Sea buckthorn has been known for it’s medicinal purposes for 1000’s of years. Historically, it is world renown for it’s use by the Ancient Greeks and the Mongol army. The berry was legendarily used for Greek race horses, to recover war-torn horses after battle, and to fuel Genghis Khan’s war machine. The marvelous fruit has even been coined “God sent medicine” or “Liquid Gold” in the Tibetan, Chinese, and Mongolian cultures. It’s known as a true, natural healer for almost any illness.
The fruit comes in two main extract forms, that being berry oil and seed oil. Both have vastly different nutritional profiles and are recommended for different uses. They are fantastic for the skin and internal use, but excel individually in different ways. For a rundown on choosing between the two, check out our Berry Oil and Seed Oil buying guide. Outside of oil extracts, you can find extracts from the leaf itself and also leaf tea. The leaf, although full of flavonoids and other nutrients, does not compare with the oils in nutritionally density. For this reason, the majority of health benefits and medicinal applications are currently exploiting the oils.
There are a variety of sea buckthorn strains naturally occurring through Europe and Asia. The most commonly cultivated species is Hippophae Rhamnoides, which has the most Omega-7 content, a rare essential fatty acid found in record high levels within the berry. They are extracted in various ways, including Super Critical CO2 extractions and the standard cold press.
- The Ins and Outs of Sea Buckthorn
June 26, 2015
We found a great article that outlines all the ins and outs of the benefits of sea buckthorn. It covers the interesting history of the sea buckthorn, as well as what to use it for. “This plant is effective against a range of skin problems, including dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, wounds, burns, eczema and stretch marks.” There are even tips ...
- Don’t forget to look for sbt berries this fall!
October 9, 2014
Every day, word of the secret super berry sea buckthorn spreads and we find that very exciting! An article from Cambridge News is a guide to the best wild berries to be picked in the UK this autumn. “Foraging for berries shouldn’t be confined to just hedgerows. On beaches, look for Sea Buckthorn. Its virulent yellow ...
- Permaculture Plants: Sea-Buckthorn
January 27, 2014
Originally published on 7/9/2012 by John K. Sea-Buckthorn… this plant can do it all! http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/Hippophae_rhamnoides.jpg Common Name: Sea-Buckthorn Other Names: Seaberry, Sandthorn, Sallowthorn, Siberian Pineapple Scientific Name: Hippophae rhamnoides Other species: Himalayan/Willow-Leaved Sea-Buckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia) Family: Elaeagnaceae (the Oleaster family) These small berries are best harvested by hand. http://bluereview.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/india2009_jp11.jpg Description: Best known for their thorns, silvery-green leaves, and their bright orange berries (oval and just under an inch long), Sea-Buckthorns have ...
- Ray Mears Makes Wild Sea-Buckthorn Juice!
January 14, 2014
Originally published by Becky Lerner on 1/19/2014 Check out this excellent video of British wild food expert Ray Mears harvesting wild sea-buckthorn, Hippophae sp., and making fruit juice with it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zYMB7O6s7WQ
- Sea-buckthorn: suncreen for astronauts and superfruit for all!
December 20, 2013
Originally published by BerlinPlants 9/11/2011 Most foragers are reluctant to try eating brightly colored berries belonging to plant species unknown to them; this type of skepticism is healthy and reinforced by the multitude of poisonous berries in nature. We had never seen a common sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) bush before and its bright orange clusters of berries ...
- Sea-buckthorn Trees
November 13, 2013
Originally published 11/12/13 by Liliana Usvat Sea Buckthorn plants are incredibly important natural resources in the mountainous regions of China and Russia, and the Canadian prairies. The plant will grow naturally in both sandy, and clay soils. In fact the plant will thrive in nearly any soil type, but it is extremely intolerant of shady planting ...
- How to Pick Sea Buckthorn berries
October 31, 2013
Originally published on October 27, 2013 by Monica Wilde There are so many sea buckthorn berries at this time of the year. They are very high in vitamin C and have an antioxidant (ORAC) profile just below acai berry – except you don’t have to fly it in from the Amazon! Just get out for a walk along the ...
- DBT plans programme to develop industrial products by prospecting bioactive molecules from seabuckthorn
August 1, 2013
Originally published on 8/1/2013 By Ramesh Shankar, Mumbai The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will soon develop a network program aimed at developing industrial products through prospecting of bioactive molecules from seabuckthorn, a deciduous shrub. The programme aims to prospecting on seabuckthorn for industrially important bio-molecules for therapeutic herbal products such as antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-ulcer, and cardiovascular; cosmeceutical ...
- The Newest Super-Fat: Say Hello to Omega-7
July 8, 2013
Originally published by Leah Shainhouse on 7/5/2013 Many people tend to overindulge in high-fat foods that satisfy their palate—but not their hunger pangs. Ever wonder why? Since fat is the least satiating macronutrient compared to protein or carbohydrates, you’re more likely to eat more of these fatty treats in order to feel full. What’s worse is that fat ...
- Omega-7 Fatty Acids for Glowing Skin and Radiant Health
June 21, 2013
Originally published on 6/19/2013 Most people these days have heard of the health benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, found in flax seeds, walnuts and cold water fish, such as salmon. Recently, omega-7 fatty acids have taken centre stage as a beneficial addition to our health. Omega-7 is a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) containing palmitoleic acid; this ...