Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides L.
Family Elaeagnaceae

Description of Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing 1–6 meters tall. Its root system is extensive, featuring nitrogen-fixing nodules, and can penetrate to depths of 30–100 cm. The branches are thorny and covered with silvery-green bark. Leaves are narrow, lanceolate, 3–8 cm long, and silvery-green on the underside. Small, yellowish, unisexual flowers appear before the leaves. The fruits are juicy drupes, 6–10 mm in size, orange-yellow, acidic, and densely cover the branches. Flowering occurs in April–May, with fruiting from August–October. It propagates by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers. Internationally known varieties include: 'Askola', 'Leikora', 'Orange Energy', 'Frugana', 'Hergo', 'Staropražská', 'Sirola', '‘Chuyskaya’ (Чуйская)', '‘Zolotoy Pochatok’ (Золотой початок)', '‘Vitaminnaia’ (Витаминная)'.

 

Habitat and Ecology of Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is native to Europe and Asia (Siberia, Altai, Mongolia, China) and is cultivated in temperate regions (Russia, Canada, Germany). It prefers sandy, well-drained soils (pH 6.0–7.0) and sunny locations. It can withstand temperatures from -40 °C to +40 °C. Fruit yield: 5–15 kg per bush. Care includes: watering (10–15 L/m² every 7–10 days), fertilizing with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (15–20 g/m²), and protection against the sea buckthorn fly and fungal diseases. It propagates by cuttings (spring) or seeds (autumn). Ecologically, it enriches the soil with nitrogen and prevents erosion. It can be invasive in some regions.

 

Sea Buckthorn Raw Materials

Raw materials include: fruits, oil from fruits and seeds, leaves, and less commonly, bark. Fruits are harvested from August–October and dried at 40–50 °C (yield 10–15 %). Oil is extracted by cold pressing from the pulp (yield 3–5 %) or seeds (8–12 %). Leaves are collected in June–July and dried in the shade (yield 15–20 %). Bark is collected in spring and dried at 30–35 °C (yield 10–15 %). Quality: fruits – orange, mold-free, moisture <12 %, organic/mineral impurities ≤0.5 %, total ash ≤5 %; oil – reddish-orange, clear; leaves – green. Store fruits and leaves in dry containers (1–2 years), oil at 0–5 °C (1 year). The fruits have a sour, fruity aroma; the oil has an oily scent; the taste of the fruits is sour and tart.

 

Chemical Composition of Sea Buckthorn

Fruits: water (75–85 %), carbohydrates (5–10 %, glucose, fructose), organic acids (2–3 %, malic, tartaric), vitamins (C up to 700 mg/100 g, E, A, B1, B2, K), flavonoids, carotenoids, minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron). Oil: fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, palmitoleic acid up to 30 %), vitamins (E, A), carotenoids. Leaves: flavonoids, tannins (5–10 %), vitamin C (up to 50 mg/100 g). Bark: tannins, flavonoids. Caloric content of fruits: 50–80 kcal/100 g, oil: 850–900 kcal/100 g.

 

Action and Application of Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn possesses powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, immunostimulating, and antimicrobial effects due to its vitamins C, E, and carotenoids. The fruits are used for vitamin deficiency, colds, boosting immunity, and improving vision. Oil from fruits and seeds is used for healing wounds, burns, stomach ulcers, and skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema). Leaf infusions have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and are used for arthritis and stomatitis. Bark (decoctions) is rarely used for inflammations. In cosmetology, the oil and juice moisturize the skin, stimulate regeneration, and reduce pigmentation. Externally, the oil is applied to burns and frostbite.

 

Precautions for Sea Buckthorn Use

Large quantities of fruits (>300 g/day) or juice (>100 ml/day) may cause allergic reactions or diarrhea due to organic acids. Oil (>10 ml/day internally, undiluted externally) may cause irritation to mucous membranes or skin. Store dried fruits at <12 % humidity and oil at 0–5 °C. For children under 3 years old, administer juice or infusions in doses ≤5 ml/day. Individuals with allergies to Elaeagnaceae or acid-dependent diseases should limit consumption. External application of oil requires an allergy test. Do not combine with anticoagulants without consulting a doctor.

 

Contraindications for Sea Buckthorn Use

Sea buckthorn is contraindicated in cases of allergy to Elaeagnaceae, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, gallstone disease, hepatitis, and for children under 1 year of age. External application of oil is prohibited on open wounds, psoriasis, or severe eczema.

 

Sea Buckthorn Recipes

1. Juice for Colds. Mix 50 ml of sea buckthorn juice with 10 g of honey, drink 25 ml twice a day for 7 days.
   
2. Leaf Infusion for Arthritis. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 10 g of leaves, infuse for 30 minutes, drink 50 ml twice a day for 10 days.
   
3. Oil for Wound Healing. Apply 5 ml of oil to the damaged skin once a day for 7 days.
   
4. Bark Decoction for Stomatitis. Boil 10 g of bark in 200 ml of water for 10 minutes, rinse mouth twice a day for 5 days.
   
5. Fruit Infusion for Vitamin Deficiency. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 10 g of dried fruits, infuse for 20 minutes, drink 50 ml twice a day for 10 days.
   
6. Sea Buckthorn Immune Boost Shot. Blend 50g fresh sea buckthorn berries with 100ml water and a small piece of ginger. Strain and drink immediately.

 

Sea Buckthorn Cosmetics

Sea buckthorn oil and juice are used in cosmetology due to their regenerative, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, improving the condition of skin and hair.

1. Face Mask. Mix 10 ml of sea buckthorn oil with 10 g of honey, apply to face for 10 minutes, then rinse. Use once a week.
   
2. Body Scrub. Grind 10 g of dried fruits, mix with 10 ml of olive oil, massage into skin for 5 minutes, then rinse. Use once a week.
   
3. Hair Oil. Apply 5 ml of sea buckthorn oil to hair roots, rinse after 30 minutes, once a week.
   
4. Skin Toner. Mix 50 ml of sea buckthorn juice with 50 ml of water, wipe face once a day for 7 days.
   
5. Moisturizing Lip Balm. Mix 1 tsp sea buckthorn oil with 1 tsp melted beeswax. Pour into a small container and let cool.

 

Sea Buckthorn Culinary Uses

Sea buckthorn fruits are used fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice in beverages, jams, and desserts. The oil is added to salads. Store fresh fruits at 0–5 °C for up to 1 month, dried fruits for up to 2 years, and oil for up to 1 year. Varieties: ‘Chuyskaya’ (for juices), ‘Zolotoy Pochatok’ (for jams).

1. Sea Buckthorn Juice. Grind 100 g of sea buckthorn fruits, press out the juice, mix with 10 g of honey, serve chilled.
   
2. Sea Buckthorn Jam. Boil 500 g of fruits with 500 g of sugar for 20 minutes, pour into jars, store for up to 1 year.
   
3. Sea Buckthorn Tea. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 10 g of dried fruits, infuse for 10 minutes, add honey, serve warm.
   
4. Salad with Sea Buckthorn Oil. Mix 5 ml of oil with 100 g of vegetables and 5 ml of lemon juice, serve fresh.
   
5. Sea Buckthorn Smoothie. Blend 1/2 cup fresh or frozen sea buckthorn berries with 1 banana, 1/2 cup yogurt, and 1/4 cup orange juice until smooth.
6. Sea Buckthorn Vinaigrette. Whisk together 2 tablespoons sea buckthorn juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

 

Other Properties of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is an ornamental plant for gardens, strengthening soil and preventing erosion. The oil is used in pharmaceuticals (wound healing preparations). The fruits are used in the food industry (juices, jams). The plant attracts birds and pollinators.