Meet a plant built to survive. Native to maritime areas with extreme temperatures, rocky and sandy terrain, and salty air, sea buckthorn thrives in some of the toughest climates on Earth. Growing in such harsh conditions results in berries, seeds and leaves packed with tremendous nutritional value—which is the reason sea buckthorn products and supplements are becoming wildly popular in the United States.
Sea buckthorn’s bright, bitter orange berries are known for their UV-blocking capabilities and cell-moisturizing properties, thanks to their high Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) fatty acid content. Omega-7 lubricates cells internally and externally, plus the plant contains the highly sought-after essential Omegas 3, 6 and 9, prized for their skin-supporting qualities, plus high levels of vitamins A and E.
Sea buckthorn oil is packed with flavonoids that protect cells from oxidation and reduce inflammation. It contains abundant amino acids, including (just to name a few):
- Arganine, which repairs skin damage;
- Lysine, which promotes collagen production;
- Threonine, which produces the glycerin that makes up elastin;
- Valine, which maintains cell and organ function.
The high levels of superoxide dismutase in sea buckthorn boost antioxidant activity in the body. The plant has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties as well. The same chemical processes that allow sea buckthorn to adapt and survive in harsh environments can regulate functions and stabilize imbalances within the body in relation to stress. These qualities, when found in herbal supplements, are referred to as adaptogenic, and they can increase energy levels, boost immunity and create a sense of well-being.
As a supplement, sea buckthorn can be considered a powerful multivitamin, as it contains over 190 phytonutrients, polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene, and many more. For massage therapists, sea buckthorn oil has one additional important benefit. It makes an amazing massage oil and is a great addition to your lineup of lotions and other products. It absorbs quickly and provides extreme moisture without a greasy feel.
This “whole supplement” has such a wide range of applications and benefits that its popularity is expected to grow with everyone from consumers to health practitioners over the coming years.
Xingwu Liu was born and educated in China. He became a senior researcher, taught at several universities in the United States, and contributed to several publications, including the Encyclopedia of Medical Anthropology. A popular speaker at health conventions, he is the co-founder of Seabuckwonders (www.seabuckwonders.com), a company that manufactures and sells sea buckthorn supplements and products, based in Chicago, Illinois.