15 Sea Buckthorn Benefits Plus 3 Health And Beauty Recipes

Sea buckthorn benefits are numerous. The plant is rich in various minerals, vitamins, and therapeutic compounds.  It is naturally rich in antioxidants, as well as plant flavonol quercetin, which has been found in studies capable of lowering high blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Not only the oil is a polyunsaturated fat, which is a healthy fat, it is saturated with minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus; and healthy vitamins such as biotin, folate and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and E. Sea buckthorn oil is one of the very few plant foods known to have all 4 omega fatty acids: omega 3, omega 6, omega 7 and omega 9.

In this article, you will learn 15 sea buckthorn benefits, covering health and beauty. At the end, you will also discover 3 simple recipes you can use to get the most of this amazing plant.

1. Boosts Skin Health and Youthfulness

Some compounds in sea buckthorn oil have been found in test-tube and animal studies to boost skin health and youthfulness when applied directly and regularly on the skin. The oil stimulates skin regeneration naturally and speed up wound healing.

Other studies also find sea buckthorn oil may also reduce inflammation and skin damages resulted from UV exposure or sun damage. The scientists believe these effects may be due to the fact the plant is rich in omega-7 and omega-3 fat content.

In a small seven-week study conducted on 11 young men, sea buckthorn oil mixed with water applied directly to the skin improved skin elasticity better than a placebo. Other researches and evidence also show application of the oil may prevent skin dryness and accelerate skin healing from frostbite, burns, and bedsores. 

2. Internal Cleaning and Loses Weight

Sea buckthorn has started gaining popularity as a weight loss supplement after it was featured on the Dr. Oz show for its ability to promote weight loss by preventing the storage of excess fat. All you have to do is to consume the berries, take the oil or extract about 3 times daily. You may need to continue for up to 3 months to see real results.

The regular consumption not only strengthen the digestive tract but also helps to lubricate dried and stagnant bowel, thus increasing regular elimination which makes it ideal for constipation sufferers and people looking to keep their body clean and healthy.

3. Cardiovascular Therapy

Regular intake of sea buckthorn may help prevent cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart attacks. In a recent study performed on 128 patients suffering with cardiovascular damage or disease of the major blood vessels in the heart, participants were given 10 mg of sea buckthorn, 3 times daily, for six weeks. At the end of the study, the patients experienced an improved cardiac functions and decreased cholesterol levels.

Sea buckthorns benefit the cardiovascular system in many different ways. For instance, its antioxidant compounds may help reduce risk factors of developing several cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, blood clots, stroke, high blood cholesterol, and blood pressure. The carotenoids help keep the immune system strong.

In a small study conducted on 12 healthy men, 5 grams of either sea buckthorn oil or coconut oil were given to the men per day. After 4 weeks, the participants in the sea buckthorn group were found to have significantly lower markers of blood clots. In another small study, daily intake of 0.75 ml of sea buckthorn oil, for 30 days, helped reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.

4. Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcer refers to painful sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine or esophagus. Its statistics vary worldwide. In the United States, approximately 4.6 million people are diagnosed with peptic ulcers annually, with an estimated 10% of the population showing evidence of a duodenal ulcer at some time.

Do you know there is a natural alternative to prevent or treat peptic ulcers very easily?

Sea buckthorn seed and pulp oil have been found capable of treating gastric acid and inflammation in the digestive tract. In a study, some rats suffering with gastric ulcers were given sea buckthorn oil regularly. Researchers found the oil reduced formation of new ulcers and fasten the healing process of the established ulcers.

They concluded sea buckthorns can be used as an effective alternative to prevent or treat peptic ulcers.

5. Skin Diseases

Sunblocks often have Sea Buckthorn oil as an active ingredient the fact it has UV-blocking properties. The oil moisturizes the skin while regenerating skin tissues. Sea buckthorns also contain palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid which increases the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and proteins that keep the skin radiant and healthy.

Sea Buckthorn oil is also used as topical agent in the natural treatment of wounds and burns. A study on 16 patients having dermatitis of the skin, a condition characterized by itchy inflamed skin. After 4 months of use, the skin condition disappeared.

According to another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences, sea buckthorn oil reduces excess sebum, one of the main causative factors of acne. After 8 weeks the results were conclusive: sea buckthorn benefits include acne prevention. The same study found the oil is also beneficial for hair.

6. Diabetes

Sea buckthorns have concentrated amount of palmitoleic acid fatty acid. Palmitoleic acid increased insulin sensitivity and lower incidence of diabetes in humans in most recent studies. The scientists also found that those with high levels of palmitoleic acid in their blood not only have better blood cholesterol but are also responsive to insulin.

The plant helps prevent the disease by reducing blood sugar levels and increasing insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. In fact, a small study performed on humans shows sea buckthorn oil may help minimize blood sugar spikes after carb-rich meals. Considering frequent long-term blood sugar spikes tend to lead to type 2 diabetes, preventing them is the ideal way to prevent the disease.

7.  Immune System

Sea buckthorn benefits the immune system thanks to its variety of antioxidants, flavonoids and other immune booster components. A recent study conducted on humans at the Kaunas University of Medicine in Lithuania to evaluate the immune boosting properties of oil. Results showed it contained 2.4 times more carotenoids than any other oils. A carotenoid is a yellow fat-soluble pigment that helps strength the immune system and other functions.

The researchers concluded the antioxidants are so incredibly high that it can help prevent infections caused by exposure to bacteria or environmental hazards. To obtain all these benefits, you can take supplement or just add the oil or the berries in your diet. Sea buckthorns may improve immune function and protect the body from bacterial and viral infections as well as parasitic attacks.

In other studies, sea buckthorn oils also help the body to fight against HIV, influenza and herpes virus. 

8. Adrenal Fatigue and CFS

Omega-7s is one of the best natural alternatives to treat adrenal fatigue; sea buckthorn is a potent source of this particularly type of omega.  Regular intake may boost the adrenal glands and regulate energy levels to normal.  A study performed at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that rats treated with sea buckthorns had a deduction of the cells that cause Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Do you feel tired and worn out almost constantly even if you had good sleep? Do you crave salty foods for no apparent reason? You may suffer from Adrenal fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome, in other hand, is characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least 6 months. CFS fatigue worsens with mental or physical activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.

9. Healthy Liver

Sea buckthorns can also contribute to a healthy liver due to its high content of healthy fats, vitamin E, and carotenoids, which protect the liver cells from damage.

In a study on rats with liver damage, sea buckthorn oil significantly improved markers of liver function. In another one conducted on people with cirrhosis, the participants were divided in 2 groups: one was placebo, the other group was given 15 grams of sea buckthorn extract, 3 times daily, for six months. Those in the sea buckthorn group had an increase of their blood markers of liver function significantly higher than those in the placebo.

In two other studies, participants with non-alcoholic liver disease were given either 0.5 or 1.5 grams of sea buckthorn, up to 3 times daily. At the end of the study, their cholesterol, triglyceride and liver enzyme levels improved considerably more than those on the placebo. 

10. Digestion And Gut Health
    

Animal studies indicate that sea buckthorn oil may help improve the performance of the entire digestive tract if taken regularly along with a healthy diet. But more studies are needed to confirm these superficial results. 

11. Menopause Symptoms

Sea buckthorn, extract or oil, may reduce vaginal drying in menopausal women. It is recommended in certain countries as a natural alternative therapy for postmenopausal women who are unable to take estrogen.

12. Dry Eyes

In one study, daily intake of sea buckthorn was linked to reduced eye redness and burning. According to the study, the oil can positively affect the tear film osmolarity and stop the dry eye symptoms.

13. Inflammation

Limited Research in animals found sea buckthorn extract can be helpful in reducing joint inflammation and some other types of inflammation.

14. Depression Symptoms 

Some studies conducted on animals also report that sea buckthorns may have antidepressant effects. The studies were limited to animals and need more evidence before reaching a conclusion.

15. Cancer Cells

Sea Buckthorns contain abundant anti-inflammatory compounds as well as anti-cancerous properties, according to a recent study published on Poultry Science. During the research, the scientists evaluated the liver-cleansing properties of the sea buckthorn berries on the participants. Results show decreased effects of aflatoxins in the liver.  These poisonous substances can trigger liver damage and serious diseases such as cancer.

The anti-cancer properties may be linked to flavonoids and antioxidants in the oil. For instance, sea buckthorn is high in quercetin, a plant flavonol which helps the body kills cancer cells. Other compounds, such as antioxidants, including vitamin E and carotenoids, may also halt the reproduction of cancer cells and force them to commit suicide.

Recipe 1: Sea Buckthorn Curd

Ingredients:

1 cup of sea buckthorn juice or 3 cups of frozen berries

1-2 tbsp of lemon juice (optional)

4 fresh organic pasture eggs

125 gr butter

3 tbsp of raw unfiltered honey

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the juice, honey, and eggs.

Let everything cooked at medium heat

Stirring it frequently for up to 12 minutes or until thickened.

Let it cool and then served or keep refrigerated.

Recipe 2: Sea Buckthorn Berry Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/4cupfresh buckthorn berry juice
• 1/2cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3tablespoons of raw and unfiltered honey
• 1/2tablespoon freshlime or lemon juice
• add salt and spices according to your taste

Instructions

Whisk together until well combined. Add seasoning, preferably salt and pepper.  Toss into your salad right before serving. 

Recipe 3: Sea Buckthorn Muffin

Ingredients

1 cup organic unbleached flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ cup granulated sugar or your desired sweetener

1 Pinch of salt

½ cup sea buckthorn well washed berries, fresh or frozen

1 organic pasture egg or 1tbsp egg replacer

¼ cup butter, melted

½ cup milk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 380°F (180°C). Place parchment liners in your favorite muffin pan or a 12-cup muffin pan. Mix all the ingredients together: sugar. flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add sea buckthorn berries and mix to coat.

In a separate small bowl, mix the butter, egg, and milk. Mix dry ingredients and liquid ingredients and stir until well combined. Pour batter into muffin pan, and bake for about 15 minutes..

Thank you for reading to end. If you have question or comments regarding sea buckthorn benefits, kindly share it below with our readers.