Sea buckthorn isn’t actually from the sea; this small shrub bush grows high in the rugged territory of the Spiti Valley in the Himalayan Mountains where the reflected light, severe cold, and dry soil combine to create a hardy superfruit. The mineral content of the soil gives the sea buckthorn a high concentration of minerals and vitamins. The berries and leaves of this plant are pressed into essential oils or are brewed in a milder form as a tea. The health benefits of sea buckthorn come from its wide variety of vitamins and trace minerals, as well as the full complement of omega fatty acids.

Powerful Antioxidants

Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress on the body that is caused by free radicals — molecules that attack healthy cells and inhibit the growth of new cells. This breakdown of healthy cell regeneration can affect organ function and lead to cancerous tumors. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body, controlling their population and combatting the damage these molecules do.

Help With Digestive Disorders

The essential oils pressed from sea buckthorn can prevent and reduce the size of stomach ulcers. The damaging effects of stomach acid on the lining of the stomach can be reduced by the compounds in sea buckthorn oil, especially vitamin K and omega fatty acids. The bark extract from sea buckthorn can help the stomach lining repair itself and prevent new ulcers from forming. The most effective way to achieve this is to take supercritical CO2-extracted sea buckthorn oil; it contains the highest concentration of necessary nutrients.

Reduces Inflammation

Oils extracted from sea buckthorn leaves are highly anti-inflammatory. In fact, a medically supervised injection of sea buckthorn leaf extract reduces inflammation in people with arthritis. People with autoimmune conditions have periodic flare-ups when their inflammatory cells release nitric oxide that intensified inflammatory damage. Sea buckthorn extract can reduce the production of nitric oxide and the damage it inflicts.

Strengthen Liver Function

Sea buckthorn can ease the symptoms and severity of cirrhosis of the liver. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling. Cirrhosis also makes it more difficult for the liver to carry out its vital role in removing toxins from the body. Sea buckthorn can help the liver by improving its ability to filter toxins and reducing aflatoxin. The plant is also hepaprotective, which means it may fight cancers that originate in the liver.

Helps Control Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, and diabetes result from decreased insulin sensitivity. The cells of your body need glucose to function, and insulin helps process the glucose. If your blood sugar is too high, your cells may not be sensitive enough to use insulin, which can lead to diabetes. Sea buckthorn lowers blood sugar levels and the amount of fat in the bloodstream, preventing the spikes and dips that lead to diabetes.

Improves Wound Healing

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of sea buckthorn make it especially helpful for healing wounds on burn patients. Bandages soaked in sea buckthorn oil can help heal burns more quickly, and enhance skin regrowth. Lab studies show sea buckthorn injections can help heal torn and damaged tendons, as well. The extract enhances protein production and reduces wound size quickly, speeding up healing.

Boosts Immune System Function

Sea buckthorn extract may reduce the effects of toxins and help strengthen the immune system. Certain viruses and infections prompt an immune system response, and studies show sea buckthorn extract can reduce the toxicity and chronic stress caused by these infections. Because antioxidants help improve immune function by protecting the body from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, adding sea buckthorn oil supplements to your daily routine can help keep infectious bacteria at bay.

Improves Heart Function

Regular intake of sea buckthorn can help reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body. Some studies indicate daily consumption could prevent partially clogged arteries, hypertension, heart attacks, and cardiovascular diseases. Sea buckthorn extract can significantly improve the heart’s ability to resist stress and prevent fluid leakage into the lungs. It also protects the heart from free radical damage.

Improves Texture of the Skin

Fissures in the skin can heal more quickly with the application of sea buckthorn extract. These healing properties improve the skin’s appearance by reducing free radical damage and damage from exposure to the sun and elements. Sea buckthorn may also help reduce the symptoms of skin related conditions such as eczema and topical dermatitis. The plant can smooth dry and irritated skin, slow the process of aging, treat sun damage and cure frostbite, and soothe irritation.

Reduce Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Sea buckthorn is an important source of omega 7 fatty acids, which moderate chronic stress and adrenal fatigue and enable the body to heal and naturally reduce inflammatory responses. Adding foods that heal the body, such as omega 3s found in fatty fish, fish oil, and sea buckthorn oil, can provide the perfect healing ground our bodies need. Combined with plenty of rest, a reduction in anxiety, and exercise, sea buckthorn oil can help restore lagging energy levels.