Q: I recently read that sea buckthorn was regarded as among the most healthy food supplements on the market. Could you please comment on that claim and provide your opinion of including sea buckthorn into an individual’s daily regimen?
A: Sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub with orange berries. Its oils have been used for countless reasons in China and Europe for centuries. The leaves and flowers are used for a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal ulcers, gout and skin rashes caused by infectious diseases such as measles. This herb can be steeped into a tea to lower blood pressure and cholesterol readings, the product prevents and controls blood vessel diseases, is a source of antioxidants and amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The berries of the plant are used to prevent infection, improve sight and slow the aging process. A portion of the plant is used to treat angina, heart disorders, asthma, for slowing the decline of thinking skills that come with advanced age, for treating ulcers and GERD, night blindness, and for balancing the immune system. The berries, berry concentrate and seed oil are used for treating sunburn, radiation damage, healing bed sores, burns, cuts, acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, and more.
A study by the Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry at the University of Turku in Finland found the oil inhibits platelet aggregation that may prove beneficial in certain cases where blood clots can have negative effects on health. A 2009 study by the Department of Biochemical Pharmacology at the Defense Institute of Physiology in India found buckthorn has significant wound healing properties without any toxicity or side effects. A 2007 study by the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in India tested albino rabbits with high cholesterol levels for 30 days. The conclusion was the oil of sea buckthorn is good for the heart, lowers LDL, the bad cholesterol, and increases HDL, the good cholesterol. A 2010 study by the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals in the Czech Republic and published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reported the oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Buckthorn berries contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C o and mega 7 fatty acids and are used to make juices drinks, jellies, pies, sauces and purees. Having said all this, it appears there isn’t sufficient information known regarding its safety when it comes to the leaf or extracts from the plant.
Kinda’ makes me wonder why we all don’t keep it in our homes in gallon containers! This high fat magic berry is even purported to keep people thin because of the omega 7 fatty acids contained therein. The product will keep skin looking beautiful.
One negative thing I know of the product is that when berries are applied directly to the skin in their concentrated form, the skin and clothing will take on an orange stain (likely because of its carotenes that are present in high amounts. This is likely the cause for an orange tint to excreted urine, as well.
Buckthorn should not be used in conjunction with vasodilator drugs since its ingestion is shown to promote the flow of blood into the arteries and veins. It is not recommended for individuals under the age of 12 or for those with kidney, liver or intestinal diseases. It may worsen acute diarrhea, abdominal spasms and other GI problems. An excessive intake of the oil may lead to dehydration effects and a loss of electrolytes in the system. Overdose and prolonged use may cause kidney problems.
The answer in my opinion? Consult your health care provider or a naturalist for direction as to whether this herb is right for you. It is not a medication and as such is not regulated by the FDA.
