Herb of the Month: “Open Sesame”

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

By MaryannReadal

This famous quote is from an ancient Arabic folktale called Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves. In the story, Ali Baba uses a magical phrase to unlock a cave in which his brother Cassim was trapped. This is one of Arabian Nights' most famous stories. Some say that the Babylonians believed sesame seeds had magical properties. This is why Ali Baba said "Open, sesame", to open the cave. Some say the phrase is a mimic of the opening sesame pod. Ali Baba had hoped that the sesame seeds would mature and pop open the cave's entrance. Ali Baba may have heard the thieves say "Open Sesame", which would open the cave.

Other old tales about sesame exist. According to an Assyrian legend, the gods drank sesame wine before creating the earth (Schlosser 2007). Hindus believed the god of death, Yama, had created sesame to be used as a purifier in death rituals and a symbol for immortality (Hayes 1961).

Sesame oil is the oldest oil seed known to mankind. This is a very ancient spice. Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is a sesame variety that has been grown in India for centuries. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many wild and native varieties of the sesame plant. Some claim that the Chinese used oil from sesame seeds to make ink and burned it in their lamps 5000 years before. In India, archaeologists found pieces of sesame seeds that date back to 3500 B.C. Around 2000 B.C., the Indians traded sesame oil with Mesopotamians. In King Tutankhamen’s tomb, sesame seeds had been found in baskets. The Ebers Papyrus (ca. 1550 B.C. ) also lists them. As a medicinal plant. Sesame oils were used to carry perfumes and herbal remedies. Romans ground sesame with cumin to make a paste that they used in their bread. Honey was spread on the bread that had been coated in sesame paste before battles to provide energy. The seeds of the sesame plant were known as "benne" in Africa. Slave peoples took the plant from Africa to the Americas, where they began to cultivate it.

Sesame can be grown easily in hot, dry places. A good crop is ensured by fertile soil and moderate rainfall. For the seeds to be produced, it needs temperatures above freezing for at least four months. It can grow to a height of two to six feet. It blooms for a long time and produces a white tubular flower with a pink or lavender tint. Each plant has about 20 seed pods, each measuring one inch, containing 100 seeds. The plants are cut when the seeds are almost ripe. They are then tied into bunches and dried upright. The seeds are then collected, hulled and then collected after they have been threshed. Depending on the plant variety, seeds may be red, black, tan or white. Machines are ineffective at harvesting sesame seeds unless a specific variety is planted. Small farmers must therefore use a lot more manual labor to grow the plant. The resulting cake of seed is then used as animal feed, or to grind into flour.

Sudan will be the largest sesame producer in 2020. Sesame is grown in the United States, mainly around Paris, TX. (Tucker & Debaggio 2009). Sesame seeds are a popular ingredient in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, so it's not surprising that they're the top importers. The oil content of sesame seeds is 45-63 per cent (Tucker & Debaggio 2009). Oil resists oxidation due to its antioxidant properties. (Dunford 2021 ).

It is a key ingredient in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisines. It can be used to make sauces, marinades, and frying. Halvah is a Middle Eastern dessert made of sesame seeds that have been sweetened. Tahini, which is made from sesame seed paste, is also used in hummus or baba ghanoush. When toasted, sesame seeds have a nutty, sweet flavor. They are a great topping for hamburger buns, bagels, cookies, crackers and more. The Levantine spice mix, za'atar, also contains sesame.

Sesame oil and sesame seeds have many health benefits. Sesame is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and other systems of medicine for many years. Sesame leaves contain mucilage, which has been used to treat cholera, dysentery and as a laxative. Sesame oil contains active ingredients that inhibit tumor growth and prostate, breast, and other cancers (Dunford, 2021). Sesamine is used in the treatment of arthritis. It is also beneficial for treating dandruff, lice and itch on the scalp. Sesame oil's astringency can help improve dull, aging skin, and tighten large pores. Sesame seed oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acid, both of which are essential for heart health. (WebMD, 2022). Sesame was recently found to be the ninth most common allergen in America. Products containing sesame must be labeled with an allergy warning (Dunford 2021 ).

The Herb Society has selected sesame as its Herb of October. Visit The Society's Facebook and website for more information on sesame. Both of these places have good information.

The Herb Society of America, Inc. does not recommend or advise the use of herbs as a medicine or for health purposes. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific medical or health treatment. Consult your health care provider prior to using herbal remedies.

Photo Credits :1) Arabian Nights, by MaxfieldParrish (Public Domain); (2) Harvesting sesame (Matthew James Read); (3) Sesamum Indicum Plant with flowers and seeds pods (Chrissy Moore);

References

Chevallier, Andrew. 2000. Encyclopedia of herbal medicines. New York: Dorling Kindersley.

Dunford, Nurhan Turgut. 2021. Sesame oil properties. Accessed on 9/9/23. Available from: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/sesame-seed-oil-properties.html#:~:text=Sesame%20oil%20may%20contain%20up,cancer%2C%20and%20alleviating%20postmenopausal%20syndrome

Glenn, Lori. 2020. Sesame Oil. Accessed on 9/1/23. Available from: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2020/sesame-oil/

Hayes, Elizabeth S. 1961. Spices and herbs from around the globe. New York: Doubleday.

Herbalist MDidea Extracts Professional. 2015. Sesame - origin, history, mythology, etymology Accessed on 9/9/23. Available from: https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134833/https://mdidea.com/products/new/new06704.html

Schlosser, Katherine. 2007. The Herb Society of America’s essential guide for growing and cooking herbs. Baton Rouge, LA: LSU Press.

Tucker, Arthur, and Thomas Debaggio 2009. Encyclopedia of herbs. Timber Press, Portland OR.

WebMD. 2022. Is sesame oil good for you or not? Accessed on 9/9/23. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/sesame-oil-good-for-you

Maryann is on the board of The Herb Society of America. She is also a Texas Master Gardener. She is also a member The Society's Texas Thyme Unit, located in Huntsville. Maryann is a Native Landscape Specialist. She is a lecturer on plants and herbs, and she teaches herb training in several Master Gardener Programs. She grows pines in East Texas' Piney Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

Is basil good for kidneys?

The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.

Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.

Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.

It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.

Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.

It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

How is basil used for medicinal purposes?

In ancient times, doctors would prescribe basil leaves to treat colds and coughs. Today, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal remedy for arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, gout, hay fever, indigestion, migraines, menstrual cramps, sinus infections, sore throats, ulcers, varicose veins, and more.

Basil is also known for its ability to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, and even aging.

Basil is often referred to as "the herb of grace" because it helps us relax and unwind after stressful situations. It is also said to improve memory and concentration, boost energy levels, increase libido, and enhance athletic performance.

The list goes on and on. Basil is a versatile plant that offers a wide range of benefits for our health and well-being.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
• The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

External Links

[TAG32]

• Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury - Agarwal - 2010 - Journal of Applied Toxicology - Wiley Online Library

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• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

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• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.

Resources:

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