History of Sea Buckthorn

A Brief History of Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn is grown primarily in the mountainous and coastal areas of eastern Europe and China and records of it date back to ancient Greek times. It is mentioned in the writings of ancient Greek scholars, such as Theophrastus and Dioscorides. According to ancient Greek legend, sea buckthorn was a key part of the diet for racehorses; this and its ability to do wonders for the horses’ outer appearance led to its generic name Hippophaë, which means “shiny horse.” It has also been said that sea buckthorn leaves were one of the preferred foods of the mythical flying horse, Pegasus.

 

Genghis Khan marched his unstoppable armies across Asia. It is said that the warlord had a nutritional trick up his sleeve – a simple, tart berry called sea buckthorn.

 

Russian cosmonauts used Sea Buckthorn to protect against radiation and it is widely used to treat frostbite and much more. Finland has derived a very popular alcoholic drink from the berry and the juice is used throughout Europe and Asia. Also used in baby food.

 

For centuries, European and Asian cultures have used the medicinal properties of sea buckthorn. Its medicinal value was recorded as early as the eighth century in the Tibetan medical classic rGyud Bzi. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s use of sea buckthorn also dates back centuries. And today, “Hippophaë” has become such a major resource in China that three sea buckthorn organizations exist and sponsor the journal Hippophaë, published since 1988. Due to sea buckthorn’s rich history of medicinal use, in the past few decades scientists have carried out extensive research on the medicinal ingredients of the sea buckthorn berry.

 

Beijing Olympics Chinese athletes relied on beverages made from the berries to boost their strength, endurance, and overall health during competition.

Sea Buckthorn has been discovered in centuries-old medicinal texts in Tibet and China. It was used to treat coughing, digestive problems, skin issues, wounds and burns, even cancer in some cases.

 

Recently, science has come to discover its remarkably dense nutritional content

Here’s a look at nine of the best sea buckthorn berry benefits:

1. It’s Nutritionally Rich

While tiny in size, the sea buckthorn berry holds an impressive profile of high-nutritional and medicinal values thanks to its rich antioxidant property. The tiny sea buckthorn berry has 190 biologically active nutrients. These range from vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, flavonoids, amino acids, phenols, beta-carotene, folic acid, and organic acids. Oh, and it includes 20 mineral elements. Not bad for a tiny little berry, eh?

 

2. It Brightens and Heals Skin

Because its active ingredients have healing properties, the sea buckthorn berry is often found in skincare products. You may find it listed as sea buckthorn oil, which is extracted from the seeds or fruit pulp of the berry.

If you’ve ever picked up a sea buckthorn berry beauty product, it was most likely an anti-aging product like a cream or lotion. It’s known to firm and smooth wrinkles for those with mature skin. The oil of the berry has also been found to heal rough, flaky skin and has been used to treat frostbite in some cases.

Need to brighten your skin ASAP? You can apply sea buckthorn oil directly to the skin for a dewy, glowing look.

3. It’s Full of Omega Fatty Acids

Sea buckthorn offers all four omega fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9. These acids provide necessary dietary fats your body can’t make on its own. The rare omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acid — also known as palmitoleic acid — offers anti‐inflammatory results when used. Now, instead of needing to take four different omega supplements, you can just drink up some sea buckthorn juice!

 

4. It May Help Diabetics

If you’re a type 2 diabetic, you might consider adding sea buckthorn berry to your diet. The berry’s palmitoleic acid — AKA omega-7 — is thought to play a useful role in minimizing type 2 diabetes symptoms.

One 2019 study published in the medical journal Diabetologia found positive results in using palmitoleate acid in the treatment of diabetes. High levels of palmitoleate prevent decreases in insulin sensitivity. Certain lifestyle and dietary changes can sometimes help with this sensitivity.

Additionally, sea buckthorn may lower meal insulin response for diabetics. A 2018 European Journal of Nutrition study conducted on overweight and obese male subjects uncovered that sea buckthorn usage “decreased and delayed the insulin response and improved glycemic profile.”

5. It May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Daily consumption of sea buckthorn oil could prevent certain cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and even heart attacks.

Preclinical and other medical trials linked the anti-inflammatory properties of palmitoleic acid, which is found in sea buckthorn oil, to the prevention of cardiovascular problems.

In other studies, it has lowered blood pressure, which lessens stress on the heart by allowing it to work with less vigor.

 

6. It Blows Oranges Out of the Water

If you’re looking for a fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C to stave off the sniffles, sea buckthorn berry is it. The vitamin C content is 10 times greater than that of oranges! Even outside of the annoyingly long cold and flu season, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant you need in your daily diet. Not only does it boost the immune system, but it helps the body form important connective tissues like bones, blood vessels, and skin.

7. It Reduces Inflammation

Feeling a little sore after your most recent workout? Or dealing with a flare-up of arthritis?

You can use a shot of sea buckthorn or a topical cream to keep soreness and stiffness at bay. For years, it’s been used topically in European and Asian countries as a way to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

One double-blind, randomized study in the European Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sea buckthorn berries do indeed have an impact on reducing inflammation markers.

 

8. It Improves Immunity

Need a bit of an immunity boost.The berry pulp and seeds of this nutrient-rich berry contain useful bioactive compounds like unsaturated fatty acids that are proven to help the immune system.

On top of that, the oil of this powerful fruit also has 2.4 times more carotenoids — a strong antioxidant — than other oils, according to a Kaunas University of Medicine in Lithuania study.

If you love tea, consider steeping loose sea buckthorn berry leaves. The leaves are full of excellent vitamins and antioxidants known to help the immune system. Tea time, anyone?

 

9. It Takes the Sting Out of Sunburn

Hang out in the sun for a little too long? If you’re out of your usual aloe vera or want to try a new remedy, consider applying freshly crushed sea buckthorn berry to your skin. You can also apply a sea buckthorn berry concentrate on your skin as well.

Other skincare uses include wound healing. You can apply it to cuts, burns, and bedsores, too.