Sea buckthorn oil is a key ingredient in many over-the-counter hair and skincare products. But what is it?
Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the seeds, berries and leaves of the Hippophae rhamnoides plant. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines, the oil can be consumed orally (usually in capsules) or applied topically to the skin.
Sea Buckthorn in TCM Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine uses Sha Ji, the fruit of the sea buckthorn, in many remedies. The dried fruit is considered sour in taste and warming — good for those who retain too much cold in their bodies. It’s used in formulas designed to improve circulation and help heal many systems in the body. TCM herbal medicine combines the fruit with other herbs to temper and direct the healing properties to where they’re needed.
Health Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Today, a wide variety of health supplements and cosmetic products use sea buckthorn in order to claim its benefits. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiviral. It’s also packed with nutrition, and is a good source of a specific healthy fat known as Omega-7.
Research supports benefits from sea buckthorn oil for heart health, diabetes prevention, immune support, and liver health. It can also reduce vaginal dryness during menopause and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
Skin Specific Benefits
In addition to containing vitamin E, sea buckthorn oil is rich with palmitoleic and linoleic acids, two specific fats that are found naturally in healthy skin. For centuries, it has traditionally been used for the treatment of wounds and burns, and as an overall skin tonic.
Sea buckthorn oil maybe beneficial for those suffering from certain skin conditions.One study showed that sea buckthorn oil taken orally could reduce the symptoms of eczema. Another study noted that the oil, when applied topically, helped reduce eczema lesions in mice. Those with psoriasis also reported relief in a study using sea buckthorn extract.
The oil also holds promise for maintaining overall skin health. A study showed improvements in subjects who took an oral supplement of sea buckthorn oil vs. a control group, specifically in skin elasticity, color, collagen, pore condition, and redness.
When to Be Careful
There have been no studies on the effects of supplemental sea buckthorn oil for people who are pregnant or nursing, and no information on how the supplement affects children. There are also no studies that monitor possible interactions with other medications. Most research is based on short-term use, not long-term use, and at least one study reported that some participants experienced digestive symptoms and joint pain after ingesting the oil regularly during a 3-month study.
Like any supplement or topical product, if you experience a reaction stop using it and discuss your symptoms with a health professional. You should also discuss possible interactions with any current medications or herbal formulas you may already be taking. It is possible that some people might experience an allergic reaction or sensitivity to sea buckthorn.
Conclusion
The health benefits of sea buckthorn demonstrate that natural plant-based medicine can be both potent and effective. We’re excited by the continued research on plants like sea buckthorn, and especially research that measures how new plant medicines and supplements impact skin health. We’ll keep you informed!
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About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia is Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.