Sesame oil relieves dry nose - Literature Review & Commentary - Brief Article

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  April, 2002  by Alan R. Gaby

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Seventy-nine patients who were experiencing dryness of the nasal mucosa due to a dry winter climate were randomly assigned to receive intranasal applications of pure sesame oil (Nozoil; Pharmacure AB, V Frolunda, Sweden) or isotonic sodium chloride (saline) solution for 14 days, and then the alternate treatment for an additional 14 days. Both treatments consisted of 1-3 sprays in each nostril 3 times per day. Compared with the saline solution, sesame oil resulted in a significant improvement in nasal mucosal dryness (p <0.001). Some 73% of the patients reported that their symptoms improved while receiving sesame oil, whereas only 33% improved during treatment with saline. Adverse events were few and temporary.

Comment: Isotonic sodium chloride (either as a nasal spray, nose rinse, or in a humidifier) is a commonly used remedy for dry nasal mucosa. The present study demonstrates that the use of pure sesame oil nose drops is more effective than saline for relieving nasal dryness, and does not cause any significant side effects. While not a serious medical condition, nasal mucosal dryness can certainly be uncomfortable. Hopefully, with this new treatment, fewer people will be forced to keep a stiff upper lip.

Johnson J, et al. Pure sesame oil vs isotonic sodium chloride solution as treatment for dry nasal mucosa. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;127:1353-1356.

COPYRIGHT 2002 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group