About Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil
Dating back to Genghis Khan and Mythical Greece, this berry has long been used medicinally for various ailments as well as for beautiful skin and hair. Commonly fed to horses to increase their health and vigor, sea buckthorn earned its botanical name, Hippophae Rhamnoides, which literally means “tree that makes horses’ shine” when it was noted that the berries offered the additional advantage of a shiny coat.
Native to Europe, Northern Asia and China, Sea Buckthorn fruit oil is extracted from the fruit of the Hippophae Rhamnoides shrub, which grows orange-red edible berries. The seeds from the fruit contain 7-11% oil and is high in polyunsaturated oil, while the pulp contains 1.2-3% oil and is high in monounsaturated oil. Oil from either source is high in tocoperols (Vitamin E) and plant sterols.
With over 190 phytonutrients, and the most potent source of the rare Omega 7 fatty acid, sea buckthorn offers quite a package. In fact, Omega 7 is only known to exist in a handful of plant sources and to a very small extent, in fish oil.
How It Works
Hippophae Rhamnoides is high in vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, flavonoids and fatty acids. This combination of vitamins and minerals makes sea buckthorn fruit oil make it an effective, multi-purpose ingredient.
Medicinally, this herb’s leaves and flowers have been used to treat arthritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, gout, skin rashes, improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol. The berries can prevent infections, improve sight, and slow the aging process. Topically, the extract can be used to treat burns and heal wounds.
Thanks to its high Omega 7 content and antioxidant levels, sea buckthorn is known to strengthen and shine hair, skin and nails; helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and free-radical damage; and is an effective anti-irritant that soothes and calms the skin.
Common Concerns
Sea buckthorn might slow blood clotting when taken as a medicine. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Quick Facts
Binomial Name: Hippophae Rhamnoides
Common Name: Sea Buckthorn
Source: Seeds and Pulp of the Sea Buckthorn fruit
EWG Score: 1
Proven and Possible Benefits
Cosmetic
Anti-aging
Medicinal
Prevent infection
Information contained in this website is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for diagnosis. The Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada have not evaluated this information. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For health problems, please refer to a qualified health practitioner.
