Skip to content

Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is a shrub that is native to China and areas of Europe. Sea buckthorn is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals. The leaves, flowers, seeds and berries of sea buckthorn are used in teas, oils and concentrates for a wide range of health problems.

What is sea buckthorn used for?

Sea buckthorn has been used for hundreds of years in Russia and China for its medicinal and nutritional qualities.

Sea buckthorn is believed to neutralize free radicals - molecules that can damage cells. In addition, sea buckthorn is used to treat arthritis and gout, stomach and intestinal problems and respiratory problems such as asthma. Other uses include treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, preventing or treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels, supporting cancer therapy, delaying senility, strengthening the immune system and preventing infections, improving eyesight and treating dry eyes. In addition to this, sea buckthorn is used as a sunscreen and to treat a range of skin problems such as radiation damage, exanthema in children, bedsores, burns, cuts, acne, eczema, dermatitis or dry skin. For most of these health problems, there is not enough scientific data to confirm that sea buckthorn has an effect. However, there is a limited amount of research showing that sea buckthorn may be helpful for heart disease, dry eyes and atopic dermatitis. In animal studies, sea buckthorn has shown promise in slowing the growth of tumors and ulcers. However, further studies are needed in this area.

Dosage

Optimal dosages have not yet been established for sea buckthorn for any area of application.

Can sea buckthorn be taken naturally with food?

Components of the sea buckthorn fruit or sea buckthorn juice can be found in certain jellies, juices, purees, sauces, drinks and liqueurs. The berries are not usually eaten raw as they are very acidic.

Risks and side effects

Sea buckthorn is probably safe as a food. Some research suggests that sea buckthorn is also safe and harmless when used as a medicine for up to six months.

Side effects

Very few side effects have been reported with sea buckthorn. Some people suffering from high blood pressure and taking sea buckthorn have experienced swelling, headaches, dizziness and palpitations. When sea buckthorn is applied to the skin to treat burns, a rash may occur in some cases.

Risks

Sea buckthorn can act as a blood thinner and cause bleeding. It may also lower blood sugar levels too much in diabetics using medication to lower blood sugar levels.

Interactions

Combining sea buckthorn with blood-thinning medications or supplements could increase the risk of bleeding. Sea buckthorn may also interact with certain medications used to treat heart problems, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use sea buckthorn, as there is not enough information regarding the safety of sea buckthorn during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

References

  1. Natural Standard: "Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)."
  2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Sea Buckthorn."
  3. Dulf, F. Chemistry Central Journal, 2012.
  4. Fatima, T. PLoS ONE, 2012.
  5. Suomela, J. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Sept. 20, 2006.
  6. Larmo, P. Journal of Nutrition, August 2010.
  7. Johansson, A. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, October 2000.