Cold Pressed Sesame Oil (तिल का तेल) | Gingelly/Til Oil | Raw & Unrefined | All Purpose Use

Advait Living Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

In South India, sesame oil is known as “nallennai” in Tamil, which literally translates to “good oil.” It is a long-standing custom in Tamil households to warm pure gingelly oil and take an oil bath on early Diwali mornings. The calming and grounding effects of the sesame oil bath contribute to a sense of peace and well-being as families come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

Sesame oil has also been valued in Ayurveda for centuries. The Charaka Samhita, one of the earliest classical Ayurvedic texts, refers to sesame oil as the “king of oils” because of its nourishing properties and wide range of culinary and wellness applications.

Advait Living cold-pressed sesame oil is produced from 100% black sesame seeds grown on our regenerative farm, giving the oil a consistent source, purity, and flavour profile. This single-farm origin ensures that every batch maintains the same aroma, colour, and nutritional quality.

Naturally Rich in Sesame Antioxidants

Sesame oil is nutritionally distinct because of its natural lignan compounds, particularly sesamol, sesamin, and sesaminol. These powerful antioxidants are unique to sesame and contribute to the oil’s natural stability and resistance to oxidation. They are also associated with many of the traditional wellness uses of sesame oil mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.

Nutritional Value of Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil (100g)

Energy: ~884 kcal

Total Fat: 100 g

• Saturated Fat: ~14 g
• Monounsaturated Fat (MUFA): ~40 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat (PUFA): ~42 g
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Predominant (major portion of PUFA)

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Trans Fat: 0 g (naturally negligible)

Vitamin E: Present (natural antioxidant)

Contains natural lignans (sesamin, sesamol)

Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

Cold-pressed black sesame oil (kale til ka tel) has been valued for centuries in both traditional cooking and Ayurvedic practices because of its naturally occurring nutrients and antioxidant compounds.

Rich in Natural Antioxidants

Sesame oil contains unique lignans such as sesamol, sesamin, and sesaminol, which help protect the oil from oxidation and contribute to its natural stability. These compounds are also associated with the traditional anti-inflammatory properties of sesame oil.

Supports Heart Health

The oil contains a balanced composition of monounsaturated fats (Omega-9) and polyunsaturated fats (Omega-6), which are commonly included in diets that support cardiovascular health.

Naturally Nutrient-Dense

Cold-pressed sesame oil contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, along with Vitamin E and Vitamin B1, which contribute to its nutritional value.

Beneficial for Skin and Hair Care

Because of its emollient and antioxidant properties, sesame oil has long been used for skin nourishment, scalp massage, and hair care routines in traditional wellness practices.

Widely Used in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic tradition, sesame oil is considered a deeply nourishing oil and is commonly used in practices such as abhyanga (body massage), oil pulling, and therapeutic treatments for overall well-being.

How Is Our Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil Made?

Cold pressing is a gentle extraction method carried out at low temperatures without the use of heat or chemical solvents. This process helps preserve the natural nutrients, flavour, and aroma of sesame seeds while maintaining the oil’s original composition.

1. Locally Grown Seeds

The sesame seeds used for our oil are grown on our regenerative farm and partner farms that follow traditional and natural agricultural practices. This close sourcing allows us to monitor seed quality and maintain consistency in the final product.

2. Seed Selection

After harvest, sesame seeds are carefully graded based on their maturity, oil content, and overall quality to ensure only the best seeds are used for pressing.

3. Cleaning and Sorting

The seeds are thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, debris, and other impurities before the extraction process begins.

4. Cold Pressing

Clean sesame seeds are slowly pressed in wooden chekku (kachi ghani) at low RPM. No external heat, chemical solvents, or industrial refining processes are used. This slow mechanical extraction helps retain the oil’s natural flavour, aroma, and nutritional properties.

5. Natural Sedimentation

Once pressed, the raw and unrefined virgin sesame oil is allowed to rest for a few days so that heavier particles naturally settle at the bottom.

6. Gentle Filtration

After sedimentation, the oil is filtered through cheesecloth to remove remaining particles while preserving its natural characteristics.

7. Bottling

The freshly extracted oil is then packaged in glass bottles to maintain purity and protect the oil from external contamination while preserving its flavour and nutritional quality.

100% pure black sesame seeds

Advait Living's sesame oil is packed in reusable glass bottles for all sizes up to 500ml. Glass is our first choice because it preserves the oil's purity, does not leach, and can be reused or returned in-store for a refill at a discount.

Our 1 Litre variant is currently shipped in food-grade HDPE plastic for outstation deliveries. Our glass 1L bottles have sustained repeated damage in transit, and until we find a reliable transit-safe alternative, we have chosen to prioritise the oil arriving intact over the packaging material. Local customers in Agra and New Delhi continue to receive glass. We are actively testing alternatives and will update this when that changes.

How to Use Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil?

1. Ayurvedic Applications

Abhyanga (Body Massage): In Ayurveda, sesame oil is widely used for abhyanga, the traditional practice of self-massage. Warm a small amount of cold-pressed sesame oil and apply it to the body using long strokes on the limbs and circular motions around the joints. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before taking a warm shower. Many people value this til (sesame) oil massage for its benefits like relaxing muscles, nourishing the skin, and supporting circulation. Because of its warming nature, sesame oil is often used as a massage oil in traditional wellness routines.

Nasya (Nasal Application): A few drops of warm sesame oil can be applied to the nasal passages to help relieve dryness and support clear breathing. Typically, 2–3 drops per nostril are used.

Oil Pulling (Gandusha / Kavala): Swishing sesame oil in the mouth for several minutes is a traditional practice believed to support oral hygiene. Start with 1 teaspoon, swish gently, and spit into a bin rather than the sink.

Traditional Diwali Oil Bath: During Diwali, the festival of lights, many Indian families uphold the tradition of taking an oil bath as part of the early morning rituals. This practice, deeply rooted in ancient customs, involves applying warm sesame oil (gingelly oil) to the body and scalp before bathing. The sesame oil massage is believed to cleanse the body, relax the mind, and ward off negativity, symbolising a fresh start. It's a ritual that signifies renewal, prosperity, and harmony, reinforcing the festive spirit of Diwali.

2. In the Kitchen

Cold-pressed sesame oil is widely used in South Indian cooking for its mild nutty aroma and versatility.

Tadka and Tempering: Sesame oil is commonly used to temper spices for dishes like sambar, rasam, chutneys, and lentil curries. It is also traditionally used to fry festival foods such as urad dal vadas.

Everyday Cooking: With a smoke point of about 160–190°C (320°F – 375°F), sesame oil works well for sautéing vegetables, stir-frying, and light frying.

Flavour Finishing: A drizzle of sesame oil enhances dishes like idli with podi, dosa, soups, and salads, adding a subtle nutty flavour.

3. Skin Care Uses

Sesame oil has long been used as a natural skincare oil.

Moisturiser: Applying a small amount after bathing helps lock in moisture. Many households use til oil for skin, as it maintains soft and hydrated skin.

Body Massage Oil: Because of its nourishing qualities, sesame oil is widely used for body massage in traditional wellness practices.

4. Hair Care Uses

Sesame oil is commonly used for hair in traditional hair care routines.

Scalp Nourishment: Massage warm til oil into the scalp, leave it on for 30–40 minutes, then wash with a mild shampoo. Many households rely on til oil for various hair benefits.

Hair Conditioning: Sesame oil helps moisturise the scalp and hair strands and is often used for hair growth in traditional hair care practices.