sea ​​buckthorn

Due to their energetic power, sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae rhamnoides) have become a invaluable herbal resource to increase vitalitylittle explored in our country.

This shrub, up to 3 meters high, very branched and thorny, with linear-lanceolate leaves, flowers covered with scaly hairs and spherical yellow or orange berries It grows on coastal dunes and on the margins of riverbeds in inland montane areas.

It is frequent in western and central Europe, as well as in central and northern Asia, but very rare in the Iberian Peninsula. Even so, autochthonous populations are known in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Sea buckthorn medicinal properties

Sea buckthorn berries stand out for their high vitamin C contentcomparable to that of the fruits of the wild rose and acerola, and higher than citrus. This attests to its importance as energy and toning food.

Its importance in beta-carotene, vitamin E, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols, mucilage and tannins.

This composition causes the sea buckthorn to be attributed the following properties:

It is a great general tonic: That is your main indication. strengthen the body against infections and accelerate recovery after a long convalescence. It is ideal in case of astheniaphysical weakness and anemia, and to prevent colds and flu processes.The importance of sea buckthorn as a digestion stimulant has also been proven, useful in case of gastric disorders as the gastritis and the stomach flu.Its astringent effect makes it a good remedy against diarrheaThe sea buckthorn is attributed a certain capacity as blood circulation stimulator and how lowers fat and cholesterol levels in the blood. It is reported as a herbal support in cardiac disorders and as a Valid preventive of arteriosclerosis.

​Separate mention require the properties of sea buckthorn oil to protect the skinwhich makes it a good ally for external use.

Oil sea ​​buckthorn is used as lotion to moisturize the skin and delay aging.Some cosmetic products have it incorporated because nourishes and restores the skinon the one hand, preventing or stopping its oxidation and cellular agingand on the other hand protects it from extreme outdoor conditions. Applied to the skin, sea buckthorn oil also soothes all kinds of skin irritations and eliminates eczema, corns, pimples and boils.

Natural remedies with sea buckthorn

For asthenia or weakness: A highly recommended herbal remedy in case of asthenia or weakness is the tisane that is prepared by macerating between 6 and 8 fruits overnight. Then it is strained the next day and sweetened, if desired, with a pinch of honey. It has to be drunk throughout the day, in small doses. However, due to its high astringent power, it should not be consumed for more than 5 or 6 days in a row. You can also take it in syrup, 3 tablespoons daily.Other uses: this same herbal tea has a slight vermifuge effect, applicable in case of intestinal parasites.

How is it used

Sea buckthorn can be used internally or apply to the skin.

Internally, the most comfortable way is to take the oil in supplement form or syrup, although you can also prepare a maceration of the berries. More pleasant and equally valid is to take the berries in the form of natural juice or homemade jam.

Sea buckthorn oil is also applied to the skin and is part of the composition of some cosmetic products.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”