Sea buckthorn is a tall shrub or tree, the height of which reaches 3-7 meters. The leaves are long, narrow, with a green color on top and silver on the bottom. The roots are developed, extending into the ground to a depth of about 40 cm. The trunk is covered with spikes. Flowers can be male and female. Female - yellow-green in color, collected in a brush, male flowers are brownish in color and grow in the form of an inflorescence-ear. The fruits are orange or reddish, have an oval shape and sour taste. The beneficial properties of sea buckthorn are due to its rich chemical composition. The plant is used in medicine, folk medicine, cosmetology.

The chemical composition of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn berries are an officially recognized raw material for the manufacture of sea buckthorn oil, which is used in medicine as a wound healing agent. In addition, the plant is used to make up for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the human body. This is possible due to the rich chemical composition of sea buckthorn fruits, which contain:

  • Trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of organs and systems (iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium).It is worth noting that the mineral content in 100 grams of sea buckthorn is not so great and does not even cover half of the daily needs of an adult. Therefore, to use the plant as the main source of trace elements is irrational.
  • Nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates): the nutritional value of fresh sea buckthorn berries is 82 kcal per 100 grams of product. The amount of fat is 5.5 grams, carbohydrates - 5.68 grams, protein - 1.21 grams. In addition, the composition of both the fruits and leaves of the plant includes dietary fiber, organic acids, water.
  • Sea buckthorn contains more than twelve names of vitamins and vitamin-like substances (PP, group “B”, “E”, “C”, “A”, beta-carotene). To replenish the daily norm of vitamins, an adult needs to consume from 200 to 500 grams of berries per day (depending on the necessary component), provided that there are no other sources of vitamins. The need for vitamin "C" completely overlaps even with 50 grams of sea buckthorn (daily requirement is 90 mg, 100 grams of berries contain 220 mg).

In addition to the above, the composition of the berries includes beta-carotene, which has an immunostimulating and wound healing effect. The level of assimilation of beta-carotene from plant materials when used internally is quite low, since the substance forms stable complexes with plant proteins. But when using sea buckthorn oil externally, it is possible to significantly improve local immunity and stimulate regenerative processes.

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Healing properties

In medicine, not only fruits are used, but also sea buckthorn oil, its bark, leaves, seeds. The choice of one or another type of raw material depends on the purpose of its application. So, what is the use of sea buckthorn, and in which cases should one or another of its parts be used?

Read also: instruction for use of sea buckthorn oil

What are the benefits of sea buckthorn?

The fruits of sea buckthorn are consumed orally more often in raw form. The high content of vitamins and minerals prophylactically affects the work of the heart and cardiovascular system, liver, stabilizes the hormonal background, improves the conductivity of the nerve impulse, strengthens the immune system, preventing the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

In addition to the above, the fruits of sea buckthorn contribute to the normalization of the intestines and stomach due to the pectin substances contained in them. However, in order to regulate digestion, sea buckthorn should be consumed unripe. In fully ripe fruits, the concentration of pectin decreases.

The healing properties of sea buckthorn oil

The main field of application of sea buckthorn oil in medicine is the treatment of difficult to heal wounds, ulcers, trophic pathology. Due to the high content of pectins, the drug has a bactericidal, epithelizing, regenerating effect. It is applied externally by applying to gauze dressings.

Sea buckthorn oil can be taken orally. This method of use is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, oncology, for the prevention of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction. Also, the tool is used for weight loss.

Useful properties of leaves, seeds and sea buckthorn bark

The bark and leaves of sea buckthorn contain no less, and sometimes even more, nutrients than its fruits. They are mainly used in the form of decoctions and infusions for the prevention of thrombosis, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The healing properties of leaves, bark, and seeds do not differ from those of fruits and sea buckthorn oil. However, from the broth, the available beneficial components are absorbed faster and act more efficiently.

Plant bark is used not only in medicine, but also in animal husbandry. Her broths are added to the feed of horses in order to accelerate the growth of wool and make it more silky and shiny.In addition, the addition of sea buckthorn to forage for meat animals improves metabolism, contributes to the collection of fat and muscle mass.

Benefits for the intestines and blood vessels

Oil or regularly consumed sea buckthorn berries help to improve intestinal function: normalize microflora, activate motility, which makes it possible to more actively remove waste products. As mentioned above, to regulate the digestive tract, berries should be consumed slightly immature.

The beneficial effect of sea buckthorn on blood vessels is due to the substances contained in it, which can reduce blood cholesterol. Thus, the plant can be used for the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and ischemic strokes, coronary heart disease.

Eye benefit

The high regenerative properties of sea buckthorn allow its use in ophthalmology. As a rule, sea buckthorn oil is used in the form of an eye ointment or drops based on glycerol. Plant juice is prescribed for eye injuries, blindness, inflammatory diseases of the ophthalmic profile.

Application in cosmetology

Due to the fact that sea buckthorn contains a large number of biologically active substances, it is actively used in cosmetology to improve the skin of the face, strengthen and nourish the hair roots, stimulating their growth, cleansing the scalp, and in dietetics - for weight loss.

Sea buckthorn cosmetic masks

Face masks made on the basis of sea buckthorn are not inferior in effectiveness to chemical cosmetics. They smooth, moisturize the skin, make it softer and younger looking. The use of such masks is indicated for sunburn of the face, age spots, dermatitis and irritation.

Mask of sea buckthorn and wheat germ

200 grams of berries must be crushed in a mortar, and then add to the obtained substance 50 grams of pre-chopped wheat germ. The binding component is olive oil in the amount of 2 tablespoons. The exposure time is 20 minutes, after which the composition must be washed off the face with warm water.

Anti-aging mask

Juice of sea buckthorn berries is squeezed, after which 2 tablespoons of the product are mixed with one egg yolk or one teaspoon of honey. The resulting composition is applied to the skin for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with cool water. After the mask is washed off, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer to the face. Before applying, 3 drops of sea buckthorn oil can be added to it.

Mask of sea buckthorn and cottage cheese

Take 100 grams of berries, where they add a tablespoon of cream. The mass is mixed in a blender. The composition is applied for 20 minutes, after which the mask is washed off with water. If the skin is too dry, add a tablespoon of sour cream to the composition.

Hair Benefits

Included in many masks, scrubs, hair oils, sea buckthorn prevents dandruff, regulates the sebaceous glands, restores and activates hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, heals microcracks on the scalp, makes hair strong, strong and shiny.

Note: before using the berries it is recommended to freeze, hold for two days in the freezer, then pour over with boiling water and grind. This will avoid unwanted hair coloring.

Pepper buckthorn mask

To obtain a working composition, it is necessary to mix 20 ml of tincture of pepper, 20 ml of lemon juice, 5 drops of sea buckthorn oil. The resulting product is processed only the hair roots. The exposure time is 1 hour. After this, the mask must be washed off with a mild organic shampoo and warm water. The recipe allows you to activate hair growth and increase their density.

Sea buckthorn and lemon

Take the yolk of one egg, add 10 ml of sea buckthorn oil to it. The composition also includes 20 ml of aloe, 20 ml of onion juice, 20 ml of lemon juice, burdock oil. The mixture must be kept for one and a half hours. The mask is applied for 30 minutes, covering with a hat.After that, the mixture is washed off.

Lemon glycerin mask with sea buckthorn

In a glass with a decoction of sea buckthorn leaves add 5 drops of lemon juice and 5 drops of glycerin. The composition is applied using a comb, incubated for half an hour. After that, the product is washed off with warm water.

The benefits of sea buckthorn for weight loss: myths and reality

It is believed that sea buckthorn contributes to the breakdown of fats and weight loss. In reality, everything is somewhat different. The acids contained in the berry prevent the formation of new fat cells, but do not directly affect the fat tissue already in the body. Therefore, the golden berry should be considered as a means to stabilize, rather than reduce body weight.

Despite the foregoing, the berry can be used as part of a set of measures for losing weight. It is recommended to eat 100 grams of sea buckthorn shortly before meals, as well as before and after physical training. In the first case, the stomach is filled with low-calorie food, which avoids overeating. In the second - the saturation of the body with vitamins and trace elements necessary for severe stress.

Pharmaceutical Application

Sea buckthorn is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The medicinal properties of the berry allow it to be used as a raw material for the manufacture of suppositories for hemorrhoids, regenerating ointments, laxatives, and vitamins. One of the most famous products made industrially from sea buckthorn is sea buckthorn oil. Its use is bearing fruit in almost all existing diseases.

As a rule, products made from golden berries do not have a strong effect comparable to chemical drugs. Therefore, sea buckthorn drugs are used mainly for routine treatment and in combination with other components of pharmacological therapy.

As an example of drugs made on the basis of sea buckthorn, we can cite:

  • "Angisept" - pills for sore throat;
  • "Hyporamine" - an antiviral agent;
  • Candles with sea buckthorn;
  • “Help” - a dietary supplement for children;
  • "Oralgin" - a tool for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, there are many recipes that are implemented using sea buckthorn. The plant is used in the treatment of gastric diseases (sea buckthorn oil, decoction of berries and branches), with hypovitaminosis, skin diseases, exposure to ionizing radiation, diseases of the blood system, cardiovascular system, rheumatism.

As a rule, traditional healers prescribe sea buckthorn in the following forms:

  • infusion;
  • decoction;
  • tincture;
  • oil;
  • fresh juice;
  • in pure form.

A remarkable property of the berry is that it does not lose its medicinal qualities even after prolonged freezing and heat treatment. This allows the use of sea buckthorn components that have passed any cooking preparation.

The benefits of sea buckthorn during pregnancy

For pregnant women, sea buckthorn is a great opportunity to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Adequate intake of all the necessary nutrients in the body is the key to the proper development of the fetus. In addition, the use of berries in the first and second trimester of pregnancy is reflected in the postnatal development of the child. It develops faster, shows good mental abilities, grows rapidly and actively learns the world around it.

In addition to the above, sea buckthorn during pregnancy avoids frequent colds and other infectious diseases. The substances contained in the plant positively affect the immune system, increasing its activity and making the development of bacteria in the body of the expectant mother practically impossible.

Note: during pregnancy, the use of any dosage forms of sea buckthorn, except alcohol tinctures, is permissible.

How to use: sea buckthorn recipes

The healing properties of sea buckthorn are manifested not only in medicines created on its basis, but also in many homemade treats.

Infusions, teas, decoctions

Sea buckthorn infusion

To prepare the infusion, you should take 50-100 grams of raw materials (crushed berries), pour hot boiled water (1 liter). After that, the composition is kept in a water bath, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. After the infusion is cooled, filtered, eat 1 glass 2-3 times a day.

Sea buckthorn tea

Sea buckthorn tea it will be tastier if you add honey and mint to it. The recipe for sea buckthorn tea includes:

  • three glasses of berry juice;
  • boiled water in an amount of 1 liter;
  • two glasses of pre-brewed mint;
  • honey in the amount of 2 tablespoons.

The existing juice must be diluted with hot water, add mint to it, put honey and mix thoroughly the resulting composition. After this, the tea is put in a cool place so that it is infused. Such a product is usually drunk chilled.

Sea-buckthorn broth

A decoction is often prepared from dried leaves of sea buckthorn. One tablespoon of raw material is ground to a powder state and poured with a glass of boiling water. After this, boil the mixture for 10 minutes over low heat. The prepared broth is cooled, filtered, taken 1-2 cups twice a day.

Sea buckthorn juice

Sea buckthorn juice is quite simple to prepare. Pass the berries through a juicer. Boil syrup at the rate of 1 liter of water for 2.5 liters of sea buckthorn. The syrup contains water and sugar: 300 grams of granulated sugar is consumed per 1 liter of water. Hot syrup is added to the juice and mixed thoroughly. The cooled product is ready to eat. The delicacy can be consumed freshly prepared or canned for the winter.

Note: for the product, you should choose strong and decorated yellow berries. Overripe fruits lose some of their healing properties.

Sea buckthorn jam

Sea buckthorn jam can be prepared according to several recipes: in its pure form or to have the addition of a product.

Classic jam

To get 3 kilograms of sea buckthorn jam, you need one and a half kilograms of berries and the same amount of sugar. First, sugar syrup is prepared. Sugar is poured into a pan, poured with water, boiled, stirring until it is completely dissolved. The berries are washed under running water, dried and poured with hot syrup, after which they are left for 3-4 hours.

Next, the syrup is poured into a separate container and again brought to a boil. The resulting composition is poured into sea buckthorn. Jam is cooked over medium heat for 10 minutes. The resulting product is cooled, developed into sterile jars, cleaned for storage in dark places.

Walnut jam

Sea buckthorn and walnut jam is prepared in a manner similar to the classic version. At the same time, sugar syrup is first boiled, then chopped walnuts and prepared sea buckthorn fruits are added to it. The composition is mixed and boiled over low heat until cooked.

Fresh sea buckthorn with sugar

The recipe, although it is not jam in the generally accepted sense of the word, can be used for long-term storage of fresh berries and the preparation of juices, fruit drinks, and fruit drinks from them. Sea buckthorn berries, previously washed and dried, are laid in jars. After that, they are filled with sugar. The ratio of berries to sugar is one to one. Banks are closed with lids and cleaned in the refrigerator. Sea buckthorn prepared in this way can be stored in the refrigerator for six months.

Making butter at home

To make sea buckthorn oil at home, you should take 1 kg of fresh berries. Feed the raw material through a juicer. The resulting juice is used separately. The cake remaining after removing the liquid is dried, crushed and poured with vegetable oil. For 1 kg of dried meal you will need one and a half liters of base.The composition is insisted for 3 weeks at room temperature, stirring occasionally. After that, the oil is drained, filtered through several layers of cheesecloth, poured into dark glass bottles and put into storage in the refrigerator.

Harm and contraindications

Sea buckthorn is not recommended for use by people who have allergic reactions. The components contained in the berry can provoke a reaction. In addition, sea buckthorn berries cannot be taken for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Use oil. It is dangerous to take sea buckthorn orally in the presence of liver diseases, urolithiasis, pancreatitis, hypotension. Otherwise, the berry is safe and can be used with almost no restrictions.

Summarizing the above, it can be noted that the health benefits and harms of sea buckthorn are well understood. The berry is widely used in all fields of activity related to the protection of health and beauty. However, one should not think that sea buckthorn is a miracle cure that can cope with all diseases alone. The effectiveness of the use of a particular tool in each case should be evaluated by a doctor.

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