Cold Pressed Sesame (Til) Oil

[faq]What is the difference between white sesame oil and dark (toasted) sesame oil? | NatureLink's cold pressed sesame oil is made from raw (untoasted) sesame seeds — this produces a golden-amber oil with a warm, mild nutty aroma that is excellent for cooking. Dark sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a much stronger, more intense flavour — it is used as a finishing condiment in small quantities rather than for cooking. NatureLink's cold pressed sesame oil is the cooking variety — versatile for South Indian cooking, hair oiling, skincare, and Ayurvedic use.[/faq]
[faq]Is this suitable for the traditional oil pulling practice? | Yes. Cold pressed sesame oil is the traditional choice for Ayurvedic oil pulling (Kavala/Gandusha). The natural antimicrobial compounds (sesamin, sesamolin) in sesame oil make it specifically beneficial for oral health practices. NatureLink's cold pressed, unrefined sesame oil — with no chemical additives — is ideal for oil pulling. Use 1 tablespoon of warm oil, swish for 15–20 minutes, and spit out. Never swallow the oil after pulling.[/faq]
[faq]Can sesame oil be used for full body Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga)? | Absolutely. Sesame oil is the primary oil recommended in Ayurveda for Abhyanga (self-massage). It is considered warming, nourishing, and penetrating — ideal for Vata constitutions. NatureLink's cold pressed sesame oil is the authentic choice for this practice — pure, unrefined, and without chemical additives. Warm the oil slightly before application and massage into the skin from head to toe before bathing.[/faq]
[faq]What is the natural colour of genuine cold pressed sesame oil? | Genuine cold pressed sesame oil from untoasted seeds is a warm golden-amber colour — ranging from light golden to deep amber depending on the sesame variety and pressing method. The colour should not be pale yellow (which indicates over-refined oil) or very dark brown (which indicates toasted/overheated sesame). NatureLink's cold pressed sesame oil has the characteristic golden-amber hue of quality, natural cold pressed sesame oil.[/faq]
[faq]Is sesame oil good for hair growth? How should it be applied? | Sesame oil has been used for hair care in India for centuries. It contains sesamol, sesamin, and Vitamin E which nourish the scalp, strengthen hair roots, and are believed to support hair growth. For best results: gently warm NatureLink sesame oil, section your hair, and apply to the scalp with fingertip massage. Leave for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before washing out with mild shampoo. Weekly application is recommended. The oil also has natural UV-protective properties that can protect hair from sun damage.[/faq]
[faq]Is NatureLink's sesame oil safe for infant massage? | Sesame oil has a traditional history of use for infant massage in India. NatureLink's cold pressed sesame oil is pure and free from chemical additives, making it one of the cleaner options available. However, sesame is a known allergen for some individuals. We recommend performing a small patch test on the baby's skin and waiting 24 hours before full application. Always consult your paediatrician before starting an infant massage routine with any oil.[/faq]
[faq]Does this oil contain the natural lignan sesamin? What are its benefits? | Yes. Cold pressed sesame oil naturally contains sesamin and sesamolin — powerful lignans that function as antioxidants and have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-regulating, and liver-protective properties. These compounds are retained in cold pressed oil but are largely destroyed in refined sesame oil. NatureLink's cold pressed process specifically preserves these beneficial natural compounds.[/faq]
[faq]What is the smoke point and can it be used for deep frying? | Cold pressed (unrefined) sesame oil has a smoke point of approximately 177°C (350°F), which is suitable for most Indian cooking methods including tadka, sautéing, and light frying. For traditional South Indian cooking — tempering chutneys, rice, and dals — sesame oil performs beautifully. For sustained deep frying at very high temperatures, the smoke point may be limiting. In South Indian cooking tradition, sesame oil is not typically used for deep frying at very high heat, and NatureLink recommends this traditional usage pattern.[/faq]
[faq]How does the sesame oil taste? Will it overpower my dish? | NatureLink cold pressed sesame oil from untoasted seeds has a warm, mild, pleasantly nutty flavour — present but not overwhelming. In South Indian dishes like sambar, rasam, rice, and chutneys, the sesame oil integrates beautifully and enhances the dish's authenticity. If you want a very subtle oil with minimal flavour impact, cold pressed sunflower or soybean oil would be more neutral. For traditional South Indian, Rajasthani, and Maharashtrian cooking, sesame oil's characteristic flavour is an intentional and important part of the dish.[/faq]
[faq]Can I use sesame oil for skin care? What benefits does it provide? | Cold pressed sesame oil is an excellent natural skin care ingredient. It is rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and natural fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic) that nourish and hydrate skin. It has a moderate absorption rate — not as light as almond oil but not as heavy as coconut oil — making it suitable for most skin types. It has natural antimicrobial properties, natural sun protection factor (approximately SPF 4–6), and is used in traditional Indian cosmetic preparations (ubtans). Use as a body moisturiser, facial oil (for normal-dry skin), or incorporate into DIY skincare formulations.[/faq]
[faq]Why does my sesame oil have a naturally strong aroma? Is it okay? | Yes, absolutely. A warm, distinctively nutty aroma is the natural characteristic of genuine cold pressed sesame oil. This aroma comes from natural volatile compounds and lignans in the sesame seeds that are preserved through cold pressing. Refined sesame oil is deodorised, giving it a bland, flat smell. If you find NatureLink sesame oil's aroma intense, rest assured — this is a sign of authenticity and quality, not of a problem with the product.[/faq]
[faq]Is sesame oil mentioned in Ayurvedic texts? What does Ayurveda say about it? | Yes, extensively. Sesame oil (Tila Taila) holds the highest place among oils in Ayurvedic medicine. The classical text Ashtanga Hridayam describes it as the best oil for strength, penetrating ability, and therapeutic applications. It is recommended for Abhyanga (massage), Nasya (nasal administration), Karnapurana (ear oil), Kavala (oil pulling), and various therapeutic formulations. The ancient texts specifically describe cold-processed sesame oil as superior — making NatureLink's cold pressed version the authentic Ayurvedic choice.[/faq]