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| One fruit, many benefits! Sea buckthorn is great for beauty and good health. |
Abstract:
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), also known as the 'Himalayan Miracle Berry,' is a very powerful and natural superfood that is considered like an elixir for health and beauty. This usually happens in cold places like Ladakh and the Himalayas, where the temperature ranges from -40 degrees to 40 degrees. It is full of vitamins; it contains Vitamin C, A, E, and Vitamin K. Not only this, but it also contains more than 190 bioactive compounds, including omega 3, 6, 7, and 9. This berry not only helps in improving the immune system but also helps in keeping the skin young and soft, keeping the hair healthy and fighting many serious diseases like cancer, liver-related diseases, heart disease, etc. Today in this article we will talk about the history, nutrition, health benefits, beauty care, scientific research, and research done on the uses of sea buckthorn.
In the changing times where every second person is struggling with some kind of problem or disease, this problem is not common. Some have weak immunity, some are struggling with hormonal problems, some are troubled by their skin problems, and people's daily routine is so busy that mental stress has become very common. In such a situation, everyone has become dependent only on medicines; you and I cannot call this a long-term solution. Because continuous consumption of medicines can cause rapid damage to the human body due to which people have to fall victim to many serious diseases at any stage of age.
But some reports have also come out that now people have started returning towards nature, and now people have been seen collecting information about things that are easy and relaxing for a long time. And now in this continuous search the same name is coming up again and again—sea buckthorn. To say the least, it looks like a simple fruit, but whoever went deeper into it got more information about it, because it is not just a fruit but a complete healing system.
What is Sea Buckthorn?:
It is very easy to know about Sea Buckthorn. It is a small, orange-colored fruit that grows on a bushy plant, which is found especially in the Himalayan regions and especially in Ladakh. The most interesting thing about this fruit is that it grows at a height of more than 10 thousand feet, where the amount of oxygen becomes almost extremely low, and if we talk about the temperature, the temperature here remains very cold and the environment is harsh.
But in the meantime, the question arises—what makes the fruit growing in such harsh conditions so special? It is very easy to understand this, because it makes itself so strong for survival that the amount of nutrition and antioxidants inside it increases exceptionally, and this is the reason why it is also known as the Himalayan Miracle Berry.
Story behind the name:
The scientific name of sea buckthorn is Hippophae rhamnoides. Now the thing to think about is why this berry has been named in this way, so let us tell you: actually, this is a Greek name. In the Greek language, "hippo" (horse) and "phae" (shine) are there. In simple language, it means shining horse, but this name has not been kept just like that, and there is a story behind it as well, the strings of which are connected with the pages of history.
History of Sea Buckthorn:
It is said that when Alexander the Great was marching towards India with his entire army, he saw that some horses had become weak and sick due to constant walking; at that time, the local people there told him about a berry and advised to feed it to the horses.
Alexander, following the advice of the people there, fed some berries to his horses, and within a short time they all got different strength, and their skin and hair got a different glow, and from then on sea buckthorn was named Hippophae. And similarly, Genghis Khan also used this berry to increase the strength of his army; from this one thing became clear that this is not just a folk tale but thousands of years old natural science.
Story of the discovery of sea buckthorn:
The discovery of sea buckthorn is not connected to the pages of history, but it is very important to know about how many qualities a small-looking berry has. And before knowing about these qualities, it is also important for us to know about where it is connected to.
Tibetan and Chinese medicine: According to reports, this berry is mentioned in ancient books of Tibetan medicine ('rGyud Bzi') from the 8th century and is linked to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Information about this plant was given, as well as complete information about its beneficial medicinal properties, in at least 30 chapters of this plant, through which the local people also used it for the treatment of many types of diseases, and even today the people there consider this fruit a magical fruit. Not only this, but many types of nutrients are found in its fruits, seeds, leaves, and even bark. The medicinal use of sea buckthorn is also found in the books of ancient Greek scholars Theophrastus and Dioscorides. Its oil is a valuable commodity both for external use (e.g., applied to the skin) and in nutraceutical formulations. It has long been used to heal burns and is also used as an ingredient in many commercial cosmetic products.
'Cosmic Food' of Russian Astronauts:
The most surprising thing about sea buckthorn is that in ancient times, doctors used its fruit and oil in different ways for digestive problems, cough, and skin problems. People of that time believed that it contains a unique mixture of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, which work together to keep the body healthy. Not only this, when Soviet Union scientists discovered its antioxidant and vitamin properties, they used sea buckthorn only for the diet and skin safety of astronauts (cosmonauts); in fact, astronauts used to use sea buckthorn in their food to avoid radiation in space. That is why this berry was also called the "fruit of space."
Superfood of the Indian Himalayas and Ladakh:
Talking about India, it was mainly found growing naturally in the snowy valleys of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand at an altitude of more than 10 thousand feet. When DRDO scientists started researching this in depth, they too were surprised to find that this vitamin has all the properties of vitamin C (about 40 times more than oranges and gooseberries) and omega fatty acids.
These things are found in sea buckthorn:
When scientists did thorough research on this common-looking fruit, sea buckthorn, they found that it contains many bioactive components, including vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and phytosterols, and these components are considered to be very good for the protection of heart, skin, nerves, and liver, along with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects, which provides wide-ranging health benefits. Along with this, it contains 300 times more Vitamin C than amla and 12 times more than carrot. This is the only plant in the world in which Omega-3, -6, and -9 and the rare Omega-7 are found together. Besides, 190+ bioactive compounds, 42 lipids, 21 amino acids, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E, P, and K are found in it.
Sea buckthorn is helpful in fighting many problems:
Anti-Aging: Sea buckthorn helps in reducing the effects of aging; for example, suppose a person is 40 years old and has skin wrinkles, hair fall, and dark spots under the eyes, but the person who consumes this berry will look young even at the age of 40 because it reduces skin wrinkles, hair fall, and dark circles.
Immunity: Consumption of this fruit is beneficial in eliminating the toxins present in your body, and it also helps in boosting immunity.
Diabetes: Sea buckthorn is considered very good for type-2 diabetes; in fact, people who have type-2 diabetes can consume the juice of this fruit. Sugar level can be reduced by 10-15% only after 3 to 4 hours of consuming the juice.
Heart disease: Omega-3 and Omega-7 present in this fruit not only soften the arteries and help in reducing cholesterol problems; hence, this fruit is also considered good for heart-related problems.
Cancer: Actually, the antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids present in sea buckthorn help in preventing the growth of cancer cells and making the body's immune system even stronger. According to scientific studies, this fruit may prove useful as a 'supportive care' or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of cancer.
Liver and Gut Health: It is helpful in healing fatty liver (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and relieving stomach ulcers and constipation.
Women's Health: Provides relief in problems like PCOD, PCOS, irregular periods, and infertility.
Mental Health: Contains 5-HTP, which increases serotonin, which reduces stress and improves sleep.
Sea Buckthorn for Beauty:
1. Provides moisture and nourishment to the skin: Sea buckthorn contains fatty acids, which are considered to be a major component of ceramides. Ceramides are a type of lipid (a naturally occurring organic compound), and they help in maintaining the natural layer of the skin and also in maintaining the moisture of the skin as before. Not only this, but many other special properties are found in it, such as phospholipids and glycolipids, which provide moisture to the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and help in making the skin soft and shiny. The sterols present in sea buckthorn help in naturally protecting the skin and replenishing the water loss through the epidermis.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: This fruit has powerful antioxidant properties that help the skin fight free radicals, thus reducing the damage caused by them and harmful pollution. Free radicals (atoms without electron pairing) can 'steal' electrons from healthy cells, causing skin damage such as dryness, uneven pigmentation, and rupture of blood vessels.
3. Helpful in skin regeneration: Sea buckthorn oil contains an unsaturated fatty acid called "gamma-linolenic acid" (GLA), which is considered a good example of an omega-6 fatty acid. It repairs the skin from within. Other bioactive compounds present in the oil of this fruit, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, are also considered very good for the skin. This helps in curing various facial skin problems like rosacea, eczema, or acne.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: GLA is found in good quantity in the oil made from sea buckthorn, which is considered good for skin and blood circulation; according to this, the skin gets the proper amount of oxygen and necessary nutrition, which helps in eliminating the toxic substances present in the body, and inflammation can be reduced.
5. Improves skin tone and texture: The unsaturated fatty acids present in sea buckthorn oil help in improving the tone, texture, and structure of the skin and bring back the lost glow of the skin and also help in eliminating the problem of anti-aging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Sea Buckthorn?
Q2. What are the main benefits of Sea Buckthorn?
It increases immunity, gives a glow to the skin, strengthens hair, improves hormonal balance, and is beneficial for heart health.
Q3. How do you drink sea buckthorn juice?
You can take 10 ml of sea buckthorn juice mixed in a glass of water daily in the morning on an empty stomach.
Q4. Is Sea Buckthorn beneficial for the skin?
Yes, the vitamin C and omega-7 present in it nourish the skin from within, reduce wrinkles, and increase the natural glow.
Q5. Can Sea Buckthorn prevent hair fall?
Yes, it strengthens the hair roots and helps in reducing hair fall.
Q6. Is Sea Buckthorn useful in PCOS/PCOD?
It helps in improving hormonal balance, which can provide relief in problems like PCOS and PCOD.
Q7. Are there any side effects of sea buckthorn?
It is safe if taken in the right quantity, but taking it in excess can cause stomach problems. Consult a doctor in case of any disease.
Q8. How to use sea buckthorn oil?
You can apply it directly on the skin or use it for massaging your hair.
Q9. Is sea buckthorn beneficial in diabetes?
It can help control blood sugar levels but should not be considered a substitute for medication.
Q10. How long does it take for sea buckthorn to show effect?
If taken regularly, positive effects are visible within 2–4 weeks.