Sea Buckthorn – astonishingly good for you both inside and out!
I have just spent a glorious weekend relaxing, exploring & walking my way around Devon (with the help of a cream tea…) I only had two days but blissfully managed to pack a lot in whilst somehow also taking my time. I was surprised to find how varied & stunning the countryside was – from classic rolling green hills bordered by hedgerows, to wide, open moorland covered in purple & flecked with gold from the Heather, to the dramatic Jurassic coastline. Walking along these rugged cliff paths & pointing out various plants I became aware of one which I often use, in its natural habitat – Sea Buckthorn.
This incredibly versatile & beneficial little berry has been used across the world for thousands of years, either taken internally as a berry or juice, or used externally as an oil – and it’s not hard to see why:
- Anti-aging: one of the richest sources of vitamin C & palmitoleic acid (Omega-7) along with other essential fatty acids & vitamins E & A – all of which help to rejuvenate & smooth the skin, protect against premature ageing & regenerate the skin tissue
- Skin health: a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, the oil is excellent used externally for soothing dry, itchy or irritated skin conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea, eczema & psoriasis. It is also used in some traditional medicines for internal conditions, in particular gastrointestinal complaints such as ulcers
- Vitamin-boost: the juice is particularly rich in carotenoids, also vitamins B (Folic Acid), B1, B2, B6, B12, B15, K, amino acids & dietary minerals; also in phytosterols (think plant sterols, commonly used now to reduce cholesterol)
- Burns: a natural skin protector – it is often used in sunblocks & for sunburn, but is also very effective for all types of burns & was used to treat radiation burns after the Chernobyl disaster
- Superfood: many take Sea Buckthorn to improve vitality, especially during times of exhaustion & before winter as a preventative against coughs & colds.
- Hair: used on the scalp it can improve the lustre of the hair & strengthen the roots
- Emotional regulator: Sea Buckthorn contains natural levels of the hormone Serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate the emotions
