Black Sesame Seed (Hei Zhi Ma)

黑芝麻
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: The ripe sesame seeds are gathered in autumn, then they are dried in the sun.

Natural Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To tonify the essence and blood.
2. To moisten the intestines and move feces.

Indications:
1. 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.

2. 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.