Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub, a nitrogen-fixing agent, and its roots can penetrate to a depth of 3 metres.

The fruits have numerous benefits for human health, but the buds and bark can also be used, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help lower cholesterol levels.

In winter, sea buckthorn is recommended in combination with honey for preservation. Honey has a similar composition to human blood in terms of microelements, is easily assimilated by the body and has antibacterial, bacteriostatic, healing and repairing properties.

Sea buckthorn contains over 190 nutrients, including vitamin C, which is 10 times higher than in citrus fruits and twice as high as in rose hips, making it recommended for boosting immunity.

Sea buckthorn is rich in a variety of nutrients, flavonoids and essential fatty acids, such as carotene, omega-3, -6, -7, -8 and -9, high concentrations of vitamins E and C, as well as antioxidant flavonoids that destroy free radicals.

The concentration of omega-7 in sea buckthorn oil is up to 40%, twice as high as in macadamia oil.

Sea buckthorn contains vitamins and trace elements such as: A, B1, B2, B6, B9, E, F, K, P, cellulose, beta-carotene, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

The berries are also a rich source of vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols, including beta-sitosterol, stanols, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polar lipids.

The fruits are used in jellies, juices, purées, sauces, jams, pies and other foods, as well as in liqueurs.

The oily extract from sea buckthorn fruits and seeds can be applied to the skin or taken orally in capsule or tablet form, or mixed with honey.

Spirulina with total sea buckthorn extract is recommended for people with poor nutrition. The active substances in spirulina and sea buckthorn have antibacterial and antiviral properties by stimulating the immune response.

Health benefits:

• Supports the immune system;
• Maintains eye health;
• Has an anti-ageing effect, stimulating tissue regeneration;
• Strengthens cell walls;
• Supports cardiovascular health;
• Balances endocrine function;
• Regulates blood lipids;
• Has significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing pain;
• Preparations made from the fruit, seeds, leaves and bark of this shrub have proven to be very effective in treating mucous membranes, including ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as vaginal problems;
• Certain compounds in the bark and leaves are anti-carcinogenic;
• Hippophae rhamnoides oil is effective in treating the following conditions: burns, scabs, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, acne, psoriasis and damage caused by solar radiation.
• The oils and juice have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing cholesterol levels;

The fruits can be made into juice or you can try a mixture of sea buckthorn with honey, 1–2 teaspoons per day, every morning on an empty stomach, as it acts as a very good immunostimulant, fighting various skin diseases, anaemia, hepatitis and vascular disorders.

Air-dried sea buckthorn berries or sea buckthorn seed oil or pulp can be consumed daily in doses of 5 to 45 g for 2 to 6 months. The juice obtained from the berries can be taken in quantities of up to 300 ml daily for 8 weeks.

Acne

Sea buckthorn oil can treat post-acne scars and help the skin heal faster. For a more effective treatment, sea buckthorn is recommended both internally and externally. You can apply the oil to the skin and also drink sea buckthorn juice or syrup daily or take capsules.

Cancer

Sea buckthorn is rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that appears to help destroy cancer cells.

In addition, it is being studied to see if it can protect healthy cells from the effects of radiation therapy, a common treatment for cancer.

Menopause

The plant can relieve menopausal symptoms, reduce vaginal dryness and act as a remedy for postmenopausal women who cannot take oestrogen-based products.

Dry eye syndrome

The plant can treat dry eyes. Daily intake of sea buckthorn reduces redness and burning in the eyes.

Ulcers

Sea buckthorn can improve digestion and help prevent and treat ulcers.

Preparation of tea: Boil 2 tablespoons of dried fruit in a cup of water. Cover the pot with a lid and let the contents steep for 10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon juice.

Helps with weight loss

Prevents excess fat storage in the body, reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

This dietary supplement is recommended as a mineral and vitamin supplement, but also as a purifier.

Beautifies the complexion

Due to its high vitamin C content, it contributes to collagen production in cells, keeping the skin healthy and elastic and giving the complexion a natural glow. It reduces skin irritation, redness and itching and speeds up healing. It can treat skin hyperpigmentation.

It can act as a blood thinner, causing bleeding, especially when combined with blood-thinning medications or supplements. It can cause a drop in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who are taking medication to lower their blood sugar.

Sea buckthorn may interact with certain medications that treat gastrointestinal conditions, heart rhythm problems, cancer or autoimmune diseases.

It is recommended to avoid taking sea buckthorn unless recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.