Krishna Tila (कृष्ण तिल), or Black Sesame Seeds, is one of the most revered substances in Ayurveda for its deep nourishing, grounding, and rejuvenative effects, especially on the skin, hair, and bones. Known as the “seed of immortality”, Krishna Tila is rich in unrefined oils, antioxidants, minerals, and proteins, making it a perfect internal and external Rasayana (rejuvenator) for restoring skin elasticity, moisture, glow, and resistance to aging.
Ayurveda regards black sesame as more potent than white sesame due to its higher oil content, warming virya (potency), and its ability to pacify Vata while subtly balancing Kapha. Krishna Tila supports tissue regeneration (Dhatu poshana) from the inside out and is extensively used in Abhyanga (oil massage), basti (medicated enemas), and cosmetic formulations to rejuvenate dry, aged, or undernourished skin.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum (Black variety)
- Common Names: Krishna Tila, Black Sesame Seeds
- Family: Pedaliaceae
- Part Used: Seeds, oil (Tila Taila)
- Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Virya (Potency): Ushna (heating)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
- Guna (Qualities): Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), Sara (flowing)
- Doshic Action: Pacifies Vata, mildly aggravates Pitta and Kapha if overused
Skin Benefits of Krishna Tila
1. Deeply Moisturizes & Nourishes Dry Skin
Krishna Tila is a powerful emollient, ideal for Vata skin types prone to dryness, flakiness, and premature wrinkles. The oil locks in moisture and promotes supple, elastic skin.
2. Strengthens and Rejuvenates Skin Tissues
As a Dhatu-poshaka (tissue nourisher), Krishna Tila supports the health of Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), and Twak (skin), helping reverse signs of aging and weakness.
3. Improves Circulation & Detoxification
Tila Taila, when used in massage, promotes blood flow, opens Srotas (microchannels), and removes ama (toxins), improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
4. Balances Vata Dosha
Krishna Tila is warming, heavy, and unctuous—ideal for grounding Vata dosha, which often causes dry, rough, and aged skin.
5. Rich in Antioxidants & Anti-Aging Nutrients
Packed with vitamin E, zinc, lignans, sesamol, and healthy fats, it provides cellular protection, delays oxidative damage, and fights environmental stressors.
Classical References
- Charaka Samhita: Declares Tila as “Tvachyam” – good for skin, and “Balya” – promotes strength and longevity
- Sushruta Samhita: Highlights its use in Vata disorders, skin dryness, wound healing, and nasya
- Ashtanga Hridaya: Emphasizes Krishna Tila’s benefits in Abhyanga, Basti, and Shirodhara therapies
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Describes Tila as “Keshya, Tvachya, Ojaskaraka” – nourishing for skin, hair, and ojas
External Applications in Skincare
- Daily Abhyanga Oil: Warm Tila Taila applied to body for moisture, tone, and joint strength
- Anti-Aging Face Massage: Krishna Tila oil + brahmi + manjishtha oil for wrinkle prevention
- Winter Body Ubtan: Ground sesame + licorice + milk for dry, dull skin
- Lepa for Skin Elasticity: Krishna Tila paste + honey + turmeric for firming and glow
- Scalp & Hair Rejuvenator: Tila Taila + amalaki + bhringraj for dandruff and hair nourishment
Internal Use in Ayurveda
- Krishna Tila Seeds: Taken with warm water or ghee for bone health, strength, and skin glow
- Tila Ladoo (sesame balls): Nutritive snacks traditionally given to women post-menstruation for ojas and skin nourishment
- Ayurvedic Formulations: Key ingredient in Tila Taila, Tila Paka, and various tailas used for anti-aging therapies
Ayurvedic Remedies Using Krishna Tila
| Skin Concern | Home Remedy Idea |
|---|---|
| Dry, Flaky Skin | Daily massage with warm Krishna Tila oil |
| Fine Lines & Wrinkles | Face massage with sesame oil + brahmi + rose essential oil |
| Stretch Marks | Sesame + manjishtha + turmeric paste |
| Skin Weakness & Aging | Sesame ladoos with ghee, almond, and jaggery |
| Vata Skin Imbalance | Sesame oil + dashamoola decoction massage |
Related Terms
- Tila Taila (Sesame Oil)
- Abhyanga
- Vata Skin
- Rasayana Therapy
- Snigdha Guna (Unctuousness)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Krishna Tila the same as white sesame?
No. Krishna Tila refers to black sesame seeds, which are richer in nutrients and oil content and considered more potent in Ayurveda.
Q2: Can Krishna Tila be applied to the face daily?
Yes, but it is best suited for dry or mature skin types. People with Pitta or acne-prone skin should mix it with cooling herbs like sandalwood or rose.
Q3: What is the best way to use Krishna Tila for skin health?
Daily Abhyanga with sesame oil, eating 1–2 tsp of sesame seeds with warm water, or applying as part of herbal face masks and ubtans.
Q4: Is Krishna Tila safe during all seasons?
It’s especially beneficial during cold, dry seasons (autumn-winter) when Vata is high. In summer, use with Pitta-pacifying herbs to balance its heating nature.