HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEA BUCKTHORN BERRY

Benefits for Skin | Benefits for Hair | Treating Respiratory Disorder | Treating High Altitude sickness | Anti Cancer properties of Sea buckthorn | A powerful Anti-oxidant | Sea buckthorn improves Cardiovascular health | Treating Cerebrovascular diseases | Sea buckthorn prevents Ulcer | Prevent damage of liver | Sea buckthorn for Healthy Prostate | Healthy Eye and Sea buckthorn | Teeth whiteness | Vitamin C deficiency | Sea buckthorn Calms Nerve | Anti Inflammatory properties of Sea buckthorn | Anti bacterial property of Sea buckthorn | Relive Pain | Sea buckthorn benefits weight loss | Healthy Gastro Intestinal Tract | Helpful on GERD | Increasing Immunity | Sea buckthorn and Thyroid function | Stamina Building | Health benefits of Sea buckthorn Tea | Prevent blood clotting | Relieve Menopause Symptoms | Healthy Nails and Collagen Production | Ecological benefits of Sea buckthorn plant

This herb has been long considered as cure for various ailments. Fruits, leaves, twigs, root and thorn have been used in various medicinal forms. Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian medicine form glorifies health benefits of Sea buckthorn by describing it as “God Sent Medicine”, “holy fruit of Himalayas”, “Liquid gold”, “life oil”. Chinese pharmacopeia classifies sea buckthorn oils as both food and medicine and considered as medicinal use for strengthening stomach, blood circulation and respiration.  Earliest efforts compiling health benefits of sea buckthorn was done by Thomas and Li in their book – Sea Buckthorn: Production and Utilization. Some of the health benefits of Sea buckthorn are listed below:

BENEFITS FOR SKIN

Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Omega 7 fatty acids are considered essential nutrients for skin. They help protect skin cells from photo-aging – damage and aging due to Ultraviolet radiation. It promotes tissue and collagen regeneration; reduce skin wrinkles and premature skin aging. All this makes sea buckthorn oil ideal choice for sunscreen lotion and anti aging products for skin.

Applied topically it can treat burns, irradiation, heal wounds and help in removal of scars and wound mark. It is also used in treatment of various skin diseases like atopic dermatitis, ulcers, acne, pimples, other infections, eczema, psoriasis, frostbite, mucositis, itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin inflammation, etc.

Russians are believed to have exploited radio protective benefits of sea buckthorn for skin; a review says Russian cosmonauts use its oil for protection against radiation burns in space. Another review says – Russians treated radiation burns after Chernobyl disaster by sea buckthorn oil. A study though confirms radio protective attributes of sea buckthorn extract.

While a host of skin care products around sea buckthorn have been launched, we believe, it is good for nourishment of skin, its growth and skin regeneration.

BENEFITS FOR HAIR

What is good for skin is often good for hair! Quite true Sea buckthorn oil is considered good for hair growth and healthy scalp. Its nourishing oil strengthens hair roots and improves hair lustre. This may be the reason why it got its name Hippophae – “shiny hair” and have been used traditional for horses with glittering hair.

Betulinic acid is one component which is considered good for hair growth is also present in Sea buckthorn. Leaf extracts of sea buckthorn also offers anti fungal properties for treating dermatitis and dandruff. In 2009, Chinese researcher found that sea buckthorn oil wards of demodex, a parasite in hair follicles, which is reason for hair loss, graying and rosacea.

Sea buckthorn oil shampoos, soaps, conditioners, lather and hair mask are some commercial products exploiting benefits of sea buckthorn for skin.

TREATING RESPIRATORY DISORDER

In China, sea buckthorn juice and sea buckthorn oil is used to cure cough, sore throat and other respiratory disorders. Berry oil is considered an expectorant and used in treatment of asthma, lung phlegm, pharyngitis, bronchitis and cough. These benefits could be attributed to anti-inflammatory flavonoids present in berry.

TREATING HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Sea buckthorn berry juice is marketed in India as Leh berry by a government defence organization.  Till 1995, farmers in Ladakh region had been using sea buckthorn for fencing and often considered a week. Indian Army lab had been researching on health drinks which do not freeze at sub zero temperatures often required in combat situation and high altitudes, which landed them with sea buckthorn. Indian Army is largest consumer of Leh berry and apart from healthy nutritious drink is considered to treat high altitude sickness.  At high altitudes, you need to tolerate the stress of cold hypoxia, owing to low oxygen pressure and isolation. With Vitamin C, E, A and flavonoids, it serves as strong antioxidant and has been found highly beneficial for soldiers at high altitude. syndromes associated with high altitude sickness.

ANTI CANCER PROPERTIES OF SEA BUCKTHORN

With radio-protective effect, Sea buckthorn helps prevent cancers caused by UV exposure. A study published by Indian Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, reported anti cancer and radio protective properties of hippophae extract. Sea buckthorn seed oil is found to have shown anti tumour effects in lab.  Bioactive chemicals in sea buckthorn have anti-oxidant and anti cancer properties and help in prevention of cancer of gastro intestinal tract.

A POWERFUL ANTI-OXIDANT

Sea buckthorn is rich source of Vitamin C, E and minerals like Zinc and selenium which have high anti-oxidant properties. Studies have been published in several journals confirm this benefit. Traditionally sea buckthorn has been used in reduction of mental aging. It protects tissues of vital organs like brain and heart form oxidative stress of free radicals.

SEA BUCKTHORN IMPROVES CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Traditionally, it has been used in herbal medicine to treat heart problems. Animal studies have shown that sea buckthorn reduces risk of heart related diseases. A study published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, showed that dried sea buckthorn berries reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Flavonoids in Sea buckthorn are believed to regulate blood pressure, treat heart diseases, improve heart function and reduce stress on heart tissue.

TREATING CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES

Sea buckthorn flavonoids and other active ingredients act as wonderful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agent and protect brain tissues from damaging effect of free radicals and toxins. It is believed to prevent diseases like cerebral ischemia, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral infarction and cerebral arteriosclerosis.  Rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients it reduces headache, dizziness and increases mental attention. Sea buckthorn juice is good for people recovering from hemiplegia, aphasia, dementia and other symptoms.

SEA BUCKTHORN PREVENTS ULCER

Hippophae has been used in folk medicines for treatment of gastric ulcers. A lab result with sea buckthorn seed oil has also confirmed the same. It contains vital vitamins like Vitamin A, E and K which are essential for the internal membrane of gastro intestinal tracts. It reduces inflammation of stomach, normalizes production of gastric juices and thus prevents ulcers.

PREVENT DAMAGE OF LIVER

Studies have shown that sea buckthorn is good for liver and prevents its damage from toxic chemicals. Clinical trial has shown that it normalizes liver enzymes, secretion of bile and reduces liver inflammation and thus prevents liver cirrhosis. Sea buckthorn contains some organic acids like malice acid and oxalic acid, which have role in protecting the liver from toxic antibiotics. Lecithin and other phytochemicals have similar contribution in protection of liver.

SEA BUCKTHORN FOR HEALTHY PROSTATE

Lycopene present in Sea buckthorn is considered to keep prostate and colon cell healthy.

HEALTHY EYE AND SEA BUCKTHORN

Vitamin A, Vitamin E and other fatty acids are considered to support eye health. Sea buckthorn has protective effect on mucous membranes of various body tissue including tissues in eye. Mucus membranes are protective in nature and offers functions like moisturizer and lubrication. It reduces inflammation and has shown benefits in treating eye disease like trachoma, protruding eyes goiter, keratitis bubble, eyelid burn and conjunctivitis etc. Sea buckthorn eye ointment is generally made from berry oil which is used to treat eye externally. Oral intake of sea buckthorn oil is also helpful for eye health.

TEETH WHITENESS

Vitamins in sea buckthorn help in cleaning and whitening effect on teeth. Sea buckthorn oil acts as natural exfoliating agent and helps remove teeth stains. High Vitamin C helps in prevention of scurvy and bleeding gums.

VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY

With rich source of Vitamin C, sea buckthorn juice can be used in treating vitamin C deficiency diseases including scurvy, bleeding of gums, white nails, fatigue, dry skin, poor healing of wounds and dry hair. Benefits of Vitamin C can be worth reading.

SEA BUCKTHORN CALMS NERVE

Sea buckthorn contains chemical 5-HT (serotonin) which acts as neurotransmitter and helps regulate emotions naturally. Similarly benefits of high Vitamin C helps in mental alertness. Drinking Sea buckthorn helps relive headache.

ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF SEA BUCKTHORN

Sea buckthorn offers properties of reducing inflammation in body and thus assists in treatment of several disease symptoms. Studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory properties of sea buckthorn extract. These properties can be attributed to high Vitamins and flavonoids. Sea buckthorn can be used for healthy cardio vascular system, reliving joint pains, fibromyalgia and arthritis.

ANTI BACTERIAL PROPERTY OF SEA BUCKTHORN

A study with sea buckthorn seed extract have confirmed anti bacterial properties. Oil can be used in prevention of infection.

RELIVE PAIN

Sea buckthorn oil has been traditionally used in relieving pain. Possibly this can be attribute to anti inflammatory property of Sea buckthorn.

SEA BUCKTHORN BENEFITS WEIGHT LOSS

Omega 7 fatty acids in sea buckthorn are considered helpful fatty acids which signal body for stopping fat storage. A popular show – Dr. Oz show had demonstrated through various reviews weight loss benefits of sea buckthorn berries. Drinking of sea buckthorn juice has been promoted for low body mass. More studies are required to confirm the efficacy of sea buckthorn and weight loss.

HEALTHY GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT

Nutrients in Sea buckthorn helps in maintaining mucus membrane and thus providing lubrication and protection of gastro intestinal tract. It helps in preventing GI tract diseases like ulcers, upset stomach, stomach ache, constipation, dyspepsia.

HELPFUL ON GERD

Read this wonderful article on benefits of Sea buckthorn for Gastro Esophageal Reflex disorder (GERD). Sea buckthorn is believed to normalize gastric acid production. It protects mucus membrane from irritation of gastric juices and are helpful reliving symptoms of GERG including heartburn.

This can be attributed to presence of Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Omega 7 fatty acids in Sea buckthorn.

INCREASING IMMUNITY

Sea Buckthorn helps build, restore and improve immune function. Flavonoids and bioactive ingredients in sea buckthorn have properties to regulate secretion of digestive enzymes, remove toxic substance from body through antioxidant effect and other benefits.

A study has confirmed sea buckthorn and its immunomodulatory effects. A similar in-vitro study found flavones from Sea buckthorn berry helped modulate production and level of signalling molecules associated with immune function and inflammation.

SEA BUCKTHORN AND THYROID FUNCTION

Flavonoids in sea buckthorn help regulate thyroid function and thus reliving hyperthryroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid malfunction often results hormonal changes and associated disease in women. Sea buckthorn is good for your thyroid function.

STAMINA BUILDING

Gengis Khan using Sea buckthorn to increase stamina of his army men was possibly first human study which confirmed efficacy of sea buckthorn as stamina and endurance building material. It was national drink in Beijing Olympics of 2008 and considered “Fruit of Champions”.

Vitamins in this berry helps in reducing common symptoms like fatigue such as low energy and muscle tension and helps sound sleep.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SEA BUCKTHORN TEA

Sea buckthorn Tea is made from the leaves of Sea buckthorn and contains vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids. It possibly provides same benefits as the fruit itself – lowering blood pressure, promoting heart health, reducing cholesterol and increasing body healing.

PREVENT BLOOD CLOTTING

Vitamins in Sea Buckthorn offer it properties resulting in inhibiting blood platelet aggregation and thus blood thinning. It is helpful in prevention of diseases like Thrombosis.

RELIEVE MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Vitamin E and Omega 7 fatty acids help in healthy mucus membrane in Vagina and offers lubricating effect to inner membrane. It thus helps relieve vaginal dryness and Menopausal symptoms.

HEALTHY NAILS AND COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

Berry is rich source of Vitamin E, A, Omega 7 fatty acid which are vital for collagen formation and thus healthy nail. It can be used as alternative to vitamin supplements for common nail problems.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF SEA BUCKTHORN PLANT

Sea buckthorn is highly multipurpose plant. It has advanced and highly developed root system and play vital role in preventing soil erosion in desert region. It is also efficient nitrogen fixing plant and plays vital role in nitrogen cycle and soil fertility. The plant is home to various bird species; in China alone 51 out of 350 species in Tibet region depend on sea buckthorn for food. The plant can tolerate extreme temperature and plays vital role in global climate change. It has been included as Sub-Mission on Cold Desert Ecosystems in Green India Mission —a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.