Scientific name: Hippophae Ramnoides
Common names: Sandthorn, Sallowthorn or Seaberry
Description: Sea Buckthorn are thorny deciduous flowering shrub that can grow between 7 and 13 ft in height and is native to the cold-temperate regions of Europe and Asia. The rough bark is brown or blackish and sea buckthorn has a thick grayish-green crown. This spiny berry-filled bush has pale yellow to dark orange fruits which are oval or lightly roundish and are clustered together. The leaves are lanceolate and has silvery-green upper side.
Sea Buckthorn is used in traditional medicine using its leaves, flowers, seeds and fruits.
In foods, sea buckthorn berries are used to make jams, jellies, juices, purees, and sauces for its sweet flavor.
It is also use is in cosmetics and anti-aging products.
Parts used: leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits are used to make medicine.
Medicinal properties and Health Benefits:
Sea buckthorn oil has been shown to be an amazing healing oil and has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. Just make sure that you’re aware of the sourcing and that you use pure sea buckthorn oil.
Sea buckthorn oil is more nutrient dense than in any other forms like tea. The oil is extracted from the yellow-orange berries and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant. There are two types: the seed oil is colored yellow or pale orange and comes from the seeds while the fruit oil comes from fleshy pulp of the berries which is a dark red or reddish orange in color and thicker.
Sea buckthorn is a powerhouse of nutrients as it over 60 nutrients, amino acids, minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus) and Vitamins A, E, C, K, B1, and B2. It has a high amount of folic acid, antioxidants, xanthophylls, carotenoids, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and phenolics. It also contains all four omegas: omega-3, omega-6, omega-7 and omega-9.
Flavonoids have a high level of free radical scavenging activity that's why sea buckthorn is good for the protection against oxidative stress, inflammation, tumor growth, ulcers, and stress-induced conditions.
Linoleic acid and other fatty acids found in sea buckthorn oil secrete chemicals, such as carotenoids and tocopherols, that are good to ease dry eyes and help ease inflammation.
Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits:
1. Prevents Cancer and helps Combat Cancer
Sea buckthorn oil contains powerful phytonutrients, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancerous compounds that limits the toxicity of chemical cancer treatment (chemotherapy). It also has a liver-cleansing effect and it good to fight against cancer of the liver.
2. Anti-aging and help reduce skin problems.
Sea buckthorn oil slows the aging process and helps reduce many issues with skin like acne, dermatitis, dry skin eczema, stretch marks and skin ulcers. It is also effective in preventing sunburn,sunburn relief, healing wounds like bedsores and cuts.
3. Fights Diabetes
Sea buckthorn has palmitoleic acid, that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
4. Prevents Infections and Boosts the Immune System
Since it is rich in antioxidants, it fights free radical and prevents infections. The pure extracted oil contains 2.4x more carotenoids than other oils.
5. Treats Cardiovascular Disease
The fatty acid known as palmitoleic acid, may be useful in providing heart disease-fighting benefits. It also reduces blood cholesterol levels and provides heart-protective effects against free radical damaging cells to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and even heart attacks.
6. Treats Respiratory problems
Sea buckthorn oil is used as an expectorant for loosening phlegm and for treating asthma.
7. Sea Buckthorn Helps Treat Dry Eye Issues
The fatty acids in sea buckthorn increases tear secretion and moisturises the eyes.
Precaution:
Always best to be careful when taking any new substance and consult a doctor prior to using any supplements or medications.
Sea Buckthorn slows blood clotting so it shouldn't be taken by those with bleeding disorders. It is also contraindicated for those with already low blood pressure since sea buckthorn is known to lower blood pressure. A it may cause extra bleeding during surgery, it’s best to stop using for 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgery.
Chronic use of sea buckthorn may cause yellow staining of the skin.