Hēi Zhī Ma (黑芝麻) — Black sesame seed
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Hēi Zhī Ma (黑芝麻) — Sesamum indicum — is known in English as Black sesame seed. It belongs to the category of herbs that nourish Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Hēi Zhī Ma as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hēi Zhī Ma |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 黑芝麻 |
| Latin name | Sesamum indicum |
| English name | Black sesame seed |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney, Large Intestine |
| Category | Yin tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
- Nourishes the hair and moistens dry skin
Indications
- Dizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus from Liver and Kidney deficiency
- Premature greying and thinning of the hair
- Constipation from dryness and Blood deficiency
- Dry skin and depleted fluids after illness or childbirth
4. Key formulas containing Hēi Zhī Ma
Hēi Zhī Ma is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Black sesame, also recorded as Hu Ma Ren, is rich in unsaturated fats, sesamin and vitamin E. Preclinical work has examined antioxidant and lipid effects. It is a gentle, food-grade tonic taken over time.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Hēi Zhī Ma in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Being rich and oily it is avoided in diarrhoea and in Damp-Phlegm patterns. Not suitable for those with sesame allergy.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate in Spleen deficiency with loose stools, where its moistening action aggravates the pattern.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Hēi Zhī Ma at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Hēi Zhī Ma within tailored formulas for Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood deficiency, and often suggest it as a daily food.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
