Sea buckthorn leaves: useful properties and contraindications, methods of use

As you know, the nature around us is rich in almost all the elements necessary for human life. That is why a few centuries ago, most drugs were tinctures, decoctions, mixtures of various herbal ingredients. One of the common ingredients are steel buckthorn leaves. Until now, they are widely used not only in popular recipes, but also in professional cosmetology due to their undoubted benefits and effectiveness.

By themselves, the leaves of any plant are the part that contains almost all the essential trace elements. It is on their surface that photosynthesis occurs, as well as the processing and assimilation of various substances. That is why in most popular recipes, not only fruits and berries, but also dried sea-buckthorn leaves are so actively used. The most valuable raw material is collected from the wood of the sea buckthorn.

The most important of these are as follows:

• tannin - It is a binder, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Due to the high content of this component, sea-buckthorn leaves are successfully used as a basis for medicines and cosmetic products that can reduce the signs of inflammation in various diseases;
• retinol Is a derivative of the carotenoid group. It is not a secret for anybody that this element is considered to be a “visual pigment” and it contributes to the good functioning of the human visual system. Such substances, however, are significantly less found in carrots. Retinol is also a fairly effective antioxidant;

• polysaccharides. Among them, the most sea buckthorn leaves contain pectin. It stabilizes the metabolic processes in the human body, facilitating the absorption of virtually all components derived from food. In addition, pectin reduces the level of "harmful" cholesterol, stimulates peristalsis and digestive function of the intestine, helps to remove harmful "slags" from it;
• tannins, particularly tannins. Their rather high concentration allows the use of sea buckthorn leaves as part of cosmetics for skin care. Tannids strengthen the bonds between proteins and thereby ensure the density, elasticity and normal nutrition of the epidermis;
• hypotheine also known as serotonin. This element is vital for normal functioning of both the peripheral and central nervous system;
• natural ascorbic acid - It is a real storehouse of vitamins, which is known as the most effective treatment for scurvy and other forms of chronic vitamin deficiencies;

• tocopherol normalizes the processes of lipid metabolism and absorption;
• substance biotin which is a complex containing vitamins of the H, R and B7 group. It ensures the normal absorption of carbohydrates and protein by our body. Biotin normalizes the level of glucose in the blood, and also accelerates the processes of consumption, that is, "burning" of subcutaneous fat. Thanks to this, sea buckthorn leaves are popular slimming supplements;
• triterpenic acid accelerates and increases the efficiency of natural tissue regeneration processes;
• vitamins of the PP group indispensable for the normal functioning of the organs of internal secretion, as well as in regulating the work of hormones.

The high concentration of various vitamins and the necessary biochemical substances contained in the leaves of sea buckthorn, make them incredibly effective in various pathological and functional disorders of the body. It is the beneficial properties of this plant that made it a very popular raw material in traditional medicine, pharmacology and cosmetology.

Most often, recipes based on sea buckthorn leaves are recalled in the winter season, when the risk of developing an epidemic of influenza or of ordinary acute respiratory diseases increases. This is due to the high content of vitamin C, which plays the role of a very strong antioxidant and immunomodulator. At the same time, masks and creams based on this raw material also pursue many cosmetic purposes.

Due to the inclusion of a large number of useful components, including vitamins and minerals, sea buckthorn cosmetics are great for additional nutrition of the skin or hair.

Despite the undoubted health benefits, as well as any therapeutic agents, raw materials from sea-buckthorn leaves have such contraindications as:

• allergic reaction to any natural substance in the composition of the leaves themselves or to one of the components of the preparation;
• age up to 12 years. Especially true in the case of alcohol infusions;
• liver failure;
• acute diseases of the liver and kidneys, exacerbations of chronic diseases that reduce the functions of these organs and may turn into partial or complete failure;
• work requiring high concentration of attention;
• acute or chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Official medicine has long recognized the effectiveness of many natural ingredients, since they can have a rather complex complex effect and are much easier, unlike synthetics, to be absorbed in the body. Including actively used drugs with the use of extract and other products of the processing of sea buckthorn leaves, namely:

• in case of ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, a simple broth from the leaves and fruits of sea buckthorn is suitable. However, it can only be drunk after prior consultation with the doctor, since acids can provoke complications;
• On the basis of sea buckthorn leaves are made natural preparations for inhalation, which contribute to the rapid treatment of sinusitis and sinusitis;
• used in the basis of ointments for the treatment of wounds and burns;

• used for local treatment of inflamed areas of mucous tissue, for example, lips and mouth;
• Sea buckthorn solution is also prescribed for the prevention of inflammation or bleeding of the gums, treatment of stomatitis;
• Sea buckthorn extract is indicated for the treatment of intestinal dyskinesia;
• with chronic lesions of the joints, arthritis and arthrosis.

Separately, it is worth noting the popularity of sea buckthorn leaves in dietetics. They contain a fairly high concentration of all biologically active substances that stimulate the absorption and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. They also produce various food supplements and dietary supplements, often recommended by professional nutritionists.

Sea buckthorn is also useful when applied topically. The leaves of this tree are unique in that they contain both a fairly large supply of acids and various nutrients. Due to this cosmetic products can be used for different purposes. So, the simplest lotion from the leaves of sea buckthorn can be successfully used to combat acne. The tool has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while the skin around the affected area is actively nourished, which contributes to the rapid healing and prevention of re-inflammation.

Enough to insist the leaves in boiling water for about ten hours to get the perfect tool that will replace the most expensive hair rinse. Sea buckthorn is generally very useful for the care of hair.Funds based on the raw material of this tree contribute to the strengthening of the roots, enhanced cell regeneration, glues truncated tips. In addition, the simplest means of leaves, for example, a decoction, has a fairly strong nourishing effect on the scalp, so that you can once and for all solve the problem with the appearance of dandruff.

The following cosmetological recipes are also popular:

• with brittle and dry hair A mixture using the essential oil of sea buckthorn leaves and chopped onion is best suited. Carefully mixed gruel is applied to the head for about 30-40 minutes, then washed off. The procedure can be repeated up to two times a day;
• with hair loss complex treatment will help. Three tablespoons of dried leaves and one tablespoon of sea buckthorn berries must be filled with two cups of boiling water. The tool can be rubbed into the scalp at bedtime, as well as consumed 100 ml before meals;
• if the problem is oily hair roots, then in this case it is better to brew 150 g of fresh fruits and 1 cup of dried sea buckthorn leaves. The mixture is filled with water and boiled for approximately 30 minutes. Then it must be filtered and cooled. Rinse this hair should immediately after washing with shampoo.

In order to preserve all the healing properties of raw materials, it is important to follow the basic rules of its preparation. Sea buckthorn leaves are best collected in the period of maximum flowering of the tree, that is, around mid-June, while choosing days with dry weather conditions. Collected raw materials should be carefully checked for the presence of insects and other material that is not needed for harvesting. The leaves are laid out in a thin dense layer on the street in the shade or in any dry ventilated room.

Herbal drinks, prepared on the basis of leaves and sea-buckthorn fruits, perfectly quench your thirst in hot weather, tone up, and promote good health. At the same time they are quite easy to cook yourself. For example, sea buckthorn tea is quite popular. There are many recipes in which components such as lemon, ginger, honey, and cinnamon are added. The easiest way to make a delicious and healthy tea includes the following steps:

• a small ginger root should be grated on a fine grater;
• 100 grams of dried sea buckthorn leaves mixed with grated ginger;
• put the base in the kettle and pour boiling water as usual tea leaves;
• insist 10 minutes.

No less relevant is the sea buckthorn decoction. Unlike tea, it has a more pronounced healing effect, so it can be used as a complete medicine with high pressure, flu and cold. It is best to prepare this decoction yourself from natural ingredients as follows:

• a small amount of dried leaves and twigs of sea buckthorn should be well chopped;
• a few tablespoons of the finished "brew" pour a glass of boiling water;
• mix, put on the stove and bring to a boil;
• turn off the heat and insist the mixture for at least 30 minutes;
• strain and eat before meals. The most effective is a freshly prepared decoction.

For lovers of quality homemade alcoholic drinks you will surely like alcohol tincture on the sea buckthorn, the preparation of which includes the following steps:

• three pieces of dry, shredded leaves and fruits should be placed in glass containers;
• pour its alcohol base in a volume of 10 parts;
• tightly close the container and insist for at least two weeks;
• strain and bottle. You can store in a dark cool place or directly in the refrigerator.

Alcohol tincture will appeal to many, however, it is also well suited for treating various diseases, with the exception of a stomach or intestinal ulcer.

See the next video for more on the benefits of sea buckthorn leaves.