Gifts of Siberia: Sea-Buckthorn

A chapter in which sea-buckthorn delights with its unique flavor, heals various ailments, and rejuvenates...

The genus name of sea-buckthorn is Hippophae, derived from the Greek words hippo = "horse" and phaos = "to shine." This name originates from the ancient Greek practice of using sea-buckthorn leaves as fodder for horses to make their coats shine more. In English, "sea" appears in the shrub's name because in Western Europe sea-buckthorn grows mostly on seashores, where sea spray prevents other larger plants from competing with it. The plant is also called "Siberian Pineapple" due to its sweet-sour, slightly bitter taste and fruity flavor.

Siberians adore sea-buckthorn: They use it to make delicious jam, tasty jelly candies, kissel (a berry starch drink), kompot (a boiled fruit beverage), and they also freeze it for various culinary uses. And not just because the shrub is common in Siberia, they know these berries hold the secrets to health and youth, each berry is a complete vitamin and mineral complex. Thanks to its rich "inner world," sea-buckthorn is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. It is included in unique food supplements, syrups, dragée, and tooth and honey pastes.

Sea-buckthorn a day keeps the doctor away

The healing properties of the plant were first discovered by Tibetan healers, who used all its parts – from roots to buds and flowers – to treat various ailments. Today, the focus is on its fruits. Each berry contains about 200 phytochemicals: A complete set of omega acids (Omega-3, -6, -9, and even -7 PUFAs), 10 vitamins essential for preventing and treating various diseases, and 24 crucial micronutrients including potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and valuable flavonoids, which play roles in numerous biochemical processes in the body and have antioxidant effects.

Siberian sea-buckthorn is widely recognized as a remedy for colds and flu, but its list of talents extends far beyond:

– Possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties;
– Stimulates healing of ulcers, wounds, and burns, beneficial for joints;
– Has an astringent effect, aiding gastrointestinal tract disorders (though caution is advised with high berry acidity);
– Improves cardiovascular health as it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure;
– Activates the immune system due to its high Vitamin C content, while protecting liver cells with healthy fats and carotenoids;
– Contains significant amounts of serotonin, the happy hormone, benefiting various bodily functions and psychological well-being.

There are numerous reasons to appreciate sea-buckthorn and add it to your diet, not to mention its unmatched benefits in beauty care.

The golden key to youth and longevity

Sea-buckthorn oil is a true godsend for those combating wrinkles. To maintain skin elasticity and prevent signs of aging, it is essential to regularly nourish the skin with antioxidants and vitamins, which are plentiful in sea-buckthorn oil. Oil is extracted from sea-buckthorn berries (including their seeds), with cold-pressed oil widely regarded as the best.

How the natural elixir of youth works:

1. The oil contains polyphenols that increase the number of circulating stem cells, enhancing tissue repair processes without inflammation.
2. Sea-buckthorn oil is one of the richest sources of bioavailable beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from premature aging by nourishing it from within.
3. B vitamins normalize metabolic processes, while the high content of Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, resulting in tighter, healthier, and firmer skin.

As a company born in Siberia, Siberian Wellness holds a special reverence for the miraculous berry of its homeland and its properties. Therefore, sea-buckthorn is included in several health and beauty products:

– Rejuvenating Face Cream (sea-buckthorn oil);
– BEAUTY Box (sea-buckthorn oil).