For centuries, Indian households have relied on til ka tel, or sesame oil, not just for cooking, but for healing, skin care, spiritual practices, and preventive wellness. While modern trends chase fancy oils and exotic ingredients, sesame oil in Ayurveda and Indian kitchens quietly continues its role as a powerful and versatile health booster.
But what makes sesame oil a timeless hero in Indian wellness? And why are people now returning to it, especially in its wood-pressed form?
A Legacy Rooted in Indian Culture
Long before chemical-laden personal care or modern cooking oils, our ancestors used natural sesame oil for daily rituals. It wasn’t just limited to frying food it was poured into lamps during pujas, massaged into skin for nourishment, and even used in ancient dental hygiene through oil pulling.
In every corner of India, from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh, til ka tel held a sacred and practical place in the home.
Ayurveda’s View on Sesame Oil
According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is considered a snehan oil, which means it deeply nourishes and lubricates the body. It balances Vata dosha, which is responsible for dryness, stiffness, and anxiety.
Its properties include:
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Ushna (warming)
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Snigdha (moisturizing)
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Balya (strengthening)
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Deepana (digestive support)
This makes sesame oil ideal for massage, cooking, and even daily detox routines like oil pulling with sesame oil.
Why Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil Is Making a Comeback
Most modern sesame oils are refined using heat and chemicals that destroy their natural nutrients. But traditional methods like wood-pressed or lakdi ghani sesame oil retain the purity and full spectrum of benefits.
When sesame seeds are slowly churned in a wooden press, they produce an oil that is:
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Unrefined and chemical-free
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Nutrient-rich
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Free from preservatives and artificial fragrances
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Ideal for cooking, skin, and hair
In short, wood-pressed sesame oil is the closest thing to what our grandparents used.
Daily Uses of Sesame Oil in Indian Homes
1. Cooking with Flavor & Health
Til oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes. Used in pickles, tempering, and even sweets in South India, it’s known for its high smoke point and antioxidant content. It’s also said to support digestion and metabolism.
2. Skin & Hair Nourishment
Sesame oil deeply penetrates the skin, making it excellent for abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage). It strengthens the scalp, reduces dandruff, and slows graying when used regularly.
3. Oil Pulling for Oral Detox
An ancient Ayurvedic practice, swishing sesame oil in the mouth (oil pulling) helps remove toxins, strengthen gums, and whiten teeth.
4. Therapeutic Use in Ayurveda
Sesame oil is often infused with herbs and used in Ayurvedic therapies like nasya (nasal drops), enema oils, and warm massages to treat pain and stiffness.
Why Indian Families Trust Sesame Oil Again
Today’s health-conscious generation is returning to simpler, traditional oils that are unrefined and natural. And with good reason:
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It’s heart-friendly, thanks to healthy fats
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It’s rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E
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It supports joint flexibility and warmth
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It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Unlike processed oils that do more harm than good, wood-pressed sesame oil supports holistic well-being.
How to Choose the Right Sesame Oil
When shopping for sesame oil, look for:
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Wood-pressed or ghani-extracted
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Unrefined and unbleached
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Made from high-quality sesame seeds
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No added fragrance or colors
Brands like Arth Agro Farms offer premium, wood-pressed sesame oil that is ideal for daily use whether in food or wellness rituals.
Conclusion
Til ka tel is more than a cooking medium it’s a symbol of India’s wellness wisdom. Whether you're oiling your hair, cooking a hearty tadka, or detoxing through oil pulling, sesame oil brings ancient balance into modern lives.
In a world full of synthetic products and fast fixes, it reminds us that timeless health often lies in the most humble kitchen ingredient.
So go ahead, rediscover the wellness tradition of sesame oil your body and soul will thank you.
