The name Sea Buckthorn doesn’t readily roll off my tongue, but this fruited plant is definitely aesthetically pleasing to my eye. The plant, which is very rich in Vitamins C and E and essential fatty acids, was written about by ancient Greek scholars and Tibetan physicians.
It is touted for its environmental benefits and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Not only does Sea Buckthorn prevent soil erosion, but it works wonders on one’s skin, heart and liver.
Useful in Non-Toxic Cosmetics
Sea Buckthorn contains high concentrations of palmitoleic acid, a component of skin adipose (fat) that can repair skin cells. In China and Russia, Sea Buckthorn oil is used in a variety of cosmetics, lotions and shampoos and a Chinese study showed improvement of skin discoloration, aging or rough skin and acne with these products.
Healing Activity of Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn oil absorbs less harmful UV rays and is used not only for the prevention and treatment of sunburn, but has had success with petrol burns, radiation damage, ulcers and most any scalding. And, unlike many toxic American cosmetics, an Indian study has proven the significant healing activity of Sea Buckthorn, as well as its lack of side effects.
Chinese Herbal Formulas
There are several Chinese herbal formulas containing Sea Buckthorn which treat cardiac disorders by improving blood circulation and restoring function. A study has shown improvement in patients with ischemic heart disease, given Sea Buckthorn, by lowering their inflammatory response and cholesterol. They also had less occurrence of chest pain and formation of blood clots.
In a double-blind clinical trial conducted in China, 128 patients with ischemic heart disease were given total flavonoids of sea buckthorn at 10 mg each time, three times daily, for 6 weeks. The patients had a decrease in cholesterol level and improved cardiac function; also they had less angina than those receiving the control drug. No harmful effect of sea buckthorn flavonoids was noted in renal functions or hepatic functions. The mechanism of action may include reduced stress of cardiac muscle tissue by regulation of inflammatory mediators. – SEA BUCKTHORN, By Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, OR
Sea Buckthorn also normalizes the enzymes and disease markers in damaged or degenerating livers by protecting it from further injury and regenerating tissue.
The present study examined the protective effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., SBT) seed oil on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatic damage in male ICR mice. Our results showed that oral administration of SBT seed oil at doses of 0.26, 1.30, and 2.60 mg/kg for 8 weeks significantly reduced the elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol at least 13% in serum, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver at least 22%, that was induced by CCl(4) (1 mL/kg) in mice. – NCBI
Sea Buckthorn oil and its components have the rare ability to make one healthy inside and out. And, I’m all for a product that can not only protect my garden and my body, but make me more aesthetically pleasing to your eye.
Corinne Kohrherr is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Board Certified Chinese Herbalist, Registered Nurse, Licensed Massage Therapist and DONA Certified Childbirth Doula. She is a holistic healthcare practitioner and lives in New York City with her dogs Martini and Olive.
anna says
Woah! such a lot of uses from the Sea buckthorn oil! i hope the unilever is listening to this for their skincare products line. Yachting