Black sesame seed (Heizhima)
Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Sesami
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum nigrum L.
Common Name: Black sesame seed.
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The ripe sesame seeds are gathered in autumn, then they are dried in the sun.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral.
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Functions: 1. To tonify the essence and blood; 2. To moisten the intestines and move feces
Indications & Combinations:
- Deficient essence and blood manifested as dizziness, blurred vision and early graying of the hair.Black sesame seed (Heizhima)is used with Mulberry leaf (Sangye) in the formula Sang Ma Wan.
- Constipation due to dryness in the intestines.Black sesame seed (Heizhima)is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Cistanche (Roucongrong) and Arborvitae seed (Baiziren).
Dosage: 10-30 g (The herb is most effective when fried.)
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be used in cases with diarrhea.
