Long before "hair oil" was an aisle in the supermarket, sesame (til) oil was the default in Indian homes — for massage, for hair, for winter. Cold-pressed sesame remains one of the most versatile oils you can own.
What's in it
Sesame oil is rich in linoleic and oleic acids plus two unusual antioxidants — sesamin and sesamol — that give it excellent stability and its characteristic nutty depth. It is mildly warming on the skin, which is why Ayurveda favours it for cooler months and vata constitutions.
Benefits and uses
- Abhyanga (self-massage): the classic warm-oil full-body massage before bathing — circulation, softness and calm in one ritual.
- Scalp and hair: a sturdy pre-wash oil that conditions thick, dry or frizzy hair and keeps the scalp comfortable in winter.
- Body skin: seals moisture beautifully on damp skin; its antioxidants help defend against daily environmental stress.
- Feet and joints: the traditional choice for tired-feet massage at night.
How to use it
Warm two to three tablespoons, massage over the body for 10–15 minutes, sit for another 10, then shower warm. For hair, massage into scalp and lengths 30–60 minutes before washing, twice a week.
Sesame is a traditional baby-massage oil — see the safest, gentlest cold-pressed picks and how to use them.