Sea Buckthorn: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub with bright orange fruits rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and other biologically active compounds. In herbal medicine, the berries and the oil extracted from them are used most often. The fruits are traditionally eaten and preserved for winter, while the oil is applied externally to care for damaged skin. However, medicinal use requires careful attention to precautions.

What Is Sea Buckthorn, and How Can You Recognize It?

Sea buckthorn (*Hippophae rhamnoides* L.) belongs to the oleaster family. It is a multi-stemmed shrub that sometimes grows into a small tree. It usually reaches 1.5–3 meters in height, although some plants grow taller.

Sea buckthorn has thorny branches and narrow leaves. The upper surface of the leaves is grayish-green, while the underside has a silvery or slightly yellowish tint. Small flowers appear in spring. They have no petals. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants.

Flowering mainly occurs in April and May. The fruits ripen from August to October, depending on growing conditions and variety. They grow closely packed along the branches. Their color ranges from yellow to orange-red.

Botanically, a sea buckthorn fruit is a fleshy drupe rather than a true berry. It contains a small stone. After ripening, the fruits can remain on the shrub for a long time, sometimes until spring.

Sea buckthorn grows across Europe and Asia. It is found in Siberia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and other regions. In the wild, the shrub grows near rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as in sandy areas. It is also cultivated in gardens.

The plant's name reflects one of its distinctive features: in autumn, the branches of female plants can be almost completely covered with fruit. These fruits are the main raw material used for food and medicinal preparations.

What Does This Plant Contain, and What Explains Its Properties?

According to herbal medicine reference books, the fruits contain various vitamins, organic acids, sugars, pectin, tannins, flavonoids, and minerals. They also contain coumarins, triterpenic acids, and fatty acids.

The vitamins include vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin E. The fruits also contain carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which gives them their characteristic orange color. The body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.

Sea buckthorn fruits also contain potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. Their composition depends on the variety, fruit maturity, and growing conditions.

Sea buckthorn oil deserves special attention. The pulp contains up to 9% fatty oil, while the seeds contain about 12–12.5%. The oil has a deep orange color and a thick consistency. Its reported components include carotenoids, tocopherols, phytosterols, and fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids.

Oil extracted from the pulp and oil extracted from the seeds do not have exactly the same composition. Therefore, not all sea buckthorn products can be considered interchangeable.

The presence of vitamins and other compounds explains the interest in this plant. However, its chemical composition alone does not prove that consuming sea buckthorn prevents or treats a specific disease. The outcome depends on the product, the amount used, the person's condition, and the quality of the available evidence.

How Can This Berry Benefit Different Body Systems?

Herbal reference books describe sea buckthorn as a vitamin-rich food plant. The berries and juice have traditionally been used to supplement the diet with vitamins, especially during winter and spring. Fresh seasonal fruits may be less available at these times.

For the Skin and Its Recovery

Sea buckthorn oil has a special place in herbal reference books. It has traditionally been applied externally for burns, frostbite, pressure sores, ulcers, and wounds that heal slowly.

Pharmacological studies described in reference literature have reported properties of the oil associated with the recovery of damaged tissues. Experimental studies have also examined its effects on the growth of certain bacteria.

These findings do not mean that the oil is suitable for treating every wound on your own. Deep injuries, infected wounds, and serious burns require medical attention. Oil does not replace wound cleaning, an assessment of the injury's depth, or prescribed treatment.

For the Digestive System

Reference books describe the use of sea buckthorn oil for gastric and duodenal ulcers. It has also been used for certain diseases affecting the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. These reports relate to specific medicinal formulations and medical approaches. They do not justify treating an ulcer yourself with berries or homemade oil.

If you have a stomach or intestinal condition, consider sea buckthorn only as a possible addition to prescribed treatment, and discuss its use with your doctor. Never stop or change prescribed medication on your own.

For Mucous Membranes

Reference literature describes the external use of sea buckthorn oil for certain conditions affecting mucous membranes. It has also been used in medical practice for some gynecological conditions.

The method of application depends on the specific problem and the medicinal formulation. Do not apply descriptions of medical procedures to home use of the oil. If you experience pain, bleeding, unusual discharge, or persistent inflammation, consult a doctor.

For Blood Vessels and Metabolic Processes

Some reference works report studies of sea buckthorn oil focusing on lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic changes. Some of these findings come from experiments or clinical reports described in older literature.

These results should not be interpreted as proof that consuming sea buckthorn at home lowers cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, or prevents cardiovascular complications in everyone.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease may be able to include the fruits in their usual diet if they have no individual restrictions. Discuss medicinal doses of the oil and concentrated supplements with your doctor. They may interact with medications, so do not change prescribed treatment.

For Nutrition During Cold Season

Reference books describe sea buckthorn fruits as a source of vitamin C and other nutrients. Traditionally, the juice was used during colds, while young leaves were brewed to make tea.

These are historically documented uses, not proof that sea buckthorn destroys infectious agents or shortens every cold. It can add variety to your diet, but it does not replace medical care when symptoms are severe.

What Are Sea Buckthorn Fruits Used For: Berries, Juice, or Oil?

Sea buckthorn is used in several forms. The choice depends on the purpose.

Fresh and frozen fruits. They are eaten and processed into juice, compote, and other products. After the first frosts, the fruits usually become less astringent and bitter. Reference books describe their flavor as sweet and sour, with a distinctive aroma.

Juice. It is traditionally used as a vitamin-rich food product. Sea buckthorn juice is quite acidic, so people with sensitive stomachs should consider their individual tolerance.

Tea made from young leaves. In folk practice, this drink was used during cold season. However, the descriptions available do not establish one universally applicable ratio of leaves to water. Do not prescribe concentrated infusions to yourself for medicinal purposes.

Dried fruits. They are preserved for later use. Herbal reference books also describe brewing dried sea buckthorn together with rose hips in a thermos.

Sea buckthorn oil. It is applied externally to certain skin injuries and used in some medicinal formulations. Taking it by mouth is a form of medicinal use and requires particular caution. Dosages from older reference books cannot automatically be applied to modern products because the concentration and composition of oils may differ.

Food preserves. The fruits can be processed into juice, compote, or sea buckthorn sugar. This adds variety to the winter diet. However, people with impaired carbohydrate metabolism should pay particular attention to the amount of sugar in the finished product.

Sea Buckthorn: How to Brew the Fruits and Leaves

One method of preserving sea buckthorn for winter is to dry the fruits until they are partially dehydrated. They can then be used to make a drink in a thermos. Reference literature suggests combining them with rose hips.

First, sort through the berries and rinse them. Let the water drain, then spread the fruits on a clean towel. Finish drying them in an electric dehydrator or in the sun. The finished material should be dry and show no visible signs of spoilage.

For brewing, you can use a food preparation and follow the instructions for the product you have chosen. The amount depends on the type and condition of the raw material and the preparation method.

The same caution applies to young leaves. They have traditionally been used to make tea, but this does not mean every infusion is suitable for daily medicinal use.

A few rules can help you avoid mistakes:

• Do not use raw material with mold, an unpleasant smell, or signs of spoilage.
• Do not use concentrated decoctions or extracts instead of an ordinary drink without consulting your doctor.
• Do not add other medicinal plants to homemade remedies without checking their safety.
• If you develop a rash, itching, nausea, or other unwanted symptoms after drinking the preparation, stop using it.

Sea buckthorn tea can be part of your usual diet. However, it is not a universal remedy for colds, stomach diseases, or other illnesses.

Can You Eat Sea Buckthorn Fresh?

Sea buckthorn fruits have traditionally been eaten as food. They have a distinctly sour taste and usually become less astringent after freezing. The fruits can be eaten fresh, frozen, or processed.

For most people, an ordinary food serving of berries is different from medicinal doses of oil and concentrated extracts. However, tolerance varies from person to person. People with sensitive digestion may experience discomfort after eating acidic fruits.

If you are trying sea buckthorn for the first time, it is sensible to start with a small amount and see how your body responds. If you have a known allergy to sea buckthorn, do not consume it.

People with chronic conditions should pay attention to the ingredients in prepared products. Juice with added sugar, jam, and sea buckthorn sugar differ nutritionally from unsweetened berries. If you have diabetes, it is especially important to monitor added sugar and account for it in your diet.

Do not assume that fresh berries are safe in unlimited quantities simply because they are a food. Excessive consumption does not guarantee additional benefits. Concentrated supplements, oils, and extracts require a separate assessment.

How to Harvest and Store This Vitamin-Rich Crop

The fruits ripen mainly in late summer and autumn. Harvest time depends on the region, weather, and variety. Traditional harvesting descriptions often recommend picking sea buckthorn after sustained frosts begin. Freezing makes the fruits less astringent and softens their flavor.

Harvesting sea buckthorn is not easy. Its branches are thorny, and the delicate fruits can easily be damaged or burst if handled carelessly. Special tools are therefore used for harvesting. In some regions, people gently shake the branches over a sheet after the fruits have frozen.

Avoid cutting branches unnecessarily, as this can damage the shrub and reduce future yields. Remove leaves, foreign particles, and damaged fruits from the harvest.

How Can You Preserve the Fruits for Winter?

One option is freezing. Frozen fruits keep well and withstand transportation. Another method is drying or partially dehydrating them. To prepare the fruits for drying, wash them first and let the water drain. Then dry them on a clean towel and finish the process in an electric dehydrator or in the sun. Store the finished material in a clean, dry container protected from moisture and contamination. Do not use the product if mold or an unusual smell develops.

How Is Sea Buckthorn Oil Made?

Reference books describe a method for extracting oil from the seeds. Rinse the stones to remove any remaining pulp, then dry them in a hot oven for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, grind the seeds and pour hot, refined sunflower oil over them.

In the recipe described, 0.5 liters of oil are used for three cups of seed residue. The mixture is left to infuse, then the liquid is drained and a fresh portion of oil is added. The process is repeated two or three more times. Finally, the product is strained through two or three layers of cheesecloth, poured into a dark bottle, and stored in the refrigerator.

This method describes how to make a homemade oil extract. It does not guarantee sterility, a consistent concentration of active compounds, or suitability for treating wounds and mucous membranes. For medical purposes, it is safer to choose a finished product intended for the specific use.

How to Find Sea Buckthorn Abroad

Sea buckthorn is available in health food stores, pharmacies, and online shops in the United States and Europe. To choose the right plant, check its name and the part used to make the product.

Names for the plant in different countries:

• United States: Sea buckthorn, Sandthorn.
• Germany: Sanddorn.
• France: Argousier, Argousier faux-bourdaine.
• Latin name: *Hippophae rhamnoides*.

Forms in which it is sold:

• Pure juice, including not-from-concentrate juice.
• Syrup, sometimes with added sugar.
• Berry powder, sold loose or in capsules.
• Capsules containing seed oil or fruit pulp oil.
• Tincture or liquid extract.
• Dried berries, sometimes included in fruit teas.

Where to look:

• In the United States — health food stores and specialist supplement shops.
• In Germany — Reformhaus health food stores, Apotheke pharmacies, and Drogerien drugstores.
• In France — organic food stores (magasin bio), pharmacies (pharmacie), and para-pharmacies (parapharmacie).

What to check on the label:

• The Latin name *Hippophae rhamnoides*.
• The plant part used: fruit, juice, seed oil, or pulp oil.
• The sugar content of juice and syrup.
• Whether the product carries an organic certification label.

Regulations vary by country. In the United States, sea buckthorn is sold as a dietary supplement, but claims about its effects on body functions do not mean that the FDA has approved it to treat or prevent diseases.

Sea Buckthorn: Contraindications and Precautions

Ordinary food quantities of berries are not the same as concentrated preparations. Information about the long-term safety of oils, extracts, and supplements is limited. Even a product of plant origin can cause unwanted reactions.

Allergies. If you have a known hypersensitivity to sea buckthorn or its components, avoid medicinal use. External application may cause irritation, redness, and itching.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reliable safety data for medicinal doses are insufficient. Avoid concentrated preparations, oral oil, and extracts unless your doctor approves their use. Ordinary dietary consumption of the berries should be assessed separately.

Blood clotting disorders. Sea buckthorn may affect blood clotting. If you are prone to bleeding or have a related condition, concentrated products require medical supervision.

Use of medicines that affect blood clotting. Caution is needed when taking warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen. The risk of bleeding may increase.

Low blood pressure. Concentrated preparations may lower blood pressure further. This is particularly important for people whose blood pressure is already low and for those taking blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Diabetes and a tendency toward hypoglycemia. Sea buckthorn may affect blood glucose levels. If you use insulin or glucose-lowering medicines, supplements may make it harder to control your readings. Do not change medication doses on your own.

Before surgery. Because of its possible effects on blood clotting, concentrated preparations are often recommended to be stopped at least two weeks before planned surgery, after discussing this with your medical team.

Cancer treatment and immunosuppression. Do not combine concentrated sea buckthorn products with anticancer medicines without your oncologist's approval. Some findings suggest possible interactions, including with cyclophosphamide. People with autoimmune diseases or taking immunosuppressants also need a medical assessment.

Children. Safety data are insufficient and depend on the specific formulation. Do not choose medicinal doses of oil or extract for a child on your own. Dietary amounts of berries and specialized products approved by a pediatrician should be considered separately.

Adverse reactions. Possible effects include digestive upset, headache, allergic reactions, and local irritation. Excessive long-term consumption of products high in carotenoids may cause yellow-orange discoloration of the skin. This condition is known as carotenoderma.

Good tolerance in short-term studies does not prove that long-term use of high doses is safe. People with chronic conditions or who take medication regularly need an individual assessment before using medicinal sea buckthorn products.

When to See a Doctor

Do not delay seeking medical care if a burn is deep, covers a large area, causes severe pain, or shows signs of infection. These include increasing redness, swelling, pus, and a raised temperature. Sea buckthorn oil must not delay necessary treatment.

If you develop swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a rapidly spreading allergic reaction after eating the berries or applying the oil, seek emergency medical help.

Consult your doctor before using concentrated products if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning surgery, or taking medicines to thin the blood or lower blood pressure or glucose. The same applies to people with chronic conditions, blood clotting disorders, or those receiving anticancer treatment.

Do not give children concentrated supplements or select oil dosages for them on your own. Safety depends on age, product composition, and the intended use.

If symptoms persist or worsen, do not try to replace medical assessment with home remedies. For peptic ulcers, cardiovascular disorders, and other chronic conditions, sea buckthorn should be considered only as an addition to prescribed treatment. Discuss its use with your doctor, and do not stop medication on your own.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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