SEA OIL BUCKTHORN BENEFITS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

• Oil produced from the fruiting body contains phytosterol, vitamin E, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and carotenoid which help skin repair, healing of skin lesions, burns, wounds, eczema, and abrasions.
• Contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and E.
• Excellent for acne due to its bacterial fighting ability.
• Contains Quercetin to help decrease allergic reactions on the skin.
• Helps to kill microscopic parasites.
• Can be used as skin bronzer due to its yellow, orange, or reddish color.
• Oil has some moderate UV protection.

Taken internally:

• Acts as an anti-inflammatory against joint pain.
• Helps repair damaged gum tissue, mouth ulcers, and tooth decay.
• Helps constipation.
• Builds immune system.
• Is good for blood circulation, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal
  problems.
• May slow down the decline of cognitive skills in elderly.

As you can see, there are many different sea buckthorn oil benefits to help support a healthy mind and body.  The United States cosmetic industry is finally jumping on the bandwagon in the use of the oil in their skin rejuvenation products such as Sibu Beauty.  In addition, Canada has for some time now used the sea buckthorn plant for soil erosion protection.

With all these great sea buckthorn oil benefits, I can’t think of a reason not to use it!  What about you?  Having no known side effects, now is the time to start benefiting from this centuries old yet modern-day sea buckthorn oil.

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. 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF SEA BUCKTHORN BERRY

Like all sour fruits, Sea buckthorn contain vitamin C. However, just notice the Vitamin C content in this “Wonder Berry”. To put some facts into place, average adult requires about 65 mg of Vitamin C daily. Raw Oranges juice provides about 50 mg,Raw Kiwi provides 95 mg, Raw Guava contains 228 mg of Vitamin C per 100 grams. Some of the foods highest in vitamin C are listed on Self- Nutrition Data portal. Vitamin C content in Sea Buckthorn berry is around 400-1500 mg per 100 grams.

Similarly Sea buckthorn is rich in Vitamin E or Tocopherols. It contains 120-180 mg of Vitamin E per 100 g of berries. In the list of foods highest on Self- Nutrition Data portal, probably Sea buckborn would come first. Nearest is Wheat gram oil which contains around 150 mg Vitamin E per 100 gram.

Similarly, Sea buckthorn is rich in Vitamin K. It contains Vitamin A in form of carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthine. These fat soluble vitamins – A, E and K get concentrated in sea buckthorn oil. A study found that per 100 gram of various oil (seed oil, pulp oil, fruit residue oil) contains Vitamin E in range of 170-600 mg, Vitamin K in range of 50-230 mg and Caratenoids in range of 30-1800 mg, making Sea Buckthorn oil as amazing source of fat soluble vitamins (except Vitamin D). Vitamin Content of Sea buckthorn also includes Vitamin B1, B2 and B6.

Mineral content of Sea buckthorn include minerals like zinc, selenium, manganese and iron.

Sea buckthorn contains various fatty acids mainly Omega 9 fatty acids (oleic acid), Omega 6 fatty acids (palmitic acid and linoleic acid) and Omega 3 fatty acids (linolenic acid).  Most importantly it is one of the highest natural sources of Omega 7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid), nearly one third of total fatty acids in sea buckthorn. Amount of fatty acid may vary depending on species and geography, however fruit pulp contains about 3-5% of fatty acids while seed has concentrated form of lipids to around 8-20%. Health benefits of sea buckthorn oil can be very much attributed to these Omega 7 fatty acids.

Sea buckthorn contains flavonoids about 0.1-1% by weight, including – Quercetin, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, Isorhamnetin Kaempfermol, Catechins & Proanthocyanidins, which have amazing antioxidant properties. It also contains high amount of natural plant sterols like beta-sitosterol, and erithrodiol, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Amino acids and proteins in Sea buckthorn account to 2-3% by weight, while concentrated in seeds – 18-33% which also makes sea buckthorn meal good animal fodder.

10 FUNCTIONS OF SEABUCKTHORN

1.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

It is proved that seabuckthorn flavone can effectively improve the circulation of cardiac vascular that has the function on preventing and curing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, high blood-fat, decrease and eliminate oxy-radical in body, improve immunity and anti-aging.

2.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES

It has obvious function on ischemic cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral ischemia, cerebral thrombosis and cerebral infarction. It can prevent and relieve the symptoms such as giddiness, headache, glossolalia, slowpoke and listless which are caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Seabuckthorn total flavone is able to eliminate oxy-radical and hydroxyl radical directly which is effective to reduce hypertension, hyperlipaemia and blood viscosity, restrain platelet aggregation, vessel relaxing, improve the circulation of blood and avoid arteriosclerosis

3.        THE FUNCTION ON METABOLISM AND IMMUNE SYSTEM

The bioactive substances in seabuckthorn such as vitamin, amino acid and flavone make different emotional adjustments on immune system, especially on humoral and cellular immunity, and also have function on anti-hypersensitive, enhancing the capacity of body's disease-resistant. Seabuckthorn falconoid compound is able to adjust the function of thyroid in order to help the hyperparathyroidism return normal.

4.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING AND ANTI-CANCER

The bioactive substances in seabuckthorn such as anthocyanin, quassin, coumarin and 5-hydroxy tryptamine have obvious effects on anticancer activity, restraining and killing cancer cell in body. And it also can improve their immunity function of the cancer patients to enhance the resist capacity of cancer, relieve the toxic and side-effect after radio chemotherapy, and promote their rehabilitation, especially for the person who has cancer of the stomach, esophagus, rectum and liver.

5.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING AND CURING RESPIRATORY DISEASE

It is proved that seabuckthorn oil has function on relieving cough and asthma, especially for the respiratory diseases such as chronic pharyngitis, bronchitis, sore throat, asthma and cough with abundance of phlegm.

6.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING AND CURING GASTROPATHY AND ENTEROPATHY

Seabuckthorn contains multiple kinds of amino acid, organic acid which can promote the biosynthesis of gastric acid and stimulate the secretion of gastric acid in order to have function on relieving dyspepsia, strengthening the spleen and stomach, preventing liver, and curing indigestion, gasreitis, stomach and duodenal ulcer, and chronic constipation. 

7.        THE FUNCTION ON PREVENTING LIVER

The organic acids contained in seabuckthorn oil such as malic acid, oxalic acid have obvious function on remitting the toxic effect from antibiotic and other medicines in order to preventing liver. The phospholipid compound as lecithin in seabuckthorn oil is a kind of highly bioactivity ingredient which can promote the metabolism of cell and improve the function of liver, anti-fatty liver and cirrhosis. Besides, seabuckthorn oil has obvious preventing effects on heart and marrow as well.

8.        THE FUNCTION ON ANTI-INFLAMMATION AND MUSCLE NOURISHMENT

Seabuckthorn oil contains multiple kinds of bioactive substances such as VE, carotene, carotenoid, β-sitosterol and unsaturated fatty acid have obvious effects on promoting metabolism, regaining wound, restraining inflammation of hypoderm, anti-inflammation and muscle nourishment. It is proved that seabuckthorn oil has highly effective treatment on burn, scald, cut, bedsore, oral ulcerate, dermitis, mucositis, endometritis, cervical erosion, etc.

9.        THE FUNCTION ON PROMOTING INTELLIGENCE 

The nutrient component of seabuckthorn fruit is extremely plentiful including many kinds of amino acid, vitamin, microelement and unsaturated fatty acid(EPA、DHA) which has the promotion on Children's intelligence and body growth. Seabuckthorn juice is best for promoting level of intelligence, reaction capacity, and keeping high levels of energy and fitness with chronic use.

10.     THE FUNCTION ON ANTI-AGING

It is certified that the main courses of getting old are free radical and oxide lipid. It's proved by pharmacogenetics tests that strengthen immunity factors in seabuckthorn seed oil can adjust and improve immune system which are effect on defending diseases and rehabilitation.Seabuckthorn seed oil has the function on lipotropism over oxidation to improve immunity resulting in anti-radiation. GTP and OPC are natural anti-oxidant which can scavenge radical to make cell lineage activity go well. There are many kinds of nutrient components which contained in Seabuckthorn Beauty Capsule can restrain the formation of free radical and oxide lipid, and reduce wrinkles to improve the structure of skin and anti-aging.   

SEA BUCKTHORN: NEW ‘SUPERFRUIT' HELPS WEIGHT LOSS AND DEMENTIA

The Huffington Post UK  |  By Kyrsty Hazell  | 29/03/2012

The sea buckthorn berry – a grape-sized orange fruit grown in the Himalayas – is being touted as the latest ‘superfruit’, which aids weight loss and staves off dementia.

According to Marap UK, the supplier of organic fruits from around the world, sales of sea buckthorn have soared by 30% in the past six months after scientists discovered its powerful antioxidant value.

A study by the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and the Indian Institute of technology discovered that sea buckthorn berries contain a potent mixture of vitamin A, K, E, C, B1 and B2 vitamins. They also found high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, folic acid and flavonoids.

Experts believe its mix of fatty acids signal the body to stop storing fat, and according to leading nutritionist, Dr.Oz, the weight stays off, too.

“What this means for users is that it starts melting away the fat immediately, and it has been scientifically proven to help users keep it off for longer periods than conventional weight loss programmes,” explains Dr. Oz in a statement.

Sea buckthorn oil is already used to alleviate eczema, sunburn, gastric ulcers and urinary tract infections, but it seems their nutrient content is causing a stir among the health conscious and those wanting to boost their cognitive function.

A small helping of 25g of sea buckthorn provides four times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 – the vitamin thought to improve cognitive decline and help prevent the onset of dementia.

Adequate amounts of vitamin B12 helps halve the rate of brain shrinkage (atrophy), which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, a previous study by the University of Oxford and the University of Oslo found.

“Sea buckthorn is a nutrient dense Himalayan berry, rich in antioxidants and vitamins. As part of a healthy diet, it could provide an additional nutritional boost,” nutritionist Kirsten Brooks from Eat Yourself to Health, told HuffPost Lifestyle.

“But people should not get too fixated on these so-called superfoods, as it's best to get an array of different nutrient-rich foods. “

Following another recent study health experts are also hailing the benefits of chia seeds.

According to researcher Dr Wayne Coates from the University of Arizona who dubs himself ‘Mr Chia’, these seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals and antioxidants.

"It's not like other supposed miracle foods that come out only to be dismissed as dangerous months later. You can add it to anything. My wife sprinkles it on our salad. It lowers cholesterol, it reduces joint pain,” Dr Coates said, as cited in the Independent.

The seeds are being reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, to decide whether they should be allowed into food products.