Sea buckthorn: beneficial properties and contraindications for women

Women's health and beauty from ancient times raised many questions. The beautiful half of humanity used a large number of all kinds of “popular” recipes that allowed them to preserve clean and beautiful skin, hair, nails, teeth, prolong youth, facilitate pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time one of the most popular ingredients were sea buckthorn berries.

Most experts are inclined to believe that sea buckthorn is one of the oldest plants on our land. Fruiting trees have grown in almost all corners of the world, where there is a more or less suitable climate, while sea buckthorn is very unpretentious, and therefore in the modern world is actively cultivated artificially.

It is not surprising that the beneficial properties of these berries were discovered several centuries ago. Initially, they were used in food. Mention of sea buckthorn berries as a culinary supplement is also found in many historical books, but more often this plant has been used in traditional medicine.

Various remedies made on the basis of fresh berries or sea buckthorn oil were used by healers and healers as a universal medicine. Empirically, they have identified many healing properties of sea buckthorn, such as, for example, wound healing, reduction of inflammation processes, elimination of cough, headaches, stomach pains, and much more.

Today, pharmacology is more developed, so we can be based not only on the experience of our ancestors, but also on the data obtained from the biochemical composition of sea buckthorn berries. As it turned out, this plant has a mass of beneficial properties, since it contains a large concentration of biologically active substances, some of which are simply indispensable for the human body.

So, the composition of ripe berries includes many useful ingredients.

• Vitamin C. He is considered the most valuable "source" of the human body's immunity, and its concentration in the sea-buckthorn composition is rather high. Known to many products that contain this vitamin, for example, lemon or currant, inferior sea buckthorn. At the same time, in berries it is presented in the form of ascorbic acid, which is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also contributes to the processes of tissue regeneration and regeneration, protects the body from harmful bacteria.
• The main use of sea buckthorn for women is to maintain whole complex of vitamins of group "B". In medicine, they are often called “anti-aging” vitamins, because they contribute to the normal functioning of nerve cells, improve metabolic processes, especially for skin cells, and also significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer tumors.
• Bioflavonoids. They have a pronounced antioxidant effect, thereby contributing to the elimination of all excess substances from the body and the absorption of the necessary. They are many times more effective than any vitamins, while practically they are not found in everyday food products. Sea buckthorn contains not so many bioflavonoids, but their presence already makes the berries a unique product.

• Carotenoids. They paint the sea buckthorn berries in a specific orange color. Interfere with the oxidation of minerals and trace elements that are necessary for our body. Carotenoids are also referred to as substances necessary to reduce the risk of developing tumors. Their regular use allows you to improve the vision and work of the heart. Another known source of carotenoids is carrots, but their concentration in sea buckthorn is much higher.
• Vitamin E. The healing properties of sea buckthorn for women are also largely due to the presence of this group of substances. In cosmetology, it has long been known that it is vitamins of group E that are necessary for the normal condition of hair and skin. In addition, they normalize the hormonal balance, which is very important for women's health.
• Fatty acids, among which the key ones are Omega-6, Omega-9 and Omega-3. Unlike many other similar products, sea buckthorn contains mainly Omega-3 acids, which are most valuable for our body. Fatty acids prevent the formation of blood clots in vivo, clean the walls of blood vessels, remove excess cholesterol deposits, reduce the manifestations of hypoxia. Thus, the processes of blood supply throughout the body are more efficient, thereby improving the metabolism and the general condition of our body.
• In addition, sea buckthorn contains quite many trace elements and mineralsamong which the main share falls to zinc, copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, potassium. All of them are considered indispensable "building material" of our body.

All the above components are only basic and are more characteristic of fresh sea buckthorn berries, whose benefits are beyond any doubt. Nevertheless, sea buckthorn oil is even more popular in medicine and cosmetology. This product of processing berries, while observing all the rules of cooking technology, allows only enhancing the healing effects by increasing the concentration of useful components and eliminating impurities.

In addition, the oily structure facilitates the assimilation of vitamins, trace elements and other bioactive components by the body. This remedy is convenient for topical use or as a basis for other medical preparations, for example, creams, ointments, cosmetic masks, vaginal or rectal suppositories.

Consider what is the main benefits of sea buckthorn for women's health.

These berries have too many useful qualities, so we can list only the most significant ones.

• A high concentration of vitamins makes ripe sea-buckthorn berries an ideal way to treat various diseases, especially avitaminosis.
• A pronounced antioxidant effect is well suited for women with weakened immune systems.
• Sea-buckthorn berries or preparations based on them also help in case of weakened work of the heart or increased fragility of the vessels.
• It also increases the elasticity and tone of the deep veins. Since, according to statistics, varicose disease is more common among women, this property of sea buckthorn is more relevant for them.
• Sea buckthorn has long been prescribed to women with psychosis and hysteria. This fact is connected with the fact that already at that time doctors were aware of the properties of the berries to have a pronounced therapeutic effect on the central nervous system. In addition, sea buckthorn-based products are successfully used in depressive conditions.

• It is recommended to use also for liver diseases, because it contains a large amount of antioxidants. The only contraindication is complete liver failure.
• Sea buckthorn juice with honey is a proven and simplest remedy for cough.
• Ripe berries and sea buckthorn leaves contain a unique combination of ingredients that helps improve blood composition and prevent blood clots. This makes sea buckthorn an indispensable tool for the elderly, who suffer from atherosclerosis and hypertension.
• Improves the hormonal balance in the female body, so it is used in the treatment of most gynecological diseases, as well as disorders of the thyroid gland.

But it is also worth noting that a separate application was obtained from the sea buckthorn fruit. It has gained popularity as an independent therapeutic agent, as well as the basis for most other drugs.

In particular, sea buckthorn oil is valued in cosmetology.

• For treating hair or improving their growth. Oil based on sea buckthorn fruit has a high concentration of vitamin E, as well as trace elements, thereby increasing blood flow to the hair roots, stimulates the regeneration and recovery processes.Sea buckthorn in cosmetology is successfully applied even in cases of baldness.
• Used as a tonic and moisturizer.
• A unique tool to combat early wrinkles. The composition of sea buckthorn oil is rich in vitamin and mineral complexes, it improves metabolism, stimulates the natural production of collagen and retains moisture, thereby preserving the elasticity, natural color and shine of the skin.

Today, sea buckthorn is firmly established not only in folk recipes and cosmetology, but also in scientific evidence-based medicine and pharmacology. Many doctors prescribe drugs based on it for the treatment of common female diseases.

For example, candles with sea buckthorn oil and some other preparations containing this component are actively used in gynecology. This is due to the pronounced local anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. In addition, vitamin complexes of sea buckthorn in the composition of the candles are able to restore the vaginal microflora.

They are prescribed for most gynecological diseases as primary and maintenance therapy.

In addition, sea buckthorn can have an additional effect in other female diseases, which are accompanied not only by inflammation, but also by metabolic disorders and hormonal balance. For example, an ointment based on the squeeze of sea buckthorn berries well helps with synechia in girls, because it stimulates natural immunity, prevents complications such as bacterial damage and suppurative inflammation, helps normalize metabolism and further normal tissue formation. And the use of sea buckthorn with inflammatory diseases of the female breast is also useful, since in such a situation a general immunomodulating effect is necessary, maintaining a normal hormonal balance.

The use of ripe sea buckthorn berries is also recommended by many gynecologists and obstetricians for women after childbirth. This amazing plant allows you to quickly restore lost strength, nourishes the body with all the necessary minerals and vitamins, accelerates the processes of natural tissue regeneration. In addition, a small amount of sea buckthorn in the diet of a woman may be useful when breastfeeding.

The effectiveness of sea buckthorn is so high that today it is considered by doctors as a complete drug. It is not surprising that there are contraindications for drugs based on it, because under certain conditions, they may even harm women's health.

• The main contraindication is individual intolerance to any components that are part of ripe sea buckthorn berries or a medicinal product based on it. Usually intolerance manifests itself in the form of the simplest allergic reactions such as tearing, rashes on the skin, itching, nasal discharge. However, in some cases, a dangerous condition can develop - anaphylactic shock.
• If you have low blood pressure, it is best to eat sea buckthorn berries after consulting a doctor and only in small dosages.
• And you should strictly control and limit the use of sea buckthorn in case of diseases of the pancreas.
• Berries should be excluded from the diet if you have chronic disorders in the form of diarrhea. Sea buckthorn is able to exacerbate this condition, because it has a slight laxative effect.
• And also acute or chronic liver disease, which reduces or completely suppresses the functions of this organ, is considered a serious contraindication.
• Cholecystitis, that is, inflammation of the gall bladder, including those associated with the presence of stones.
• Caution should be applied sea buckthorn to all who have acute or chronic kidney disease, reducing their ability to filter.

Since sea buckthorn is widespread in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetology, and in cooking, it is not difficult to find a suitable finished product with its content.

Among the drugs are more common means for local use. These are various vaginal or rectal suppositories, ointments against burns, wounds, irritations and local inflammation, intimate hygiene creams, purified sea buckthorn oil or even tinctures for daily use. But you can also find syrups with the content of marc from these berries, which successfully treat wet and dry cough.

In cosmetology, the situation is almost identical. On the shelves of specialty stores there are creams and ointments for hand skin care. Sea buckthorn oil can be used both in pure form and in the composition of shampoos or balms to strengthen and improve hair growth.

It is believed that the most reliable and effective means is that which was cooked independently at home, since you yourself can select the most suitable berries and follow all the rules for making infusion or any other means.

Sea buckthorn tincture is one of the most popular homemade recipes. It is quite easy to prepare, while it can be used both inside, for example, in the case of bronchitis, and as a local therapy for cuts, pricks, burns or irritations.

The process of cooking at home is as follows:

• take about 2 cups of ripe sea buckthorn berries, rinse and dry;
• put the berries in the jar and add 3-4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, carefully crush all the berries with a rolling pin so that they soften completely and “let” the juice;
• Thoroughly mix the entire contents of the jar, cover it tightly with gauze and leave the sea buckthorn to “wander” in a dry warm room without direct access of sunlight;
• as soon as the specific smell of fermentation appears, it is necessary to pour into the jar approximately 0.5 l of alcohol or any other alcoholic base;
• mix the contents of the jar again, close the lid tightly and leave to infuse in a dry dark place for 4-5 days;
• the finished tincture can be drained, poured into a glass bottle, corked and stored in the refrigerator.

You can also make your own sea buckthorn oil.

• Pick ripe and intact berries, rinse well and dry. Squeeze the juice using a juicer or blender, separate the cake, strain the mass through a sieve or cheesecloth.
• The remaining cake should be transferred to a previously prepared container and pour vegetable oil at the rate of: 0.5 liters of oil for every 3 cups of berries. Best suited more expensive olive oil. However, you can use sunflower.
• Cover the mixture with a film or cover and leave to infuse for 7 days. After that, strain and apply as needed.

The use of sea buckthorn based products is recommended both for the treatment of diseases and for their prevention. For example, homemade tincture is recommended to be consumed several times a week during the cold season of the year in order to reduce the risk of getting bronchitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory viral infections or even cystitis.

Berry-based oil is best used for topical treatment of female diseases. Tampons soaked with this tool are “first aid” for thrush, cystitis, vulvovaginitis. They allow you to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation processes.

Today, sea buckthorn and various tools based on it have firmly taken their place in medicine and cosmetology. The reviews of the doctors, in particular, gynecologists, who prescribe sea buckthorn oil and some other drugs to their patients, speak best of the effectiveness of these berries.

Due to its unique composition, namely: high concentrations of vitamins, amino acids and minerals, sea buckthorn quickly eliminates unpleasant symptoms, reduces inflammation, helps healing and repairing tissues, reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and strengthens the immune system.

You will learn more about sea buckthorn from the following video.