Sea Buckthorn

Where it's from: Native to mountainous Himalayan regions of Nepal and China

Benefits of Sea Buckthorn

• Supports the immune system
• Skin health 
• Cardiovascular health 
• Digestive health

What is Sea Buckthorn?

The name Sea Buckthorn is a bit misleading as it has nothing to do with the sea and is in fact native to the mountainous Himalayan regions of Nepal and China. It’s an exceptionally hardy shrub that produces bright orange-yellow berries which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, giving it the folk name ‘the holy fruit of the Himalayas’. 

Sea Buckthorn has been extensively studied for a range of health benefits, it is naturally rich in a variety of bioactive substances, which are not only in the berries but also in the seeds and leaves. The berries in particular, are greatly sought for their content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C); phytosterols such as campesterol; carotenoids among which lycopene and lutein can be found; tocopherols; flavonoids such as quercetin , or polyphenolic compounds such as gallic acid in the leaves and berries, and lower amounts of caffeic acid and ferulic acid.

The berries also contain Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids and Zinc. Beneficial fatty acids have proven to be helpful in skin health conditions, properties that could be useful in skin regeneration and are particularly used in topical skin care products.

It is acclaimed for helping support our natural defences and therefore, the immune system. It is also thought to help contribute to the mucosal function in dry eyes, vagina and the mouth, helping to maintain healthy skin from within. This is a property that can be particularly useful for women going through perimenopause or menopause.

Sea buckthorn is acclaimed to support intestinal tract activity and metabolism and is thought to be a remedy that could be used for 'strengthening’ the heart system.

Vaginal atrophy affects 1 in 3 women and is a symptom of menopause. Sea Buckthorn has also been extensively studied and evidence suggests its wide spectrum of active compounds to have antioxidant and anti-microbial qualities, both of which can be valuable for vaginal health and help provide relief from conditions like vaginal atrophy, which can lead to urinary tract infections. 

By supporting the body's mucosal function, it protects against vaginal dryness and maintaining healthy skin from within. Studies suggest that Sea Buckthorn provides relief from the symptoms of vaginal atrophy including the thinning and drying of vaginal mucosa. Another study highlights how Sea Buckthorn can be an alternative treatment for women who are unable to use oestrogen treatment for vaginal atrophy, having beneficial effects on vaginal health and providing mucosal integrity. 

You may also enjoy reading ‘What is Bacterial Vaginosis?’ and ‘How your gut and vagina are linked’.