Analyzing the effects of black sesame from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine
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1. Dietary Methods of Black Sesame
Black sesame (Sesamum indicum) is classified as a tonic food in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has functions such as nourishing the liver and kidneys, moisturizing the intestines to relieve constipation, and enriching the blood to promote hair growth. Below are several common dietary methods using black sesame:
(1) Black Sesame Paste (Kidney-Tonifying, Blood-Nourishing, Anti-Aging)
• Benefits: Strengthens the liver and kidneys, relieves dryness, and promotes bowel movement. Suitable for those with liver-kidney deficiency, premature graying of hair, and dry skin.
• Ingredients: 100g black sesame, 50g glutinous rice, an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
• Instructions:
1. Roast black sesame until fragrant and grind it into a fine powder together with glutinous rice.
2. Take an appropriate amount of powder, mix it with water, and stir evenly.
3. Cook on low heat until thickened, then add rock sugar to taste.
(2) Black Sesame and Walnut Porridge (Brain-Boosting, Kidney-Tonifying, Enhancing Memory)
• Benefits: Black sesame nourishes the kidneys and blood, while walnuts boost brain function. Ideal for those experiencing memory decline and lower back or knee weakness.
• Ingredients: 30g black sesame, 20g walnuts, 50g rice, 5 red dates.
• Instructions:
1. Roast black sesame and walnuts until fragrant, then grind them into powder.
2. Cook rice and red dates in water until soft.
3. Add the black sesame and walnut powder, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes before serving.
(3) Black Sesame and Honey Paste (Moisturizing the Intestines, Nourishing the Skin)
• Benefits: Black sesame and honey both have moisturizing and detoxifying properties, making them suitable for constipation and dry skin.
• Ingredients: 100g black sesame, an appropriate amount of honey.
• Instructions:
1. Roast black sesame and grind it into a fine powder.
2. Mix an appropriate amount of black sesame powder with honey. Consume 1-2 times daily.
(4) Black Sesame, Yam, Bird’s Nest, and Almond Milk (Liver-Kidney Nourishing, Spleen-Strengthening, Lung-Moisturizing, and Beauty-Enhancing)
• Benefits: Suitable for individuals with weak digestion and nutritional deficiencies.
• Ingredients: 30g black sesame powder, 50g yam, 200ml almond milk, 10g bird’s nest, 2 tablespoons honey.
• Instructions:
1. Peel and cut yam into small pieces, steam until soft, and mix with black sesame powder.
2. Pour in warm almond milk, stir well, and add 2 tablespoons of honey for flavor.
2. TCM Analysis of Black Sesame’s Mechanism in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), black sesame is associated with the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians. It functions to nourish the liver and kidneys, moisten dryness, and enrich the blood. From a TCM perspective, black sesame contributes to colorectal cancer prevention and adjunct therapy through the following mechanisms:
(1) Strengthening the Liver and Kidneys to Boost Vital Qi
• In TCM, colorectal cancer is often caused by spleen deficiency, dampness stagnation, Qi and blood deficiency, and internal toxin accumulation. The occurrence of cancer is closely related to a lack of vital Qi (Zheng Qi).
• Black sesame nourishes the liver and kidneys, thereby strengthening vital Qi, enhancing the body’s resistance to disease, and helping to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
(2) Moisturizing the Intestines to Aid Detoxification and Reduce Cancer Risk
• Black sesame is rich in dietary fiber and natural oils, which promote bowel movements and reduce the retention of toxins in the intestines, thereby lowering the risk of colorectal cancer.
• The Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu) states:
“Black sesame nourishes the five organs, enhances energy, strengthens muscles, and replenishes essence and marrow,”
indicating its role in cleansing metabolic waste and preventing the buildup of toxins in the intestines.
(3) Antioxidant Properties to Suppress Tumor Growth
• Black sesame contains vitamin E, sesamin, and sesamol, which have strong antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress in intestinal cells, preventing DNA damage and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
• The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) emphasizes:
“When vital Qi is abundant, pathogenic factors cannot invade,”
suggesting that black sesame’s antioxidant effects contribute to strengthening the body’s resistance to cancer progression.
(4) Strengthening the Spleen to Improve Digestion and Intestinal Health
• Spleen deficiency leading to dampness accumulation is a common TCM etiology for colorectal cancer. Poor digestion results in the stagnation of damp-heat toxins, which can contribute to malignancies.
• While black sesame is lubricating, when combined with spleen-strengthening foods (such as yam and coix seed), it can enhance spleen function, reduce dampness accumulation, and help prevent tumor formation.
(5) Nourishing Blood and Essence to Support Cancer Recovery
• TCM believes that “chronic diseases deplete the essence.” Cancer patients, especially after undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, often experience severe depletion of kidney essence and blood.
• Black sesame replenishes essence and blood, helping to restore strength, boost immunity, and improve tolerance to cancer treatments.
Conclusion
1. Black Sesame’s Dietary Benefits
• Various black sesame recipes such as black sesame paste, walnut porridge, honey paste, and yam-almond milk with bird’s nest help nourish the liver and kidneys, promote digestion, and enhance the immune system.
2. TCM Mechanism of Black Sesame Against Colorectal Cancer
• Boosts vital Qi and immunity, helping the body resist cancer.
• Promotes bowel movements and detoxification, reducing intestinal toxin accumulation.
• Contains antioxidants that help prevent tumor growth.
• Strengthens the spleen and digestion, reducing dampness-related risks of cancer.
• Nourishes blood and essence, supporting cancer patients in recovery.
Although black sesame may play a supportive role in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment, it should be used in combination with TCM syndrome differentiation. TCM practitioners may prescribe it alongside herbal formulas that clear dampness, invigorate blood circulation, and detoxify for optimal therapeutic results.