A Brief History of Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn is grown primarily in the mountainous and coastal areas of eastern Europe and China, with records dating 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 enhance the horses’ appearance led to its generic name Hippophaë, meaning “shiny horse.” It is also said that sea buckthorn leaves were a preferred food of the mythical flying horse, Pegasus.

Genghis Khan marched his unstoppable armies across Asia, reportedly with the aid of a nutritional trick – 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 more. Finland has created a popular alcoholic drink from the berry, and the juice is used throughout Europe and Asia, including in baby food.

European and Asian cultures have long utilized the medicinal properties of sea buckthorn. Its value was recorded as early as the eighth century in the Tibetan medical classic rGyud Bzi. Traditional Chinese Medicine has also used sea buckthorn for centuries. Today, “Hippophaë” is so significant in China that three sea buckthorn organizations exist and sponsor the journal Hippophaë, published since 1988. In recent decades, extensive research has been conducted on the medicinal ingredients of the sea buckthorn berry.

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

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

Nine Best Sea Buckthorn Berry Benefits

1. It’s Nutritionally Rich
   Despite its small size, the sea buckthorn berry boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It contains 190 biologically active nutrients including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, E, flavonoids, amino acids, phenols, beta-carotene, folic acid, and organic acids. Additionally, it includes 20 mineral elements.
2. It Brightens and Heals Skin
   Sea buckthorn is often used in skincare products. Known for its healing properties, the oil extracted from the berry can firm and smooth wrinkles, heal rough skin, and has been used to treat frostbite. For a glowing look, apply sea buckthorn oil directly to the skin.
3. It’s Full of Omega Fatty Acids
   Sea buckthorn provides all four omega fatty acids — omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9. These essential fats support your body and the rare omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. It May Help Diabetics
   Sea buckthorn berries, rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7), may help manage type 2 diabetes symptoms. Studies have shown it can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin response in meals.
5. It May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
   Regular consumption of sea buckthorn oil may help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart attacks. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure.
6. It Blows Oranges Out of the Water
   Sea buckthorn berries contain vitamin C at a concentration 10 times greater than that found in oranges. Vitamin C is crucial for immune function and connective tissue formation.
7. It Reduces Inflammation
   Sea buckthorn can help alleviate inflammation from various conditions, including exercise-related soreness and arthritis flare-ups. It has been used for years in European and Asian countries for pain relief.
8. It Improves Immunity
   The pulp and seeds of sea buckthorn are rich in bioactive compounds that support the immune system. The oil contains high levels of carotenoids, which are potent antioxidants.
9. It Takes the Sting Out of Sunburn
   Sea buckthorn can be applied to sunburned skin to soothe and heal. It is also useful for treating cuts, burns, and bedsores.