10 Sea Buckthorn Uses and Contraindications

If you are looking to learn about sea buckthorn uses and contraindications, continue reading this article and find out what they are. But first.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a fruit shrub of Central Asian origin. Sea buckthorn berries can be picked or bought from the markets, where they are found from late summer to early winter. For those who have heard of sea buckthorn, yet know very little about its medicinal benefits and what it can do to improve our health state, we have figured we might bring to you the bigger picture regarding sea buckthorn uses and contraindications. 

Main Sea Buckthorn Uses and Contraindications

Sea buckthorn is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants out there. This miraculous plant is also loaded with Vitamin C and a great variety of vitamins, namely Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B9, E, K, P, and F. Also, it contains a high dose of natural beta-carotene, much more than carrots, which is a substance very well known for its positive effects on improving eyesight.

These are only the most important aspects related to sea buckthorn that explain why it has found so many uses in allopath and traditional medicine today. Sea buckthorn is used in a great variety, as tea made from its leaves, buds, berries, and bark, as well as syrup or juice and oils derived from its seeds. We’ll go on naming the most important sea buckthorn uses and contraindications so that you know when and why to use it and recover your good health.

10 Amazing Sea Buckthorn Uses

Sea buckthorn is most popularly used as tea, powder, fresh juice, and sea buckthorn oil. Sea buckthorn tincture and syrup are also amazing home remedies. Here are the main sea buckthorn uses.

1. Vitamin Booster. Sea buckthorn fruits contain almost all the minerals and vitamins necessary for the human body. A glass of freshly prepared sea buckthorn juice with honey, consumed in the morning, will provide a portion of vitamins and energy throughout the day. This is one of the main sea buckthorn uses.
2. Immunostimulator. Sea buckthorn helps the body stay healthy and strong and, by increasing the body’s capacity to fight diseases, it is a great natural immune booster. Moreover, it has antibiotic properties and directly fights bacterial infections.
3. Natural body cleanser. It helps the body eliminate toxins from both the digestive system and the liver, contributing to their better functioning. Some doctors recommend sea buckthorn along with allopathic medicine to reduce the side effects of synthetic drugs.
4. Antioxidant. Sea buckthorn is full of powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, and toxic substances from the environment and prevent the development of cancer cells. This is one of the most important sea buckthorn uses.
5. Anti-inflammatory. Sea buckthorn is a good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial not only internally but is often used in the treatment of skin conditions, wounds, or burns.
6. Natural Sunscreen. In external administration, sea buckthorn has a strong healing effect, nourishes the skin, and helps it recover. It can be used successfully as a substitute for post-sun lotions or creams. Moderate sea buckthorn consumption can protect against UV radiation.
7. Emollient effect. There are many cosmetic products in which we find sea buckthorn or sea buckthorn oil, especially in foot creams, which soften the skin and help repair the affected layers.
8. Cytoprotective effect. Sea buckthorn acts as a natural shield that protects the body’s cells from toxic and harmful substances and helps maintain the body’s health.
9. Recovery time. Sea buckthorn helps the body recover quicker after intense physical activities (being highly recommended for sportsmen and women) and from severe conditions. It reduces the convalescent period after severe injury or disease.
10. Skin, Eyesight, Anxiety, and Viral Conditions. Sea buckthorn is a great natural remedy for gastritis, hepatitis, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries through which blood flows), conjunctivitis, and many other eye conditions. Some of the most popular sea buckthorn uses are as a remedy for eczema, hives, infections, measles, rashes, burns, and dermatoses. It is a great aid for overwork, lethargy, stress, depression, and anxiety as well. Most often, sea buckthorn is used to treat colds and respiratory viruses, with a high intake of vitamins and substances that strengthen the immune system and help the body fight viruses.

And when you think of it, there are many more other amazing sea buckthorn uses. Sea buckthorn oil is a great home remedy for catarrh, as well as gastritis ulcers and a home remedy for conjunctivitis. Sea buckthorn juice is a great natural remedy for chronic hepatitis, while sea buckthorn berries tea is a great aid in hepatitis A. Now that you know the main sea buckthorn uses, let’s see what are the sea buckthorn contraindications to consider before using it.

Sea Buckthorn Contraindications

Administered according to the recommended doses, sea buckthorn has no side effects, but only benefits the body. But there are also a number of sea buckthorn contraindications.

1. Sea buckthorn is not recommended for those who suffer from acute gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and acute pancreatitis.
2. There have been cases when patients have developed adenomatous prostatitis (men) and mastopathy (women) due to the high content of phytohormones in sea buckthorn. Hence moderate use is advised.
3. People suffering from asthma or allergies should not use sea buckthorn or use it with care. The reason is that the large amounts of beta-carotene found in sea blackthorn may cause them harm.
4. Due to the strong energizing effects, sea buckthorn or sea buckthorn preparations should not be consumed after 3-4 o’clock in the afternoon. Sea buckthorn tea, for example, is ideal to be consumed in the morning instead of coffee.
5. Sea buckthorn slows down blood clotting, thus it should not be consumed in conjunction with the administration of anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, diclofenac, or ibuprofen. People who are going to have surgery are advised to stop consuming sea buckthorn to avoid the risk of heavy bleeding.
6. Sea buckthorn is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Read Also: How to Use Sea Buckthorn Berries for Cold and Flu

Sea buckthorn is, therefore, the fruit that works wonders for the body, when properly consumed. Because it is only fresh for a few months out of the year, we recommend that you stock up early on sea buckthorn and keep it in the freezer, because this will preserve its amazing properties intact. It’s like having a doctor at home. We hope that you’ve learned a lot about the main sea buckthorn uses and contraindications. Stay healthy, naturally!