to
whitish, resembling foxglove, followed by 3 cm (1.25 in) capsules
containing numerous seeds.
The simplest and now commonest use of sesame is as whole seeds
sprinkled over cakes and breads. Medicinal Uses
Astringent; Diuretic; Emollient; Galactogogue; Lenitive; Nutritive;
Skin; Tonic.
The leaves and seed are astringent.The leaves are rich in a gummy
matter and when mixed with water they form a rich bland mucilage
that is used in the treatment of infant cholera, diarrhoea,
dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles.
The seed is diuretic, emollient, galactogogue, lenitive and tonic,
and acts as a tonic for the liver and kidneys. It is taken
internally in the treatment of premature hair loss and greying,
convalescence, chronic dry constipation, dental caries,
osteoporosis, stiff joints, dry cough etc. It has a marked ability
to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Externally it is
used to treat haemorrhoids and ulcers. The seed is very high in
calories and so should be used with caution by people who are
overweight.
The oil is laxative and also promotes menstruation. It is used to
treat dry constipation in the elderly. Mixed with lime water, the
oil is used externally to treat burns, boils and ulcers.A decoction
of the root is used in various traditions to treat asthma and coughs |
