Photo: Anna Frodesiak / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Til तिल
Sesamum indicum
Also known as: Tila Taila, Til Tel, Til Taila
Part used: Seed, Seed (Oil), Seed Oil, Sesame Oil, Seed (Sd.)
| Rasa (taste) | Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Madhura (Sweet) |
| Dosha | Balances Vata |
| Prabhava | Keshya, Balya |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Sesamum indicum
- Part used: Seed, Seed (Oil), Seed Oil, Sesame Oil, Seed (Sd.)
- Dosha action: Balances Vata
- Typical dose: Seeds: 5-10g per day.
Til in other languages
Introduction
Til (Sesame) is one of the most ancient and essential herbs in Ayurveda, deeply valued for its nourishing and strengthening properties. Its seeds and oil form the foundation of countless Ayurvedic formulations and treatments, particularly for Vata disorders.
Classification
Botanically, Til belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. In Ayurveda, it is classified under the Dhanya Varga (grains/seeds) in Bhavaprakash Nighantu. It is revered as the best of all oils (Taila) for its profound ability to pacify Vata dosha without aggravating Kapha.
Uses & benefits
Traditionally used to strengthen bones (Asthi dhatu), improve hair health (Keshya), nourish the skin, and calm the nervous system. Til oil is extensively used in Abhyanga (massage) and Basti (enema) therapies.
Til for bone & joint strength
Sesame (Til) is considered one of the best sources of nourishment for the Asthi (bone) dhatu. Its oil is the base of most classical Ayurvedic massage oils, calming Vata dosha and relieving joint stiffness and pain.
Til for hair & skin
Rich in natural antioxidants, Til nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and moisturizes the skin, making it a staple in cosmetic formulations.
Dosage — how much to take
Seeds: 5-10g per day. Oil: For external massage or internal use as advised by a Vaidya.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Til?
The citations held for Til in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 25 — Taila Shreshtha); Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthana 45 — Taila Varga); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Dhanya Varga — Tila).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Til?
Sesame oil named the foremost of oils for pacifying Vata. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 25 — Taila Shreshtha.
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Til?
Sesame oil described as the base for medicated oils. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 45 — Taila Varga.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Til?
Madhura rasa, ushna virya, snigdha guna; balya and vatahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhanya Varga — Tila.
What is Til traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Traditionally used to strengthen bones (Asthi dhatu), improve hair health (Keshya), nourish the skin, and calm the nervous system. Til oil is extensively used in Abhyanga (massage) and Basti (enema) therapies.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Til?
Rasa Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Madhura (Sweet). Dosha action: Balances Vata. Prabhava: Keshya, Balya.
Why is Til classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Til carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Madhura (Sweet) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Vata.
Which part of Til is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed, Seed (Oil), Seed Oil, Sesame Oil, Seed (Sd.).
How much Til is taken, and how?
Seeds: 5-10g per day. Oil: For external massage or internal use as advised by a Vaidya. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Til be avoided?
Generally safe for regular use. Being heavy (Guru) and hot (Ushna), it should be used in moderation by individuals with high Pitta or weak digestion (Agnimandya).
Where does Til grow?
Cultivated throughout India, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Dhanya Varga — Tila
Madhura rasa, ushna virya, snigdha guna; balya and vatahara. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 25 — Taila Shreshtha
Sesame oil named the foremost of oils for pacifying Vata. - Sushruta Samhita — Sutrasthana 45 — Taila Varga
Sesame oil described as the base for medicated oils.
Safety & precautions
Generally safe for regular use. Being heavy (Guru) and hot (Ushna), it should be used in moderation by individuals with high Pitta or weak digestion (Agnimandya).
Where it grows
Cultivated throughout India, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions.
Frequently asked questions
Can Til be consumed daily?
Yes, especially in winter. It provides warmth and strength, balancing Vata dosha.
Why is Til oil preferred in Ayurveda?
Til oil (Sesame oil) has the unique property of penetrating deep into the tissues (Sukshma), carrying the medicinal properties of herbs infused into it.
