Sea Buckthorn

Extracts from the Sea Buckthorn shrub have been used for centuries in Chinese and Eastern medicine for treating a wide range of disorders. In the West, we use Sea Buckthorn oils extensively in natural skin applications.

The common sea-buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides), is often referred to by its Latin name, meaning ‘resembling buckthorn’ to differentiate it from the true buckthorns which are in a different botanical family. Hippophae rhamnoides, from which natural products are extracted for use in alternative therapies, is a large shrub with narrow, willow-like, silvery leaves and thorny shoots. It is deciduous, meaning there are male and female shrubs. Its small, yellow flowers give way to small, bright orange berries on the female plants.  The males and females are grown together to ensure good crops of berries on the female plants. Sea buckthorn is thought to originate from the Himalayan regions, but it is now found widely throughout Asia and Europe, where its ability to survive salty soils and salty moisture means it thrives in beach sand dunes and on sea-cliffs (hence is common name). Sea Buckthorn is also known as sallow thorn, Swallow thorn and willow thorn.

Many parts of the plant have been used in Eastern medicine.  Supporters use the bark, leaves and flowers for treating arthritis, gastrointestinal problems and some skin rashes: a drink is made using the leaves like a tea.  Used like this it is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants amino acids, fatty acids and minerals and is also believed to regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol and generally boost the immune system.

Sea-buckthorn berries are very acidic and unpleasant to eat raw though nutritious.  The berries are most often pressed and the resulting juice, when left, separates into three layers: an orange creamy upper layer; a middle layer containing a higher concentration of saturated and polyunsaturated fats; a bottom layer of ‘wet’ sediment, used to make syrups. The upper two layers are processed to make various skin creams and applications. Skin creams based on Sea Buckthorn are claimed not only to be skin moisturisers rich in essential nutrients, but to be skin softeners and to help counteract the effects of ageing on the skin.

At Natures HealthBox, we offer a range of Sea Buckthorn products.

Content written by J R Welsman 2013.