Sea Buckthorn - Overview, History, Uses, Benefits, Precaution, Dosage

Sea Buckthorn is getting popular worldwide with healthy eating enthusiasts for beautifying and heart-healthy. Let's know about everything.

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea Buckthorn is a plant that produces berries as fruit. Well, all parts of the Sea Buckthorn plant from seeds to fruit have been used for medicinal purposes.

It is said that there are more than 200 types of nutrients contained in sea buckthorn berry along with antioxidants, and fatty acids. Among them, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E are main. In particular, vitamin A is a nutrient that is usually contained in animal foods. Fatty acids like Omega 3,6,7,9 are present. Yes, it also contains the Omega 7 fatty acid, palmitic acid and aspartic acid, which is often found in animals. Omega 7 is quite rare to find in some fruits. Sea buckthorn fruit is the rarest fruit.

• In all, it contains 18 kinds of amino acids, iron, potassium, calcium and dietary fiber.

Sea Buckthorn is characterized by various nutrients that are used for heart health, type 2 diabetes, skin problem, skin infection, inflammation, joint pain, depression and many more.

Sea Buckthorn is famous in the cosmetic world. Sea buckthorn benefits to support anti-ageing properties as well as healing from sunburn.

Sea Buckthorn products are available in the market as sea buckthorn capsules, sea buckthorn oil, sea buckthorn juice, sea buckthorn tablets and many more. Sea buckthorn price with kind of extract and form.

Sea Buckthorn’s Latin Name: Sea Buckthorn Latin name or scientific name is Hippophae rhamnoides L.

Sea Buckthorn’s Family: Sea Buckthorn belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family. Elaeagnaceae family is also known as the Oleaster family, comprising small trees and shrubs.

Sea Buckthorn’s Common Name: Sea buckthorn plant is also known as Sea Berry, Himalaya Berry, Sandthorn or Swallow Thorn. Many countries, it is also called Siberian pineapple. In India (sea buckthorn in hindi), locally it is known as Chharma on the Himachal Pradesh side.

Sea Buckthorn’s Habitat: Most of Sea Buckthorn is habitat to the Eurasian continent, which includes north-western Europe, China, Mongolia, Russia, and the northern Himalayas. Its habitat is the sandy soil surface, coaster as well as dune edges in full sun.

Sea Buckthorn’s Season: It is September fruit. After being an adult Sea Buckthorn plant, its fruits mature in September mostly.

History of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is one of the few remaining plants with a long history, estimated to be around 70 million years old. In Greek mythology, it has been used for horses as horse's fodder to promote weight gain and good & shiny hair. This myth is also the origin of its Latin name - Hippophae rhamnoides L., which means it is “A tree that makes horses shiny”. It is listed as a regular Chinese in all the classic books of Tibet 1,300 years ago. Chinese used Sea Buckthorn for medical treatment from ancient times. Mostly it has been used for chronic infections like cold, cough, and may reduce the toxin from the lungs and body.

Sea buckthorn has evolved over time to acquire numerous compounds to adapt to harsh settings, and it now has a wide range of viability and ingredients. Sea buckthorn, which has a lot of components, is a very valuable food. This powerful energy is supposed to be the source of the anecdotes and history of sea buckthorn.

Sea buckthorn is known as "Superfood". Why?

Sea Buckthorn India is a highly nutritious food, that is why it is known as "Superfood".

More than 200 nutrients are found in sea buckthorn, making it a fruit with a high nutritional value and good nutritional balance when compared to other foods.

It has tiny berries but is potent in many sources. Omega 7 is one of the rarest sources in it. People get crazy to use this superfood in their daily life.

Due to the modern age and popularity of Sea buckthorn, it was introduced in the market in many forms. Let’s know about them -

 

• Sea Buckthorn Capsules/Tablets - It looks like ordinary capsules and tablets filled with sea buckthorn extract. Sea Buckthorn Capsules or Sea Buckthorn Tablets are easier to have anywhere and anytime. They benefit in the same way as fresh fruit.

• Sea buckthorn Oil - A oil prepared from the Sea Buckthorn is served to use. Mostly, it is found in pure extract form and varies with the brands. Sea buckthorn Oil benefits in both ways mean it is good to intake internally as well as to apply externally.
• Sea buckthorn Juice - A pure extract or juice from berries comes in the Sea buckthorn Juice. Likewise oil, juice’s purity varies with the brands. Sea buckthorn benefits in the same way and is easily absorbed by the body after diluting with some water.

Sea Buckthorn Uses

Sea buckthorn is used in many ways for health benefits and other benefits. The use of sea buckthorn is not limited to medicinal purposes. It has been used in other ways too from ancient times.

Functional Food

The whole sea buckthorn plant is useful somehow.

• The juice prepared from the sea buckthorn berries is a common drink in many parts of Europe, Asia and the USA. As we know, Sea buckthorn is full of nutrition. The high portion of protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and fatty acid from the juice offer a powerful drink. It helps to keep you energized throughout the day.
• The leaves of the sea buckthorn plant, either dried or fresh, are best to use in the preparation for Tea. Sea buckthorn tea is a long-used beverage to calm the mind and increase focus for any work. Having a sea buckthorn nutritional tea for breakfast or supper is the best way.
• The unwanted leaves, branches and fruits pulp that a human cannot use. So, it can be used in animal fodder.

Medicinal

• Sea Buckthorn in India is highly used in cosmetic products due to the presence of antioxidants and Vitamin C in high concentrations. It has been reported to be used in skin therapy and skin treatment. Sea buckthorn oil for skin makes it ready to fight sun, heat, radiation and chemical burns and rashes. Sea buckthorn has enzymes that support wound healing.
• The sea buckthorn seed oil prepared from the sea buckthorn is rich in vitamin E, carotenoids, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and many more. They all together work and benefit for medical purposes in many ways. It is good for internal and external diseases from diabetes to heart to skin infections. 

Agronomic and Environmental

Buckthorn also affects the soil. It is a hardy bush plant with an excellent root system. Moreover, sea buckthorn is higher in nitrogen level. As a result, it can thrive in poor soils, eventually improving them to the point that it, and, can sustain the growth of other plants. It has been used for.

• Encourage the growth of weedy species such as invasive garlic mustard and more.
• Soil erosion control.
• Land reclamation project.
• Habitat enhancement.
• Ornamental bushes.
• Relationship with invasive European earthworms.

Benefits of Sea Buckthorn

There are many sea buckthorn health benefits. However, most of these currently lack solid research (corroborative research) to back them up. It seems like it promotes health in some people as per body type. Let’s know about the number of benefits that you may expect from the consumption of sea buckthorn berry, drink or any supplement form.

Nutritious Omega 7

Omega 7, the most unknown of the fatty acids. Sea buckthorn is enriched in this rarest fatty acid with Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Omega 7 improves the hydration of the mucous membranes and regenerates the skin, whether it is consumed orally or applied topically. Full of nutrition Omega 7 in sea buckthorn may help in the skin as well as in health. Because Omega 7 is a good ally for cholesterol, which improves HDL level, lower LDL level and many more.

Support A Healthy Heart

The natural pigment, flavonoids in the sea buckthorn with other minerals help to boost heart function. It increases the force of cardiac contraction, decreasing cardiac excitability, decreases the formation of the blood clot and increases the speed of intracardiac conduction of excitation, increasing the blood flow all over the body. The antioxidant also reduces cholesterol levels that are very effective for a healthy heart. Sea buckthorn is known for heart health worldwide.

Support a Healthy Liver

Sea Buckthorn helps promote a healthy liver. Fats, vitamin E and carotenoids from sea buckthorn work on liver cells and prevent them from damage. The production of liver cells may increase with the sea buckthorn. NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is one of the world's most common causes of chronic liver injury. Sea Buckthorn is also known for this disease by regular consumption by decreasing the blood cholesterol, triglyceride and liver enzyme levels. 

Effective in Acute and chronic wounds

Sea buckthorn-based preparations have been widely used to treat skin radiation injuries, burns of different aetiology, gastric and intestine ulcers. A report has investigated that the protective and healing effects of sea buckthorn work for wounds, burns, ulcers, lesions, scald, etc. It may show a good response to wounds after chronic injuries.

Good for Dry Eye

A study found that sea buckthorn contains Omega 3, Omega 6 and antioxidants, which improve eye dryness. During the winter season, sea buckthorn oil reduced the increase in tear film osmolarity and improved dry eye symptoms. You may get over the eye redness, eye burning and other eye problems with a healthy tear osmolarity film, which is 293.40 mOsms/L. 

Protect Against Diabetes

Sea Buckthorn might help to keep blood under control and protect against type 2 diabetes. It is noted, a small study conducted on humans shows that having sea buckthorn helps to control insulin secretion right after the meal.

Mostly, diabetic people experience high sugar levels after having carb-rich food. By preventing a long-term sugar level, it is helpful in the risk of type 2 diabetic people.

Good for Skin & Hair

Sea buckthorn’s antioxidants boost skincare and hair care. It protects the skin from oxidative stress. Moreover, it supports the most important protein of the body, known as collagen production. Sea buckthorn stimulates the cell to regenerate, make them hydrating and protect them from UV attack. The presence of Vitamins A, B, C, E, & K with antioxidants brings the lost elasticity and strength of hair and skin. It is good to consume sea buckthorn supplements or juice or can apply sea buckthorn oil as a mask or something for dry hair, skin, chapped lips, wrinkles, acne, nails and more. A complete beautification may be expected from Sea buckthorn with regular use.

Immune System Booster

Resilience is one of the characteristics of a sea buckthorn. This Himalaya tiny berry is high in vitamin C and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) that boost the immunity system and fight free radicals. During the low light season, our immune system is restored by the sunlight stored in the berries. It helps our body to revitalize the self-regulation of the system. Likewise, helps to increase overall energy levels and the immune system.

Other benefits

Improve Digestion System

In an animal study, it is noted that sea buckthorn extract helps to prevent stomach ulcers. As we know, sea buckthorn is beneficial in wound healing.

Moreover, Omega 7 acts as inflammation and at the digestive level, works on gastric and peptic ulcers.

Anti-Depression Affect

Sea buckthorn might be effective in mild depression. Well, there is no study on humans. But it is tested on animals and noted as an Anti- Depression effect.

Sea Buckthorn Precautions

Despite a rich composition of beneficial vitamins and trace elements in the sea buckthorn, the use of sea buckthorn also affects the body in some cases. The precaution is must to consider to avoid sea buckthorn side effects.

First of all, it can be individual intolerance because of its extremely sour taste. Much higher than lemon and 12 times more than orange. Now, let's talk about who needs to consider precautions while using sea buckthorn in any form.

• Pregnancy and Breast - Feeding Women- There is no study conducted on pregnant and breastfeeding women for the use of sea buckthorn or its extract. So, it is safe to avoid using it or consult your healthcare professional if you want to try it.
• Children - The consumption of any supplement is restricted to the limit. Remember, children are possibly safe to use but of course lower in dose as compared to the adult dose.
• Bleeding Disorder - Sea Buckthorn may help to improve blood clotting and also keep healthy blood flow. But it can be dangerous for the one who has a bleeding disorder.
• Low Blood Pressure - As we know sea buckthorn helps to decrease the blood pressure in the body. So, those who already have lower blood pressure issues should consider its effects.
• Surgery - People who undergo any kind of surgery recently, need to avoid it. Sea buckthorn helps in blood clotting and blood flow in the body. Stop avoiding the use of sea buckthorn at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery.
• Hepatitis and Pancreatitis - Sea Buckthorn Berries are not recommended for people suffering from hepatitis and pancreatitis. You need to consider the precaution or talk to a professional.

It is important to remember the precaution before having any sort of sea buckthorn form. You can talk to your Healthcare professional before sea buckthorn use. Well, it is also good to try it like eating some berries or some drop of juice/oil or a supplement and wait a moment. If there is irritation or an allergic reaction, then the adoption of fresh berries/supplements in the future should be abandoned for a quality of life.

Sea Buckthorn Dosage

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has established the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all products and ingredients. The RDA value for sea buckthorn is -

• Fruit/Leaf- 10-20 g
• Extract- 0.5-2 g

There is no scientific information that tells the right dose of Sea Buckthorn and its extract. The RDA value is the maximum limit. It can be harmful if overdoses more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance.

So, it is important to check the relevant information on the label, that is, in which quantity of raw ingredients it includes. If it gets hectic for you, you can consult your healthcare professional.

Let's talk about our supplement to understand you better.

• Bhumija Lifesciences Sea Buckthorn Capsules- It is written on the label that it contains 500mg for 1 capsule. You can easily consume 2 capsules in a day.
• Bhumija Lifesciences Sea Buckthorn Juice- It is good for consuming 5-10ml with water for children or 15-30ml with water for adults.

Note- For an effective result, sea buckthorn is recommended to continue use at least 3 months or 6 months. Sea Buckthorn is a plant origin and needs time to act on the body.