Sarah EatonWhat is sea buckthorn? Chances are, you may not have heard of this tart orange sea berry, but you may just want to start incorporating it into your routine. This is because sea buckthorn benefits are many, as are its uses. You can find benefit in its natural berry form, or you can use it as a concentrated oil. Truly, the oil form boasts plenty of health benefits. Sea buckthorn oil benefits include, for example, fighting cancer, treating skin problems and treating diabetes. Learn more about sea buckthorn benefits below!
What is Sea Buckthorn: Origins
Sea buckthorn may sound like it comes from the ocean waters, like some sort of algae plant, but that isn’t the case. However, it’s close to the truth! Sea buckthorn oil is actually extracted from the berries and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant, which grows near sandy, temperate coasts. Its oval-shaped berries are a bright orange color and their taste is tart, and the leaves of the sea buckthorn plant are a silvery green.
What is Sea Buckthorn: How It’s Used
Sea buckthorn oil is often used to make jellies, purees and sauces, and the berries are used to make sea buckthorn juice. Typically, you can find the juice in supplement shops or natural foods markets. Alternatively, you can make the juice yourself at home, as well as a jelly or sauce. Sea buckthorn is also used to make cosmetics as well as anti-aging creams. In fact, one of the most popular reasons consumers choose sea buckthorn is to treat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots.
When rendered as a juice or oil, sea buckthorn benefits the body in many ways. Whether you’re looking for an increase in energy or a steadfast anti-aging treatment, there is likely a sea buckthorn benefit for you in the list below.
Here are 6 sea buckthorn oil benefits:
1. Helps Combat Cancer
Sea buckthorn oil benefits start with the ability to help combat cancer. This is because this oil contains phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory agents as well as anti-cancerous properties.
Sea buckthorn benefits regarding the liver and liver cancer:
Poultry Science published a study which examined sea buckthorn benefits. In particular, they studied the toxic hepatoprotective activity of SB oil. Hepatoprotective refers to the ability to prevent damage to the liver. Researchers found that indeed sea buckthorn oil benefits the liver by diminishing toxins. As such, sea buckthorn benefits include it being a viable liver cleanse. (1) Additionally, due to these liver-cleansing effects, sea buckthorn benefits potentially include prevention of liver cancer.
2. Minimizes or Prevents Skin Problems
Also on the list of sea buckthorn oil benefits is the ability to treat problematic skin. In fact, the berries, berry concentrate or the oil can be used to treat a variety of skin ailments. You can apply it directly to the skin to both prevent and treat sunburn, for example. It can also prevent and treat acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers and stretch marks.
Fights Signs of Aging
As mentioned above, sea buckthorn oil can also be used as an anti-aging mechanism. Many of the anti-aging creams and lotions on the market today contain petroleum jelly, which, overtime can actually worsen signs of aging. Sea buckthorn oil, however, contains numerous antioxidants, including vitamin C, which promote healthy skin. These antioxidants help your skin by scavenging for free radicals. And it is thought that free radicals are partly to blame for signs of aging in the skin. This oil can rejuvenate tired, overtaxed skin cells, brighten up a drab complexion and promotes an overall healthy inflammation response. If you’re looking to fight signs of aging, you’ll definitely want to give sea buckthorn oil a try.
3. May Reduce Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Whether you suffer from adrenal fatigue or simply find yourself on the wrong side of an energy battle, you should consider trying sea buckthorn oil. Why reach for sugary caffeinated products, which can only make your fatigue worse? A natural product like sea buckthorn oil, if used correctly, might be the better route to take.
You see, due to the omega-7 content, sea buckthorn oil benefits also include treating adrenal fatigue. You can further this treatment by removing caffeine, sugar and processed foods from your diet, all of which can worsen adrenal fatigue. Additionally, to get your energy levels normalized, get plenty of rest while treating with sea buckthorn oil.
4. Aids in Preventing Infections and Boosts the Immune System
The antioxidant activity in sea buckthorn oil is fantastic! This can help your body in many ways, as antioxidants can help fight off disease-causing free radicals. When your immune system is in good-working order, it naturally lessens your chances of developing illnesses, diseases or infections.
Sea buckthorn oil benefits your immune system:
This is due to the carotenoids content, which is an antioxidant that can help reduce the onset of infection. One study found that sea buckthorn oil contain 2.4 times more carotenoids than other oils. (2)
As sea buckthorn oil benefits include fighting infections that cause inflammation in the body, it may also help boost your immune system. (3)
5. Treats Cardiovascular Disease
Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high is an important step in reducing risk for heart disease. The good news is that sea buckthorn oil may be able to help in this arena.
Research scientist Dr. Yan Jun Zu of Winnipeg found that sea buckthorn oil benefits may include the ability to reduce cholesterol. Due to its antioxidant components, this oil can stop platelet aggregation. This offers cardioprotective qualities against free radical damaging cells.
As such, it’s possible sea buckthorn oil benefits also include preventing cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart attacks. (4)
Another study notes that this oil has an overall metabolic effect, meaning it has heart-protective abilities. (5)
6. Fights Diabetes
Sea buckthorn oil benefits also include fighting diabetes. The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study in 2010 that examined the effects of this oil on insulin levels. Researchers found that the oil may help maintain normal blood sugar levels. This can help combat type 2 diabetes as well as diabetes symptoms. In particular, it seemed to minimize spikes in blood sugar levels following meals. (6)
Now that you know more about the many benefits of sea buckthorn oil, you understandably may want to give it a try. However, before you purchase this product, there are side effects to consider.
Caution: Sea Buckthorn Oil Side Effects
Generally speaking, sea buckthorn oil side effects are minimal. However, when taking a new product, it’s best to exercise caution. If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, on medication or diagnosed with a disease, please consult a health care professional prior to using sea buckthorn oil. Additionally, you may want to start out with a small dose to see how you may react to it.
Low-Blood Pressure? Slated for surgery? Read this before using sea buckthorn oil!
If you struggle with low blood pressure, you should avoid using sea buckthorn oil. This is because sea buckthorn oil side effects also include dips in blood pressure. It also can slow blood clotting as well as increase bleeding and bruising for those with bleeding disorders. It may cause extra bleeding during surgery, and as such, those scheduled for surgery should stop using it two weeks prior.
Other sea buckthorn oil side effects:
Other sea buckthorn oil side effects may include abdominal discomfort, spasms or diarrhea. Avoid taking this oil in high doses, as it may also lead to dehydration.