Sea Buckthorn

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

Benefits of Sea Buckthorn

• Vaginal health
• Prevents UTIs

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, including its antioxidative and antimicrobial qualities. These make it valuable for vaginal health and for providing relief from symptoms of conditions like vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy affects 1 in 3 women and is a symptom of menopause. It involves the thinning and drying of the vaginal wall and can lead to UTIs. 

Sea Buckthorn supports the body's mucosal function, protecting 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’.