Originally Posted Sunday, 21 April 2013 on NaturallySavvy.com
One of the more popular herbs as of late, sea buckthorn, is an herb with leaves, fruits, and flowers that can be used in the making of therapeutic products for internal and external uses.
According to WebMD, sea buckthorn “leaves and flowers are used for treating arthritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, gout, and skin rashes caused by infectious diseases such as measles.” Sea buckthorn berries can be used “for preventing infections, improving sight, and slowing the aging process.”
The oil of the berry can also be used to loosen phlegm and can treat infections and illnesses includingasthma, angina and high cholesterol. An extremely versatile herb, sea buckthorn oil can also reduce illnesses associated with cancer, and can also limit the toxicity that chemotherapy can inflict. It can also be used as a supplement as it is rich in amino and fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins A, C and E.
Research indicates that sea buckthorn could be effective in helping individuals who suffer from heart disease. WebMD states that “developing research in China suggests that taking 10 mg of a particular sea buckthorn extract three times daily for six weeks lowers cholesterol, reduces chest pain, and improves heart function in people with heart disease.”
While sea buckthorn fruit appears to be safe when eaten, there are a few unknowns to consider if you are using extracts. With regards to those who are either pregnant or breast feeding, there is not enough substantial evidence to know whether or not it is 100 percent safe. Because of this, it would be best to avoid it if you fall into that category. In the cases of surgeries, WebMD states that sea buckthorn could also slow the clotting of blood, which means there is a chance that it could cause additional bleeding throughout and after surgery. WebMD recommends to “stop using sea buckthorn at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.”
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