Sea buckthorn oil is a unique product, as, in fact, is the berry from which it is obtained. It is useful for treating acne and other skin diseases. This is one of the few oils that contain essential fatty acids and many vitamins. The benefits of the product have been known to mankind for centuries. In ancient China, Tibet and Mongolia, it was called liquid gold and was considered a medicine granted by the gods. The ancient Greeks used this oil to treat horses wounded in battle. The healing properties of sea buckthorn oil have also been known since time immemorial in Russia and Siberia. And in the Soviet Union, this product was mandatory for astronauts, as a means of protecting against radiation.
General characteristics
Sea buckthorn oil is obtained from buckthorn buckthorn (the same variety that is common in our latitudes). This product is of two types: from seeds or from the pulp of berries. In terms of nutritional value and chemical composition, there are some differences between different oils, but in general, their beneficial properties are identical. The most noticeable difference between a product made in different ways is color and aroma. Berry oil is usually dark red or red-orange, and fairly viscous. The seed product is yellow or pale orange, and the consistency is more watery. But most often, a sea buckthorn product from pharmacies and specialty stores is a mixture of two types of oil.
The product receives its golden color due to the high concentration of carotenoids. Beta-carotene contained in ripe berries provides them with an orange color, lycopene gives the fruit a red tint. And the combination of these two components makes sea buckthorn yellowish red. The smell of sea buckthorn oil is described by many as “the aroma of a moist forest”, that is, there are pronounced woody notes in it.
Features of the chemical composition
In recent years, the popularity of sea buckthorn is only growing. And all because the researchers made many amazing discoveries about the beneficial properties of berries. Scientists say that with its healing properties, sea buckthorn is in no way inferior to the more famous pomegranates. As part of this amazing berry, many useful substances have been found that are stored in oil. In particular, there are scientifically proven reasons to consider this product an excellent source of vitamins C, E, A.
Few people know that this oil has the same antioxidants as ginseng. In addition, the product contains different types of omega-substances, phenols, terpenes, glucosides, plant sterols and various trace elements. It is a source of numerous flavonoids, phytonutrients and fatty acids.
Products obtained from the pulp of berries and from sea buckthorn seeds differ slightly in their chemical composition. For example, a seed product contains much more vitamin E than other types. The same variety is richer in vitamin K and phytosterols. But the oil obtained from the pulp is the best source of carotenoids. From the point of view of fatty acids, the seed product is characterized by a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, and the minimum amount of saturated fat was determined in the oil from the pulp of berries. If sea buckthorn oil should become the source of Omega-3, then you should choose a product made from seeds, since only traces of Omega-substance are presented in the berries themselves.
“Liquid gold” is the source of many fatty acids. Including palmitoleic, stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic. Speaking about the fatty acids contained in the product, it is worth noting that it contains a unique palmitoleic acid, also known as Omega-7. Moreover, this substance is contained in the product in fairly high doses. By the way, Omega-7 is also found in macadamia oil, blackcurrant, and mink fat. In its chemical structure, palmitoleic acid resembles the subcutaneous fat secreted by the human body to prevent dry skin. Hence the explanation why sea buckthorn oil is considered one of the most beneficial for the skin.
The sea buckthorn seed oil contains many vitamins A, K and E. In addition to these substances, traces of vitamins B1, B2, B6, C were found in the product, as well as small amounts of potassium, sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. The product obtained by cold pressing is very rich in phytosterols, which help cleanse the blood of excessive cholesterol.
Useful Properties
The healing properties of “liquid gold” can be discussed for a very long time. Many people call this product universal, as it can be used for various diseases and conditions.
Here are the most famous properties of “liquid gold”:
- has antioxidant properties;
- reduces inflammation and irritation;
- prevents aging;
- improves blood circulation;
- accelerates the regeneration of epidermal cells;
- protects from ultraviolet radiation;
- improves cognitive abilities;
- lowers cholesterol;
- antibacterial, antifungal agent;
- anti-cancer agent;
- useful for asthma;
- moisturizes and softens the skin;
- improves the tone of the digestive organs;
- expectorant.
Many of these properties have made the product a popular medicine in folk and traditional medicine.
Benefits of Using
The uniquely high content of fatty acids and other nutrients makes sea buckthorn oil one of the healthiest foods. Here are some of the benefits that the human body can experience from it.
Source Omega-7
Many people know about Omega-3 contained in fish oil and linseed oil, about Omega-6, which is abundant in various vegetable oils, and even heard about the existence of Omega-9, the best sources of which are called olive and nut oil. But few are aware of the existence of Omega-7 fatty acids. But it is this substance that has no less impressive beneficial properties for the body. And it is this compound in significant concentrations found in sea buckthorn oil. The role of Omega-7 for the human body can be discussed for a very long time, but its most important functions are to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Protects the liver and pancreas
The fruits of sea buckthorn contain more than 60 of various antioxidant compounds. And they are almost completely present in berry oil. First of all, the benefits of these substances are the ability to remove toxins from the body, in particular the dangerous aflatoxins, which are especially harmful to the liver and pancreas.
Helps in losing weight
Researchers say the sea buckthorn oil’s fatty acids prevent the excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat. This assumption of scientists found real confirmation in the experiment with the participation of several dozen volunteers.
Useful for blood vessels and heart
The oil obtained from sea buckthorn berries perfectly tones the blood vessels and improves the general condition of the cardiac system. In addition, it has a large number of phytosterols, which lower cholesterol. And this is an important point when it comes to protecting the heart and blood vessels. But the effect of sea buckthorn on the cardiovascular system is very mild, so in order to achieve visible results, the product will have to be consumed for a rather long time.
Protection against age-related diseases
Researchers have suggested that sea buckthorn oil reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and various forms of dementia. Therefore, the use of this product in food is useful for maintaining the health of the central and peripheral nervous system. If we talk about age-related changes in the female body, then it is worth noting the benefits of sea buckthorn oil to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
Digestive organs
This berry oil is a powerful treatment for stomach ulcers. The thing is that it helps to restore the mucous membrane in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The product is also useful for the treatment of reflux disease. But excessive consumption of pure sea buckthorn seed oil, on the contrary, can cause irritation of the mucous membranes.
Relieves dry eyes
Sea buckthorn oil alleviates the unpleasant condition caused by dry eyes, which is often observed in the elderly, in women during menopause and against the background of hormonal changes in the body. A scientific experiment showed that oral consumption of sea buckthorn oil (2 g for 3 months) relieves dry eyes, redness and burning.
Improves liver function
Scientists suggest that sea buckthorn oil, known for its antioxidant properties, may be useful for cleansing the liver. At least, an experiment involving animals has confirmed the beneficial effects of the product on organ cells. In addition, scientists found that against the background of consumption of sea buckthorn product, the concentration of digestive enzymes and bile acids is normalized.
Skin Benefits
Sea buckthorn oil is great for rejuvenating and regenerating the skin. The product can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. But before use, it is important to do a sensitivity test and make sure that there is no allergy. Applying the product on a regular basis will help smooth out wrinkles and lighten age spots. Fatty acids and carotenoids, penetrating the skin, nourish it, slowing down aging.
Sea buckthorn product is useful to apply on the skin before going out in the sun, as it has sunscreen properties. To enhance the effect, you can mix oil, cream base and zinc oxide, which is also known for its sunscreen capabilities.
Useful product for dry and problematic skin. A mixture of sea buckthorn oil and aloe juice is well suited for treating eczema. This tool relieves itching and accelerates wound healing. In addition, it is useful to oil irritated areas of the skin, redness, acne. Positive changes can be seen after a weekly course of application of the drug.
Feasible side effects and dosage
Sea buckthorn oil is considered safe for consumption. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that it is an environmentally friendly product obtained by cold pressing. A dosage is considered safe if it does not exceed 1/4 teaspoon of the oil diluted in the base (for example, in lemon juice, coconut oil or olive). But even such a dose can be harmful to people with diseases of the intestines, kidneys or liver.
Before applying sea buckthorn oil externally, you should check whether the product causes allergic reactions. To do this, you need to put a little funds on your wrist and wait for 12 hours.
Against the background of the use of a product from sea buckthorn, a change in the color of urine is possible. As a rule, it becomes dark yellow or with a reddish tint, and also acquires a faint smell, reminiscent of the smell of old books. But these side effects are harmless and go away after the oil is withdrawn. Also, regular application of the product to the skin may cause temporary yellowing.
Use in folk medicine
Sea buckthorn oil has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Even Tibetan doctors of the Chinese Tang Dynasty knew about the healing properties of this product. In Ayurvedic medicine, sea buckthorn oil is used at least from 5000 BC. The ancient Greeks used it to treat various health problems. In Tibet, Russia, Mongolia and China, the sea-buckthorn product is known as a remedy for cough and various types of pain, it was used to improve blood circulation and facilitate digestion of food. Today, this oil is known primarily for its beneficial effects on the skin. Herbalists use it to treat burns, cuts, rashes and various skin diseases. In addition, many centuries ago, women noticed that sea buckthorn oil not only treats skin diseases, but also removes wrinkles.
Recipes from traditional medicine
With a stomach ulcer
Add a quarter teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil to half a glass of any juice (the fats contained in the oil increase the bioavailability of the fat-soluble vitamins contained in the juice). Such a medicine is useful to take no more than 2 times a day. Acute pain caused by an ulcer should pass almost immediately, and a general improvement in condition is noticeable after a few days of therapy. The same remedy is useful for heartburn, acid reflux, as it normalizes the secretion of the stomach. In general, sea buckthorn oil improves the functioning of the stomach, increases appetite, and helps digest food.
For asthma, cough and sore throat
If you take 1/4 teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil daily, you can alleviate the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. For sore throats, rinsing with warm water and sea buckthorn oil (20 drops per glass) is helpful. And water-sea-buckthorn inhalations improve coughing and relieve nasal congestion.
For the healing of wounds
With antiseptic properties, “liquid gold” promotes wound healing. To accelerate the healing of cuts and prevent the formation of scars, it is useful to make compresses based on honey and sea buckthorn oil.
Use in cosmetology
“Liquid gold” obtained from sea buckthorn is used not only in herbal medicine, but also in cosmetology. For example, this product is often used as a hair mask. It strengthens the hair structure, prevents baldness, accelerates the growth of hair. A few drops of the product can be added to any base, mixed with other nutritional components. Sea-buckthorn masks keep at least 2 hours on their hair, wrapping their heads in a bath towel.
It is equally useful to use a sea buckthorn product for facial skin care. It is useful for different types of skin: dry – moisturizes, oily – cleanses, fading – tones. The easiest way to apply is to add a few drops to the face cream. It can also be mixed with other components (egg, sour cream, honey, fruit gruel) and applied as a mask to the skin of the face.
Today, the chemical industry offers hundreds of artificially created products to improve well-being and appearance. But also the world is full of many natural oils, which are much better helpers in the treatment, cleansing of the body and slowing down the aging process. And as you already know, one of these products – sea buckthorn oil – is an excellent natural source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. This product, like the berries of sea buckthorn itself, nature seems to have endowed with everything that a person needs.
