If a Unani physician had to keep one oil, it would probably be til. Sesame is the base of half the classical roghans for a reason — it carries other herbs well, it sinks in rather than sitting on the surface, and on its own it does more than most single oils manage. Laraib presses it cold from clean white seed and sells it exactly as it comes out of the press.
What it is traditionally used for
- Massaged into the scalp to feed and strengthen the hair and check hair fall
- Applied to the roots over time to encourage new growth and fuller hair
- Rubbed over the whole body to remove dryness and roughness of the skin
- Used to relieve the itching that comes with dry winter skin
- Massaged into muscles and joints, where it has long been valued for aches and stiffness
- Taken up in the Unani tradition as an oil that helps strengthen the bones
How it is made
Clean white sesame from a single Punjab lot is stone-cold pressed in a slow ghani-style expeller, never heated, so the natural sesamol that keeps the oil stable is preserved along with its light nutty aroma. It rests for several days, then is filtered once and bottled. No refining, no bleaching, no deodorising and nothing artificial added.
How to take it
Warm a little in the palms first — sesame works best slightly heated. For hair, massage into the scalp twice a week and leave for an hour before washing. For the body, apply generously before a warm bath and rub in until the skin stops taking it. For joints, massage into the area for ten minutes morning and night, then cover warmly.
Good to know
- 60 ml bottle of 100% pure cold-pressed sesame oil
- Suitable for hair, skin and body massage from one bottle
- Unrefined and unbleached, with no mineral oil or added fragrance
- Warm the bottle in hot water on a cold morning for an easier massage
Rida Butt (verified owner) –
My grandmother massaged all of us with sesame oil as babies and I wanted the same for my daughter. This is the closest to what she used. Warmed slightly, before her evening bath, in Hyderabad.
Zohaib Qureshi (verified owner) –
Excellent for skin and my elbows have never been softer. On the hair I find it a bit heavy and it needs two shampoos to come out fully. I now use it on the body and keep coconut for my hair. Islamabad.
Tehreem Gillani (verified owner) –
Proper cold-pressed til, not the refined stuff sold as cooking oil. You can tell the difference the moment you open it. Massaged into my calves after long shifts in Larkana and the cramping has eased.
Sidra Chaudhry (verified owner) –
I oil the whole family with this in Multan — my son’s scalp, my husband’s knees, my own hands and feet in winter. One bottle covers everything and the smell is pleasant, faintly nutty. Buying the larger size next time.