Can eating black sesame seeds cure constipation?
Aug 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, consuming black sesame seeds may help alleviate constipation to some extent, but they cannot replace standard medical treatment. Constipation has various causes, including intestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, and medication side effects. For constipation caused by organic lesions or severe underlying factors, black sesame seeds alone are unlikely to address the root problem effectively.
Generally speaking, consuming black sesame seeds can help relieve constipation to some extent, but they cannot replace formal medical treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Black sesame seeds are rich in dietary fiber and oils. Dietary fiber absorbs water within the intestines, increases stool volume, stimulates intestinal peristalsis, and accelerates the elimination of feces; the oils help lubricate the intestines, reducing the time stool remains inside, thereby alleviating constipation symptoms to a certain degree. For mild constipation caused by insufficient dietary fiber intake or slow intestinal motility, moderate consumption of black sesame seeds may bring some improvement.
However, black sesame seeds cannot substitute for professional medical treatment. Constipation has multiple causes, such as intestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, and medication side effects. For constipation caused by organic diseases or serious underlying factors, black sesame seeds alone are unlikely to resolve the root problem, and specialized treatment targeting the specific cause is required. Blindly relying on black sesame seeds while neglecting formal medical care may delay treatment and worsen constipation symptoms.
