Changes of ingredients in the process of cooking of sesame oil

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Changes of ingredients in the process of cooking of sesame oil”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Activity:
In the context of sesame oil, 'activity' refers to the biological and antioxidant effects of its components, particularly the lignans like sesamol. These activities are crucial in traditional medicine and modern research, indicating how these compounds can alleviate diseases, enhance health, and counteract oxidative stress, thereby extending the oil's therapeutic potential.

2) Bala (Bāla, Balā, Bālā):
'Bala' refers to Sida cordifolia, a significant herb used in Ayurveda. It is revered for its rejuvenating properties and is a key ingredient in medicated sesame oil formulations like Ksira-Bala Taila. Bala is believed to enhance strength, vitality, and nourishment, making it an integral part of various Ayurvedic treatments.

3) Balataila (Balātaila, Bala-taila):
'Bala-taila' is a medicated sesame oil infused with Sida cordifolia. It exemplifies the fusion of herbal and oil-based therapies in Ayurveda, utilized in treatments like Panchakarma. The oil's preparation method, including the cooking process, influences its therapeutic properties, enhancing its efficacy in promoting health and wellness.

4) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient system of medicine originating in India that emphasizes balance between body, mind, and spirit. It utilizes natural remedies, including herbal formulations and oils like sesame oil, for therapeutic purposes. The insights from Ayurveda inform many aspects of health practices today and recognize the significance of diet, lifestyle, and treatments.

5) Taila (Tailā):
'Taila' means oil in Sanskrit and holds a central role in Ayurvedic practices. Oils, particularly sesame oil, are used for therapeutic purposes, including cooking, massage, and medicinal formulations. The quality, preparation, and cooking of taila are essential elements in enhancing the oil's therapeutic benefits.

6) Kshira (Kṣīra):
'Ksira' means milk or milk-based liquid in Sanskrit and is often combined with oils in Ayurvedic formulations. In the context of Ksira-Bala Taila, the addition of milk optimizes the oil's properties, working synergistically with the herbal components, enhancing absorption and the overall therapeutic value of the preparation.

7) Substance:
'Substance' refers to the chemical compounds present in sesame oil, including lignans and tocopherols. The cooking process alters these substances, enhancing their efficacy, particularly concerning antioxidant properties. Understanding these substances helps in elucidating the mechanism of action in therapeutic applications and further highlights the importance of cooking in Ayurveda.

8) Water:
'Water' is used in the preparatory stages of making Kaira-Bala Taila, serving as a solvent for extracting the beneficial compounds from herbs. Its involvement in the cooking process is crucial for the infusion of active ingredients, influencing the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the final medicated oil.

9) Paka (Pāka, Pakā, Pākā):
'Paka' refers to cooking or the process of preparation in Ayurvedic terminology. It emphasizes the importance of heat in modifying the properties of herbal and oily preparations, such as increasing the concentration of active substances like sesamol, thereby impacting the effectiveness and therapeutic value of the resultant medicated oil.

10) Milk:
'Milk' is a vital ingredient in the preparation of Ksira-Bala Taila. It not only acts as a medium for extracting herbal properties but also contributes to the nutritional value of the oil. Its incorporation helps in the synergistic enhancement of therapeutic characteristics, essential for various Ayurvedic treatments.

11) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the practices and formulations used to alleviate health issues. In the context of Ayurveda, sesame oil and its derivatives, like Ksira-Bala Taila, constitute natural medicines aimed at balancing bodily functions and promoting health. The study of their properties and preparation is fundamental to understanding traditional healing practices.

12) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
'Samhita' refers to ancient texts of Ayurveda containing knowledge of medicinal ingredients, treatments, and methodologies. These texts provide foundational principles guiding the preparation and use of compounds, ensuring effective treatments like Ksira-Bala Taila have a rooted historical significance in Ayurvedic medicine, influencing practices to this day.

13) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
'Vata' is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the air and space elements. It governs movement and circulation in the body. Sesame oil is known to alleviate Vata due to its unctuousness, making it a preferred choice in Ayurvedic therapies aimed at restoring balance and health.

14) Cita:
'Sida' refers to the genus of plants that includes Sida cordifolia, an essential herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is valued for its rejuvenating and nourishing effects. When used in preparations like Ksira-Bala Taila, it enhances the healing properties of sesame oil, promoting health and vitality.

15) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulation' in Ayurveda refers to the build-up of qualities or substances in the body. In the context of medicated oils, it suggests that improper cooking may lead to ineffective formulations. This highlights the significance of precise preparation methods to maintain the beneficial qualities and therapeutic efficacy of the oils.

16) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the examination of results and interpretations derived from the cooking and analysis of sesame oil. It encompasses the understanding of how cooking influences antioxidant levels, elucidating the relevance of Ayurvedic practices in the context of modern scientific analysis and enhancing knowledge of therapeutic methods.

17) Science (Scientific):
'Science' is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In this context, it relates to the investigation of sesame oil's properties and the effects of cooking on its ingredients, bridging traditional practices with modern methodologies, validating Ayurveda through empirical evidence.

18) Madhya (Mādhya):
'Madhya' signifies the 'medium' stage of cooking in the preparation of Ksira-Bala Taila. It denotes a specific cooking duration that optimally enhances the oil's properties without overcooking. Understanding this stage is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic effect and quality in medicinal oils.

19) Khara (Khāra):
'Khara' refers to the 'high' cooking stage in the preparation process. This stage balances the temperature and duration to maximize the extraction and conversion of beneficial compounds. High cooking is pivotal in ensuring the therapeutic efficacy of oils in Ayurveda, impacting their overall health benefits.

20) Kalka:
'Kalka' denotes the herbal paste made from Sida cordifolia, which is a key component in Ksira-Bala Taila. This paste is combined with oils during preparation, enhancing the oil's medicinal properties through the infusion of herbal qualities and facilitating the overall therapeutic effects in Ayurvedic applications.

21) Drug:
'Drug' refers to any substance used for medicinal purposes. In Ayurveda, sesame oil and its formulations, like Ksira-Bala Taila, function as natural drugs with specific therapeutic effects. The integration of natural components and traditional cooking methods emphasizes the holistic approach to treating ailments within this ancient medical system.