Eat Sesame to Tonify Kidney and Promote Hair Growth
Sesame comes in black and white varieties, but black sesame is primarily used in medicine. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* describes sesame as “treats internal injuries and weakness, supplements the five viscera, boosts vitality, builds muscle, fills the brain marrow.” The *Bencao Beiyao* states sesame “brightens eyes and ears, darkens hair, benefits the large and small intestines, expels wind-dampness.” The *Tiangong Kaimu* praises sesame as “supreme among grains.”
In traditional Chinese pharmacology, black sesame is sweet and neutral in nature, entering the liver, kidney, and large intestine meridians. It nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches blood, improves vision, promotes hair growth and lactation, moistens the intestines for bowel movements, nourishes the brain and marrow, and relieves cough and asthma. Used for deficiencies in the liver and kidneys, premature graying hair, dizziness, tinnitus, and constipation.
Common folk remedies using sesame are widespread. For example, boiling black sesame with pig trotter and white radish treats insufficient milk production. Roasted and ground black sesame mixed with salt forms “sesame salt,” eaten as a dish to treat senile constipation. Steamed pig or lamb liver with sesame salt treats dry eyes and blurred vision. Some sources suggest combining sesame with kelp enhances beauty and anti-aging effects because kelp is rich in iodine and calcium, boosting thyroid function, while sesame accelerates metabolism and energizes the body—complementary actions.
Below are recommended herbal remedies:
Intestinal Moistening Formula: For elderly with weak constitution and dry intestines causing constipation. Use 50 grams sesame, 50 grams walnut kernels, stir-fry over low heat, crush, add a little salt, and eat as a side dish.
Kidney-Toning and Hair-Growing Formula: For premature graying and hair loss due to kidney and blood deficiency. Combine 25 grams black sesame, 25 grams polygonatum, 25 grams goji berries, and 100 grams rice to cook porridge, divide and eat twice daily. Note: Use sesame only for hair loss due to blood or kidney deficiency—not for seborrheic dermatitis, which results from excessive sebum secretion; avoid high-fat diets. Sesame only helps hair loss linked to blood/kidney deficiency.
Blood-Nourishing and Marrow-Filling Formula: For post-illness weakness, deficiency of essence and blood causing dizziness, tinnitus, lower back and knee soreness, insomnia, and forgetfulness. Use 50 grams black sesame, 100 grams lotus seeds, soak for 4 hours, prepare 2 pig or lamb hearts, wash and cut into pieces, simmer slowly with seasoning as a dish.
Sesame lubricates the intestines and promotes bowel movements. Those with spleen deficiency or loose stools should avoid it. Some scholars suggest avoiding combining sesame with chicken. Patients with hyperlipidemia should monitor intake.