Sea buckthorn: healing properties and recommendations for use

The benefits of sour yellow sea buckthorn berries are known to people all over the world. This article will tell you more about sea buckthorn, as well as its healing properties and recommendations for the use of this very useful plant.

Sea buckthorn is a relatively low shrub, having spreading massive branches, on which grow green leaves. During the flowering period, quite a lot of unsightly flowers appear on the tree. This plant blooms, usually in late April - early May.

Female and male flowers differ in appearance. Thus, during the flowering period, small yellow flowers appear in the “female” bush, collected in 3-5 pieces in one inflorescence. On the "male" shrub, small gray-brown flowers appear that can easily spray pollen on any wind. Sea buckthorn blooms are not as beautiful as a cherry or an apple tree. This contributes to the fact that often its flowering goes unnoticed.

Sea buckthorn got its name due to the peculiarities of fruit formation. Bright-colored berries so intensively cover the bush that it seems that they simply “stick around” it. The name "sea buckthorn" is used in Russia. The generic name of the tree is completely different - Hippophae. This name was given to the tree by the ancient Greeks. Translated from the Greek language "hippos" means "horse", and "phaos" - "light, shine." This tree name is explained simply. The fact is that the ancient Greeks noticed that when feeding horses with sea buckthorn their mane becomes more radiant and silky. That is why they decided to call the sea buckthorn in this way.

Sea buckthorn grows in different cities and even countries. Many species of sea buckthorn grow near water bodies. This gave the second name to the plant - “sea thorn”. Wild buckthorn species can be found in various parts of the world. So, sea buckthorn bushes grow in China, Europe, the Caucasus, Mongolia and Asia. Also, sea buckthorn can be found even in Pakistan and India.

Many people believe that Russia is considered the birthplace of sea buckthorn, but this is not at all the case. The first sea buckthorn shrubs belonging to the Loch family, grew on the territory of Southeast Asia. People quite quickly "noticed" this plant due to the huge number of beneficial actions that it has on the body. This has contributed to the fact that people around the world have become involved in the cultivation of sea buckthorn.

Grow sea buckthorn and for aesthetic purposes. Thanks to the selection, scientists managed to create new varieties of sea buckthorn, which can be planted to create interesting landscape design solutions.

It should be noted that sea buckthorn is a light-loving plant.. Separately, it should be said about the good frost resistance of wood. Dense wood helps sea buckthorn not to die in the winter. Some varieties of sea buckthorn can tolerate very low temperatures - up to -45 degrees Celsius.

Sea buckthorn "prefers" looser soil. The tree grows best in soil rich in phosphorus and organic matter. Sea buckthorn “does not like” too much water in the soil. If the soil is too wet for a long time, it can negatively affect the growth of the tree.

Excellent ability to tolerate cold contributed to the fact that sea buckthorn is grown even in cold natural areas. Residents of northern countries to maintain health requires a sufficient amount of vitamins and nutrients, which are found in large quantities in the fruits of this plant.

Sea buckthorn fruits are very useful. The berries are usually elongated or round.The color can be varied - from bright yellow to red. Some varieties of sea buckthorn even have red or orange berries. Inside there are bones.

The taste of the fruit depends on the variety. Berries have a specific acidity. Sour taste is determined by the plant variety. Some people say that the taste of sea buckthorn is even associated with the immature pineapple. It is worth noting that the taste of sea buckthorn fruit is special. It can only remotely be compared with some other berries and fruits, since the fruits of this plant still have their own unique taste.

For ripening fruits from the time of flowering plants takes several months. As a rule, it is possible to pick berries only at the beginning of September. Some varieties of sea buckthorn begin to bear fruit somewhat earlier. The number of fruits on one fruit tree, as a rule, is quite large. So, from one bush you can collect a lot of fruits in order to make harvesting for the winter for the whole family consisting of several people.

Sea buckthorn can rightly be called a real medicine. The fruit of this berry contains so many vitamins and beneficial trace elements that it can be used to treat and prevent a huge number of a wide variety of diseases. Pharmacognosy plants allowed scientists to determine the exact chemical composition of the fruit, as well as to evaluate all the useful properties.

Vitamin composition of the plant is amazing. So, it contains provitamin A (up to 11 mg), as well as B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B2), E and K. Also, sea buckthorn fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid - a powerful antioxidant that is necessary for the full functioning of the body person

When eating berries, you can feel a certain sweetness. It is due to the fact that glucose and fructose are in the fruit. Their content is about 4-6%. Special sour taste is caused by organic acids - grape, malic and others. Their content is up to 2.5%. The yellow color of the berries is due to the presence of quercetin in the fruit. Also in the fruit contains a number of tannins, causing certain shades of taste.

When biting the seeds of berries, you can feel an oily taste. It is caused by the presence of a special fatty oil. The content of such an oil component in the pits of the plant is up to 12%, in the flesh of the fruit it is less - up to 9%. The presence of this substance contributes to the fact that from the fruits of sea buckthorn can be prepared a very useful tool - sea buckthorn oil, which is actively used in medicine and cosmetology.

The composition of sea buckthorn oil is truly unique. So, it contains triacylglycerides containing both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Among the biologically active components are oleic and palmitooleic acids. In the bark and leaves of sea buckthorn useful fatty oil contains much less. The content of this component is only 3%. Sea buckthorn leaves contain quite a lot of ascorbic acid, as well as about a dozen different tannins.

Sea buckthorn fruits also contain pectin compounds, flavonoids, as well as nicotinic and folic acids. Scientists have discovered that sea buckthorn berries even contain a number of biologically active plant components that are natural antibiotics.

The mineral composition of the fruit of the plant is surprising. In one small yellow berry contains several useful minerals. So, you can find in it:

• boron;
• iron;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• manganese;
• potassium;
• copper;
• sodium.

It is worth noting that a special substance is found in the bark of the sea buckthorn, which, when ingested, promotes an increase in the blood of the hormone of joy - serotonin. In the fruits of the plant, scientists have discovered a very useful substance - sitosterol. It protects the body from the progression of atherosclerosis, as well as from some dangerous diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The fruit of the plant contains a very important component - vitamin P. This substance is necessary to ensure normal blood clotting. In combination with a high content of ascorbic acid, vitamin P in the body works as efficiently as possible. This combination helps to reduce the permeability of blood vessels, and also prevents capillary fragility.

Separately, it should be said about the nutritional value of this useful plant. Thus, the calorie berries is only 82 calories per 100 grams. The protein content is up to 1.2 grams, fat - 5.68 grams, and carbohydrates - up to 5.9 grams.

The healing properties of sea buckthorn for the human body are truly enormous. Over the years, this plant has been actively used by people to preserve and improve their health. The benefits of sea buckthorn berries are huge. So, the fruits of this plant can be used to treat many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe pathologies of the stomach and intestines include sea buckthorn oil therapy. Also, the use of sea buckthorn fruits contribute to the health of the large intestine.

Sea buckthorn berries are rich in antioxidants - the most important substances involved in the process of natural cell renewal. Normally, all the old cells in the human body die. This natural process is called apoptosis. With age, it is broken, which leads to an increase in the formation of "wrong" cells. In such a situation, the risk of developing cancer increases.

Reducing the risk of cell damage can be with the help of antioxidants, which are found in large quantities in the fruits of sea buckthorn. Also enhancing the antioxidant protection of the human body by eating delicious orange berries, it is possible to achieve and enhance immunity. Impaired functioning of the immune system contributes to the fact that a person begins to get sick more often. The lower the immunity, the higher the likelihood of developing colds or infectious diseases. The use of the same sea buckthorn berries improves immunity, reducing the likelihood of dangerous infections in humans.

In today's world, many parents are aware of what is often ill child. Weakened children can get sick several times a year. This is largely due to reduced immunity. Inclusion in the child's diet of products prepared from sea buckthorn berries will help improve the immune system. It is especially important to add such dishes to frequently ill children during the cold season in order to prevent the development of dangerous diseases in them.

Sea buckthorn fruits can also have a beneficial effect on vision. For many centuries, they have been used successfully to treat various eye pathologies. As a rule, sea buckthorn berries help people who have reduced vision in many ways due to retinal pathology. Carotenoids, which are contained in large quantities in the fruits of sea buckthorn, have a beneficial effect on all structures of the eye, which contributes even to some improvement in vision. Regular consumption of sea buckthorn berries contributes to the fact that visual acuity in the evening increases significantly.

The benefit of the use of sea buckthorn can be assessed by people suffering from various diseases of the cardiovascular system. Fruits of sea buckthorn affect blood pressure.They also help to reduce high "bad" cholesterol in the blood and have a positive effect on the walls of blood vessels. Drinks made from sea-buckthorn berries lower blood pressure, therefore, hypertensive patients are often recommended.

Fruits of sea buckthorn will be very useful for people of mature and old age. The abundance of vitamins and nutrients contributes to the fact that sea buckthorn is able to have a positive impact on the brain. Doctors note that with regular use of this medicinal plant berries, the memory of patients improves memory and reduces the risk of developing cognitive disorders.

Acceptance of sea buckthorn berries can also contribute to the normalization of the nervous system. This leads to a decrease in the risk of developing depressive disorders. Bright orange berries, resembling a bright sun, are already adjusting their appearance in a positive way. A large amount of vitamins available in fruits have a positive effect on mood.

The fruits of sea buckthorn have a beneficial effect on the work of the lymphatic system. The lymph with the regular intake of sea buckthorn berries begins to move faster through the lymphatic vessels. This leads to a general improvement in metabolism, as well as reducing the risk of developing many dangerous pathologies.

Sea buckthorn can also have anti-inflammatory effects. The use of sea-buckthorn fruit contributes to the fact that the inflammation resulting from a disease is reduced. This action contributes to the fact that the berries of sea buckthorn and oil, prepared from its fruits, are actively used in medicine in order to treat many infectious and chronic diseases.

Sea buckthorn fruits contain biologically active substances that have an antiseptic effect. They have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microbes. This action is used to treat or prevent a large number of infectious pathologies.

Like any plant, sea buckthorn can give not only the benefit to the body, but also severe harm. In order not to harm, sea buckthorn should be used only in certain cases. It can not be applied to people of any age who have contraindications to its reception. The presence of a large number of biologically active substances leads to the fact that sea buckthorn should not be used by people with various allergic diseases.

The presence of high concentrations of organic acids in the fruits of sea buckthorn leads to the fact that its fruits can not be used in the exacerbation of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Before using the fruits of sea buckthorn for the treatment of gastritis or enteritis, you should first consult with a gastroenterologist or therapist.

Very carefully it is necessary to apply sea buckthorn and children. It is believed that sea buckthorn oil can be used to treat skin pathologies and diaper rash in newborns and infants. However, such local treatment should be carried out only after prior consultation with a pediatrician. Some babies have a rather high sensitivity of the skin, which may contribute to the appearance of signs of allergy, even when topically applied sea buckthorn oil.

A huge number of useful properties of sea buckthorn contributes to the fact that it is actively used in medicine.There are a lot of ways to apply it. Sea buckthorn can also be successfully used for cosmetic purposes. Almost everyone will be able to choose for themselves the most suitable way for him to use the fruits of sea buckthorn.

Many of the plants are not recognized by traditional medicine, but not sea buckthorn. Doctors of various specialties quite often prescribe to their patients various decoctions and infusions prepared from sea-buckthorn fruits. The most commonly prescribed means, prepared from sea buckthorn, in official medicine can be considered sea buckthorn oil. The range of application of this product is quite large.

So, sea buckthorn oil can be used for various colds and viral diseases. Putting oil in the nasal passages helps from a cold. It goes well with the use of oil of thuja or eucalyptus. Lubricate the nasal passages can be every 3-4 hours. If you carry out such procedures at the very beginning of the disease, it is possible to ensure that the adverse symptoms of the disease disappear rather quickly.

When using sea buckthorn oil should be aware of the instructions for its use. Usually manufacturers put it in a box with oil. If sea buckthorn oil is not in a paper box, but simply in a glass jar, then you should ask the instructions for use from the pharmacist at the pharmacy where the purchase is made.

Apply sea buckthorn oil is possible not only for the treatment of rhinitis. Otolaryngologists recommend treating the nose with this remedy and people suffering from adenoids. Most often, this pathology affects children of school age.

Another field of application for sea buckthorn oil is gynecology. It should be noted that gynecologists quite often prescribe such phytotherapy to their patients. This is quite natural. Oil obtained from the fruits of sea buckthorn, has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect. These properties can be used in the treatment of a huge number of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs.

One of the commonly used methods of using sea buckthorn oil in gynecology is the introduction of tampons soaked in it, in the genital tract. This method of therapy can be administered to women suffering from cervical erosion or cervicitis. This local treatment promotes rapid regeneration (restoration) of the cellular layers of the cervix, which is necessary for the fastest healing.

Used sea buckthorn oil and for the treatment of hemorrhoids and other diseases of the rectum. Currently, there are even ready-made rectal suppositories that should be inserted into the rectum to treat various diseases of the distal intestine. Prescribes such drugs usually proctologist. These drugs are usually assigned to the course reception. Rectal administration of suppositories helps to reduce local pain and reduce the inflammatory process.

Sea buckthorn oil has also been used to treat eye diseases. So, this herbal medicine helps with eyelid burns. Sea buckthorn oil can also be used to heal microdamages under the eyes. The ointment prepared from the fruits of sea buckthorn helps to quickly relieve inflammation, swelling and burning in the affected area. Treat inflamed areas with clean hands only to prevent secondary infection of the wound surface.

Sea buckthorn oil can be used not only in adults, but in certain situations and in children. So, many moms use this tool for the treatment of diaper rash on the skin of their children. Reviews after taking this herbal medicine are pretty good. Sea buckthorn oil moisturizes and nourishes the baby’s skin, reducing the appearance of diaper rash.

Since ancient times, women used the fruits of sea buckthorn in order to preserve youth and beauty. Today you can find a huge number of a wide variety of recipes to improve the quality of the skin, hair and nails.

Sea buckthorn fruits are often used to make masks. The abundance of useful biologically active substances in the composition of the berries helps to combat age-related changes in the skin, and also contributes to the improvement of its appearance. In order to achieve the result, sea buckthorn masks should be done several times. The first changes can be noticed already after the first application, however, to consolidate the result, 10-12 such cosmetic sessions may be required.

Preparing a mask of sea buckthorn berries is quite simple. To do this, pre-washed fruits must be crushed to a state of mashed potatoes, and then apply this mass in an even thin layer on the face. Before carrying out the mask should be sure to test for the presence of individual sensitivity and local allergic reaction.

Masks made from sea buckthorn fruits are great for women with mature skin. They will help improve skin tone, return a radiant and healthy look to it, and will also help to improve the complexion.

Sea buckthorn can also be used for hair. The mask, prepared with the addition of sea buckthorn oil, will help to improve the appearance of the hair. Also, sea buckthorn masks are perfect for women who have fluffy hair. Regular use of these masks will help make the hair smoother and easier to comb.

Sea buckthorn oil can also be used to remove small wrinkles, especially in the area under the eyes. Such facial wrinkles begin to form in women older than 25 years. Sea buckthorn oil applied to clean skin under the eyes, will help to reduce the number of small wrinkles. The area under the lower eyelids is very gentle and easily stretched, therefore, sea buckthorn oil should be applied gently along the massage lines.

Beauticians note that oil made from sea-buckthorn fruits can also be used to treat post-acne. Very often adolescents encounter this problem during puberty. Also, acne on the skin can appear in women with a number of dishormonal disorders. After acne on the skin, as a rule, dark red spots remain, which cause some discomfort in girls.

Sea buckthorn oil will help to eliminate the effects of acne. Apply it should be on red spots 2 times a day. This should be done only on pre-cleansed skin. It is most convenient to apply sea buckthorn oil with a cotton swab. It may take several weeks to completely cleanse the skin.

Another great way to use sea buckthorn oil is to use it for lip massage. Often on the lips in the cold time there are peeling, which, when injured, can bleed. To make the lips soft and moist, you can use sea buckthorn oil. Apply it in the morning and evening. After a few days of use, you will notice that the lips are set softer and look better.

Sea buckthorn oil can also help women who are familiar with the problem of nail exfoliation. As a rule, increased brittleness of the nail is found in many diseases of internal organs or even in banal hypovitaminosis.To strengthen the nails, you can use sea buckthorn oil. In order to strengthen the nail plate, you should rub sea buckthorn oil into them at night.

Do such procedures should be 1-2 weeks. During this time, the nails should become more durable and less break. Also, rubbing sea buckthorn oil makes your hands look more well-groomed. It is also possible to treat the nails with oil after carrying out hygienic baths during the manicure. To perform such a procedure is not difficult, even at home.

Methods of application of sea buckthorn berries are vast. It should be noted and the possibility of using the fruit inside. Treatment with the fruits of sea buckthorn can be carried out for a variety of diseases. Sea buckthorn oil and berries are used in various medical areas.

One of them is gastroenterology. The fruits of sea buckthorn have a beneficial effect on the liver and the process of biliary excretion. Taking the berries of this plant helps to cope with the adverse symptoms of hepatitis and cholecystitis. Regular consumption of the fruits of sea buckthorn contributes to the normalization of the process of formation of bile and its removal through the bile ducts. All this helps to improve digestion.

Gastroenterologists also resort to the appointment of sea buckthorn oil for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines. Especially useful to use sea buckthorn oil for people who have erosion in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking this herbal medicine will promote the speedy healing of eroded inflamed mucous membranes of the internal organs.

Natural plant extracts contained in the fruits of sea buckthorn, help fight the symptoms of various colds and infectious diseases. Thus, the use of the fruits of sea buckthorn will help protect all family members from the flu in the season of catarrhal diseases. Sea-buckthorn berries can help to cope with unpleasant cold symptoms. They help to normalize fever, as they reduce the intoxication syndrome that occurs in the body as a result of the inflammatory process.

Compote brewed from the fruits of sea buckthorn, will help the weakened body to cope with the disease much faster. Sea buckthorn juice is an excellent remedy for debilitating cough. Drink such medicinal drinks should be warm. Too hot drink can contribute to additional trauma to the inflamed mucous membranes of the throat. Drink drinks made from the fruits of sea buckthorn, sick with a cold should be at least 3-4 times a day. To improve the taste, sugar or honey can be added to tea or fruit juice.

The use of sea buckthorn fruit helps to normalize and metabolism. The abundance of vitamins and beneficial microelements, as well as a number of organic acids, contribute to the fact that the functioning of the human body when eating sea-buckthorn berries improves markedly. Sea buckthorn fruits can help people suffering from gout.

There are also sea buckthorn can be people suffering from obesity. The fruits of this plant contain a moderate amount of natural sugars, which will contribute to the normal process of losing weight. However, be sure to remember about the measure. Also, people who want to lose weight should not lean on the sea buckthorn jam, as it contains quite a lot of sugar. It is better in this case to use berries in fresh or dried form.

A positive effect on the metabolism contributes to the fact that the fruits of sea buckthorn can also be eaten by people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Eating berries can even help normalize high levels of sugar in the body.Morses and compotes, boiled from sea-buckthorn fruits with the addition of substitutes for regular sugar, are an excellent alternative to desserts for people with diabetes.

Used sea buckthorn and in ophthalmology. Doctors recommend that patients suffering from various pathologies of the retina regularly eat sea buckthorn berries. Carotenoids and vitamins contained in fruits have a beneficial effect on the retina, which improves vision.

Sea buckthorn can help people suffering from oncology. Unfortunately, cancer is not uncommon at the present time. The beneficial vitamins and microelements contained in the “sunny” berries have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cells of the human body. They also contribute to the death of "bad" tumor cells.

Many people who grow sea buckthorn in their garden plots often face the problem of how to properly harvest it. Currently, there is a huge amount of a wide variety of tips and advice on how to do it correctly. We will tell about the most convenient and frequently used ones.

The difficulty of collecting sea-buckthorn berries is largely due to the fact that the fruits are tightly "sitting" on the twigs, so it is extremely difficult to collect them. The most traditional way of picking healthy orange berries is to cut them from the bush along with the twigs. Subsequently, the harvested berries are frozen. After such a freeze, it becomes much easier to remove the berries from the branch. The disadvantage of this method is obvious - the possibility of using only frozen raw materials. Prepare a jam or compote of fresh sea buckthorn fruit will not work. Therefore, this method is suitable for people who plan to store berries in frozen form.

Many gardeners face the difficulties of harvesting sea buckthorn berries every year. This problem even contributed to the fact that people were forced to invent additional tools that facilitate the process of picking healthy berries. These useful devices include special combs. "Combing" berries produced in pre-cooked containers.

Many gardeners who are actively involved in the cultivation of sea buckthorn advise that it is necessary to collect sea buckthorn before the first cold weather arrives. Frost can cause delicate skin to crack. Such berries for long-term storage are no longer suitable.

After all the berries are harvested, they should be bored. During this process, you should get rid of all rotten or spoiled fruit. Leave for further storage and harvesting should be only uncorrupted berries.

Enumerated berries should be rinsed. This should be done carefully, as the peel of the fruit is quite tender and can easily be damaged by a powerful stream of water. After that they should be dried.

Dry the fruits of sea buckthorn can be in different ways. Most often, this process is carried out at home without the use of special devices. You can dry the berries simply by placing them gently on a baking sheet in one row. Do not put layers of sea buckthorn berries on top of each other. The denser the berries are, the worse they dry. When drying berries, they should be gently turned. This should be done as carefully as possible so as not to damage the rind of the fruit.

Store dried fruit can be different.Basically, it uses clean glass jars or paper bags. Well dried berries should be poured into pre-prepared containers for storage and placed in a dry dark place. It is better that in the place where the harvested vegetable raw material is stored, normal humidity is maintained. In this case, the berries will be stored much longer.

In the next video you will find even more information about the benefits of sea buckthorn.