Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn, popular since Antiquity, is a fruit-bearing shrub native to South Asia, used mainly in traditional Chinese medicine. In our country, it is found in the spontaneous flora of the sub-Carpathian areas of Moldova and Muntenia, from the Siret basin to Olt.

There are four varieties of sea buckthorn:

• Hedge sea buckthorn (Lycium halimifolium, Solanaceae family)
• Small sea buckthorn (Myricaria germanica, Tamaricaceae family)
• Red sea buckthorn (Tamarix ramosissima, Tamaricaeae family)
• Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides, Elaeagnaceae family).

Sea buckthorn is used both for consumption and for decorative purposes. The one used for consumption is white sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides).

Sea buckthorn is an excellent help in many ailments due to its nutrient-rich content with medicinal properties.

Sea buckthorn has an extremely high amount of vitamin C. From this point of view it is comparable to rosehips and contains a much higher amount of vitamin C than citrus.

Nutritional values (per 100 grams)

Nutritional values

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10.2 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fats: 2.5 g
• Fiber: 4.7 g

Vitamins

• vitamin C (250-333 mg / 100 g)
• vitamins: B1, B2, B6, B9, A, E, D, K și P

Oil

• seed oil (7,69-13,7%)
• oil in the pulp of the fruit (19,2-29,1%)
• phytosterol content in seed oil (3,3-5,5%)

Minerals

• potassium (140-360 mg)
• sodium (20-80 mg)
• calcium (70-98 mg)
• magnesium (150-240 mg)
• iron (40-150 mg)
• phosphorus (110-133mg)

Other nutrients

• anthocyanin (0,5-25 mg / L)
• carotenoids
• Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 7 și Omega 9 fatty acids
• antioxidants, such as flavonoids
• amino acids

How to preserve sea buckthorn

Harvesting is done from August until the first frost, after which the vitamin C content begins to decrease. The drying of sea buckthorn fruits is done directly on the branches, at quite high temperatures, 40-50 degrees Celsius, otherwise there is a risk of fermentation, which will alter their therapeutic properties. Drying lasts until the sea buckthorn fruit acquires the appearance and consistency of a raisin - a sign that it can be preserved over the winter.

Sea buckthorn preparations

Sea buckthorn powder

It is very easily obtained from dried fruits, which are ground with an electric grinder, after which they are stored in a glass container, in cool places.

Usually, a teaspoon of grated powder is administered three to four times a day. The powder is taken on an empty stomach, held under the tongue for a few minutes, then swallowed with water. For people who are more demanding of taste, sea buckthorn powder is mixed with honey - a teaspoon of sea buckthorn to a teaspoon of honey.

Fresh sea buckthorn juice/ syrup

Fresh sea buckthorn juice is obtained by crushing freshly picked fruit with a wooden spoon (contact with metal leads to the degradation of certain vitamins). The crush is done in a porcelain bowl, until a paste is formed, which will be consumed immediately, so as not to oxidize. A better yield when producing the juice can be obtained with the help of a juicer with worm shaft, with speeds as low as 40-60 rpm (so as not to produce heating) and with a sieve made of antioxidant materials.

Sea buckthorn juice, being very concentrated, is generally drunk diluted in water, but can also be consumed as such.

In order to keep it longer, you can make sea buckthorn syrup with honey, sweetened with bee honey, which also has a preservative role. We generally recommend cold-made syrups sweetened with honey and not made by boiling or pasteurization. Pasteurization is a better method than long boiling, because the syrup is brought to a high temperature for a short time and then cooled. The disadvantage of cold syrups, without being subjected to a thermal process, is the shorter shelf life and the fact that they must be kept in the refrigerator.

Fresh sea buckthorn juice is preserved by combining with honey - to one part of the juice add two parts of honey, then mix the two components well, until a homogeneous paste is formed. Sea buckthorn syrup is kept in dark and cool places and is administered from it 4-6 teaspoons per day, in long-term cures.

Another method of keeping fresh sea buckthorn juice is to freeze it in containers as small as possible, in order to consume it as quickly as possible for 1-2 days...

Other ingredients that can be used in this juice are: lemon, lime, ginger, propolis tincture.

Discover on our site some delicious recipes:

• Sea buckthorn juice with lemon and honey
• Sea buckthorn juice with ginger, lemon and honey
• Energizing sea buckthorn juice and aronia with ginger, lime and honey

Sea buckthorn macerates

Here we are talking about the famous sea buckthorn recipe with honey in a jar, something simple to make at home, actually put the sea buckthorn beans in a jar, over which honey is added and left to soak. An interesting idea is to add fresh ginger to this recipe: "Sea buckthorn macerate with ginger and honey".

Other interesting ideas to enrich this macerate are the addition of ingredients such as: propolis tincture, raw pollen.

Sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn oil is also called liquid gold.

Sea buckthorn fruit, especially the peel, contains 2 to 8% fatty oil with strong therapeutic properties. This oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which are very easily assimilated in this form. It has regenerating, rejuvenating effects and is used both for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. It is usually administered to adults - 20 drops, three times a day, and to children over a year - 5 drops, three times a day.

Sea buckthorn oil is one of the only known vegetable foods that can provide all four omega fatty acids: Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 7 and Omega 9.

Discover on our website the recipe for obtaining sea buckthorn oil by transfer.

Sea buckthorn tea

Sea buckthorn infusion is prepared from a tablespoon of crushed fruit in 250 ml of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes, then drink in fractions throughout the day.

Another method for preparing sea buckthorn tea is the use of dried sea buckthorn fruit or even the use of sea buckthorn pulp, resulting from the preparation of sea buckthorn juice.

You can try to prepare the recipes recommended by us for sea buckthorn tea or tonic aronia and sea buckthorn tea.

Water extracts obtained from sea buckthorn are less effective because vitamins A, E, F are lost, not being water-soluble.

The benefits of sea buckthorn

Energizing and vitaminizing

Sea buckthorn is a good general tonic. Due to the increase in resistance to pathogens, the resistance to exertion also increases. Strong energizer, gives fast results in energy recovery after physical and intellectual effort. Decreases convalescence after illness.

It is a dietary supplement that contributes to well-being and health and a very good antianemic.

In case of anemia, sea buckthorn powder is recommended, one teaspoon shaved 3-4 times a day, in cures of one month.

Stimulates the immune system

Due to the high content of flavonoids in the oil, sea buckthorn preparations can strengthen your immune system by increasing resistance to disease. The high concentration of vitamin C makes sea buckthorn considered the natural protector of the immune system.

Sea buckthorn is recommended in case of colds or flu, first strengthening the body's natural capacity, then preventing complications through its anti-bactericidal effects. Preventively take 4-5 teaspoons of sea buckthorn syrup a day, on an empty stomach, for at least three weeks. Once the disease is triggered, take up to 10-12 teaspoons of sea buckthorn syrup a day to nourish the body and help it defend itself effectively.

Sea buckthorn with honey soaked in a jar is an excellent combination for increasing the body's immunity, especially near the cold season. Discover on our website the recipe for sea buckthorn macerate or sea buckthorn macerate with ginger.

Protects the liver

Sea buckthorn contains healthy fats, vitamin E and carotenoids, all of which can protect liver cells from damage.

Consumption of sea buckthorn fruit or extracts could lower "bad" cholesterol and increase "good" cholesterol in people with high cholesterol or fatty liver disease that is not caused by alcohol consumption.

Freshly administered sea buckthorn juice, half a glass a day, has beneficial effects on the liver. In the absence of fresh juice, a very good substitute is the syrup, from which a spoon is taken 3-4 times a day, before main meals.

Treats the ulcer

Sea buckthorn oil has been shown to have many benefits for people suffering from digestive ulcers. Research indicates that sea buckthorn oil increases the repair of the lining of the intestine, inhibits gastric fluid, promotes wound healing and prevents damage to the lining. This is especially important in patients with digestive health problems, as the intestinal mucosa acts as a protective layer in the digestive tract and a damaged intestinal mucosa can lead to infections and the potential development of chronic diseases.

Protects the heart and lowers blood pressure

Sea buckthorn seeds and leaves are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Its antioxidants can help reduce the risk factors for heart disease, including blood clots, high blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Sea buckthorn oil significantly improves the level of good cholesterol, helping to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and maintain the balance between these elements. By eliminating bad cholesterol, you can reduce the chances of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke, because there is a lower risk of blockage in the arteries and blood vessels. Therefore, blood pressure is reduced, thus reducing blood pressure throughout the cardiovascular system.

Sea buckthorn powder, 1 teaspoon administered four times a day on an empty stomach, helps maintain the health, elasticity and integrity of blood vessels.

The most spectacular effects are obtained with a preparation consisting of a teaspoon of sea buckthorn powder, one of pollen and one of honey. Take 4 teaspoons a day of this combination. People with pronounced capillary fragility can eliminate this shortcoming after two months of treatment with this preparation. Also, patients who have sequels after strokes can recover faster with this remedy.

Improves eyesight

Carotenoids are other important antioxidant compounds found in sea buckthorn berries. They have the role of protecting eyesight. Carotenoids are able to slow the progression of macular degeneration and can prevent the development of cataracts, in addition to improving night vision.

Prevents diabetes

Sea buckthorn can help improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, both of which can protect against type 2 diabetes.

Adjuvant in serious diseases (cancer, leukemia, multiple sclerosis)

Sea buckthorn powder, taken 1/2 - 1 teaspoon before a meal, increases appetite, digestion, stimulates endurance and the body's ability to regenerate. Especially patients suffering from drug intoxication, who keep restrictive diets should consume this preparation.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, sea buckthorn has been shown to be useful in preventing the development of tumors. The high content of antioxidants in sea buckthorn is what helps prevent cancer. Antioxidants break down free radicals circulating in the body by attaching to them and removing their hydrogen bond (saturated). This helps to improve the environment or the pH level of the body and prevents the likelihood of acidosis, which can be detrimental to a person's overall health.

Relieves depression

Regular administration of sea buckthorn increases the level of serotonin in the brain over time. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that induces a calm state of courage, very useful for those who face depression or fear. Increasing the level of serotonin through sea buckthorn treatments significantly reduces the number of recurrences of mental illness, but also of suicides, antisocial acts etc. Make long cures (6 months) with sea buckthorn powder: 1 teaspoon four times a day.

Protects the skin

Sea buckthorn oil can help your skin heal from wounds, sunburn, frostbite and bedsores. It can also promote elasticity and protect against dryness.

Sea buckthorn is radioprotective, photoprotective (provides protection for the beach), strong healing. It has a positive effect in case of poor peripheral circulation. Applied to the skin, sea buckthorn oil has the effects of filtering out ultraviolet rays and other types of radiation with harmful effects on the skin.

Beneficial effects of sea buckthorn

• energizing
• improves vision
• stimulates the immune system
• cancer prevention and treatment
• stimulates cardiovascular health
• vitaminizing
• radiation protection
• sunscreen
• protects the liver

Sea buckthorn side effects

• May slow blood clotting. It should not be taken in parallel with the administration of anticoagulant and anti-platelet medicines such as Aspirin, Diclofenac or Ibuprofen.
• People who are going to have surgery are advised to stop the consumption of sea buckthorn to avoid the risk of heavy bleeding.
• Do not eat sea buckthorn if you suffer from allergies, asthma, cholecystitis or acute pancreatitis.
• May cause blood pressure to become too low in people with low blood pressure.
• Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Did you know that…?

• Sea buckthorn is surnamed “Romanian ginseng”;
• Sea buckthorn oil is also called "liquid gold"
• Sea buckthorn products have also been used by Soviet astronauts because, in addition to their invigorating properties, sea buckthorn increases the body's resistance to cosmic radiation.