Buckthorn oil is derived from the leaves, berries, and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant and has been used to remedy many ailments for thousands of years. From protecting your heart to managing diabetes, it has been helpful.
Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the sea buckthorn plant (Hippophaerhamnoides), especially its leaves, berries, and seeds. It has many uses, dating back to the folk days, and is appreciated by the Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The sea buckthorn plant is found in the northeast Himalayan region, growing in the high altitudes. The oil has been used to manage stomach ulcers and diabetes, improve skin conditions, and support heart health. Peer into this article to understand the detail about the health benefits of this oil.
i. The plant has a rich nutritional profile
The sea buckthorn plant from which the oil is extracted is nutritionally rich, consisting of many nutrients, and plant compounds. For instance, it is heavily loaded with antioxidants which fight oxidative stress and free radicals, lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer. Besides, the leaves are packed with quercetin, a flavonoid that protects the heart by lowering blood pressure. Interestingly, the plant has all the omega fats, from omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, making it unique. In addition, it boasts vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, all needed by the body.
ii. It may protect the heart
Sea buckthorn oil could protect the heart in several different ways. It is loaded with antioxidants and plant compounds that regulate blood clots, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, all heart disease risk factors. In one study, participants with high blood pressure or cholesterol levels were given 0.75ml of sea buckthorn oil daily. At the end of the study, the bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure had significantly dropped, lowering their risks of heart disease. Moreover, another study gave participants with blood clot issues 5g of the oil daily for four weeks, after which the condition improved and was better than the rest of the group taking coconut oil. However, the results were not especially outstanding among healthy people.
iii. It may protect the skin
Sea buckthorn oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-7, two fatty acids linked with a good skin condition. In the lab, studies have revealed that the oil may help wounds recover faster since it boosts skin regeneration. One study involved 11 people for 7 weeks and revealed that using water and oil on skin made it more elastic and brighter. Moreover, another research established that the oil could help people not develop sunburns after UV exposure by fighting inflammation. Lastly, it is thought to be useful in improving the skin after frostbites and bedsores.
iv. It may lower the risk of diabetes
Recent studies link sea buckthorn oil to a lowered risk of diabetes type 2, a top killer disease worldwide. Several animal studies have shown that the oil boosted insulin secretion and sensitivity in animals, besides lowering post-meal sugar spikes. Frequent insulin and sugar spikes followed by a drastic drop ultimately lead to diabetes type 2. However, more studies are needed to substantiate these claims before recommending the oil to people with diabetes.
v. It may boost your immunity
The immune system is the body’s defense system. The sea buckthorn oil is loaded with natural compounds called flavonoids, linked to boosting resistance to illness and promoting immunity. The oil curbed HIV, herpes, and influenza viruses in different test-tube studies and stopped E. coli bacteria from growing. However, before recommending the oil for this use, human studies are needed.
vi. It may help protect against cancer
Cancer is also a global killer disease, besides diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, studies offer promising results that link sea buckthorn oil to cancer prevention, especially due to the antioxidants and flavonoids in the plant. For instance, it is loaded with vitamin E and carotenoids, which may prevent some cancers. Besides, quercetin flavonoid also exhibits cancer-fighting properties. In a test-tube study, sea buckthorn extracted demonstrated excellent potential in curbing the growth of cancer cells. Sadly, though, human studies are lacking; hence the oil cannot be safely recommended for cancer management currently.
vii. It may protect the liver
Besides protecting the heart, sea buckthorn oil can protect the liver and its cells. It is packed with vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, all needed for a healthy liver. In one study involving liver cirrhosis patients, 15g of sea buckthorn oil was administered to them daily for six months, after which their liver function blood markers improved more than the group on placebo. Still, another study gave rats with liver damage the oil, after which they showed increased markers. In another research, patients with an alcohol-triggered liver disease took 0.5-1.5g of the oil once or thrice daily and recorded significant improvements in triglycerides and enzymatic conditions, lowering the chances of further liver damage. Of course, these are good results, but further studies are needed, especially with human beings, to clear any doubt.
viii. It may fight inflammation and depression
Inflammation and free radicals’ accumulation are the two leading causes of many health conditions, including joint problems. Fortunately, test-tube results are offering promising results that the oil could fight inflammation and reduce joint pain. Moreover, as it fights free radicals, it lowers their chances of accumulating and causing depression. Still, further studies are needed, especially with human beings.
ix. It may improve post-menopausal symptoms
Like sea buckthorn oil helped boost skin condition, studies have shown that it could prevent vaginal drying. In fact, post-menopausal women who, for some reason, cannot take estrogen can take it to manage the post-menopausal symptoms.
Conclusion
Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the leaves, seeds, and berries of the sea buckthorn plant, native to the northeast Himalayas. The oil has many benefits and has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Its top benefits include protecting the heart and liver, fighting diabetes, inflammation, and cancer, and preventing skin damage following UV exposure.
Credits
We would like to thank the below contributors who have helped us to write this article:
Ksenia Sobchak enjoys blogging on fashion, style, lifestyle, love and CBD areas. Prior to becoming a blogger, Ksenia worked for a renowned fashion brand. Ksenia is a contributing author to leading fashion, lifestyle and CBD magazines and blogs. You can bump into Ksenia at her favourite cafe in South Kensington where she has written most blogs. Ksenia is a staunch advocate of CBD and its benefits to people. Ksenia is also on the panel of CBD reviewers at CBD Life Mag and Chill Hempire. Her favourite form of CBD are CBD gummies and CBD tinctures. Ksenia is a regular contributor at leading fashion, lifestyle as well as CBD magazines and blogs.
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