Nature has blessed us with so many natural, beautiful plants that are not just used as foods but also help rejuvenate and make us healthy. One such plant is the Sea Buckthorn.
What is sea buckthorn you might ask? It is a medicinal shrub or plant which is native to areas in Europe and China. It is used in herbal medicine and also as an ingredient in sweet foods such as drinks, jams, and pies.
This plant, which can also be referred to as sandthorn, sallowthorn or seaberry, originated from parts of northern Europe and countries like Russia and Mongolia. Its fruit is an orange-yellow berry. It is from the genus Hippophae which has 8 different species with Hippophae rhamnoides being one of the most common. Several other varieties of the plant have been developed over time by scientists in different parts of the world.
Sea buckthorn has many health benefits and it contains useful substances and nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Most parts of the plant; leaves, seeds, flowers, and berries are useful and are available in form of supplements. They are used in oils and teas or as concentrates for many health and skincare products.
What are The Uses of Sea Buckthorn?
Medicinal Uses
Because it is a plant that has antioxidants, sea buckthorn can be used to remove free radicals that can damage cells in the body. It also boosts the immune system which helps prevent infections, improve eyesight and slows aging.
For medical and medicinal purposes, its flowers, leaves, and berries can be used to
- Treat arthritis
- Treat intestinal ulcers and stomach issues.
- Combat gout.
- Improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Prevent heart disease.
- Complement treat or cancer.
- Treat weight issues and obesity.
- Treat respiratory issues like pneumonia, asthma, and colds.
- Treat cirrhosis.
You can learn more about its health benefits here.
Nutritional Uses
As a form of food, its berries are edible so they can be eaten directly. However, since it has a sour taste, it can be mixed with other sweeter substances. Another option is a process called malolactic fermentation which can be used to reduce its sour taste. Sea buckthorn is found in or made into juices, drinks, sauce, puree, jellies, and even liquor. Its leaves can also be used to make tea.
The juice from sea buckthorn berries separates into three layers when pressed; a thick cream layer at the top, a layer containing a high concentration of saturated and polyunsaturated fats next and a last layer containing sediments and juice. This bottom layer is useful in the production of edible products. The other two layers are used in skin and cosmetic products. The amount used for food is much less than what is used for medical purposes.
Skincare and Cosmetic Use
Sea buckthorn is also used topically on the skin in the form of oil or as an ingredient in cosmetic products to treat:
- Acne
- Rashes
- Dry skin
- Bedsores
- Exanthemata
- Radiation damage
- Dermatitis
Landscaping Application
Asides the health and consumable benefits of this plant, the sea buckthorn plant also has a use in landscaping. Because of its tough nature, and its assertive and extensive root system, it is used to guard against soil erosion. It also helps in land reclamation because it has nitrogen-fixing characteristics that can enrich the soil. It can survive and withstand temperatures that are as low as -43oC.
Additionally it can also be used as a windbreak or as barrier hedges. As is the case in China, it can also be used for water retention purposes and to help reduce sediment loss while increasing vegetation. This plant is also useful for florists who use its branches for ornamental designs. Want to know more about the plant and it uses, visit https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-765/sea-buckthorn.
What Are the Side Effects or Risk of Using Sea Buckthorn?
Although sea buckthorn has been in use for decades by humans, so far most of the researches on it has been on animals so most results and testimonies you get are from people who have been using or who have taken it. Because of this, there is very little known about consuming extracts and leaves of the fruit.
Most side-effects you will likely read about are likely speculations as no reliable information is available at this time.
Sea Buckthorn is possibly safe when consumed as food, used on the skin or taken as medicine. Also, people have used the leaves in making tea for decades so all in all, it is safe to consume it.
In any case, if you have any condition or you are pregnant and you are using any part of the plant; leaves, flowers, berries or seeds and you notice anything, discontinue its use and talk to a physician.
Note that whatever you notice may stem from other sources rather than your use of sea buckthorn which is the more reason to talk to your doctor to be sure of what the issue really is.
Where Can You Get Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn can be sold as a supplement, as oil or in capsule form. It may also be in combination with other herbal remedies.
You can purchase sea buckthorn products such as the supplements from reputable online sources or organic and natural food stores. Its skincare range can also be found online and in beauty shops.
Take appropriate steps to ensure you are buying the right thing by checking the labels on the products. The labels will contain information and the amount of each active ingredient contained in the product. This should help you make the right decision.
