Ready to discover lots of exciting sea buckthorn medicinal uses?
Join me as we explore together the science behind sea buckthorn benefits.
We’ll learn how to use sea buckthorn at home, and tips for growing sea buckthorn or foraging sea buckthorn safely.
Pop some gloves on, and let’s dive in!
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Scientific Name & Common Names
Sea buckthorn goes by many names. Its botanical name is Hippophae rhamnoides. You might also hear it called:
- Seaberry
- Sandthorn
- Sallowthorn
- Siberian Pineapple
- Willow Thorn
Sea Buckthorn Etymology
The word “Hippophae” comes from the Greek hippo (horse) and phaos (shine).
Ancient Greeks fed it to horses and saw that it made their coats shine.
Another story suggests it refers to the plant’s silvery leaves—or even its power to bring light back to a horse’s eyes.
Where Does Sea Buckthorn Grow?
Is sea buckthorn native to the UK?
Yes, it is native to the east coast of England and is considered invasive elsewhere1.
You’ll often find it growing in sandy coastal areas, stabilising dunes with its dense roots.
Beyond the UK, it’s widespread in Europe and parts of Asia.
Look for it in windy beachy spots, roadside verges, or even planted around retail parks.
Just watch for the sharp spines!
Key Identifiers of Sea Buckthorn
– Dense, thorny shrubs 1–3 metres tall
– Silvery-green leaves like tiny willows
– Bright orange berries growing in tight clusters
– Berries often have a silvery sheen
– Pale undersides on leaves
– Dioecious (only female shrubs bear fruit)
Sea Buckthorn Lookalikes
It’s fairly distinctive, but some might confuse it with small willow species or even oleaster shrubs.
The vivid orange berries and spiny branches are your best clues.
Sea Buckthorn Medicinal Uses
People have used sea buckthorn for centuries in traditional medicine.
Here are some of the most researched and well-known sea buckthorn medicinal uses:
– Supports skin healing (cuts, burns, wounds)
– Eases dry eyes and mucous membranes
– Boosts digestion and gut health
– Soothes gastric ulcers
– Reduces inflammation (inside and out)
– Supports healthy metabolism
– Nourishes skin from within
– Helps with weight management
– Supports heart and liver health
– Traditionally used for joint pain and recovery
Sea Buckthorn Medicinal Properties
Sea buckthorn is:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant-rich
- Wound-healing
- Moisturising
- Anti-ulcer
- Skin-regenerating
These make it a versatile herb, both internally and topically.
Sea Buckthorn Skin Health
Is sea buckthorn good for skin? Absolutely. Sea buckthorn oil contains over 90% unsaturated fatty acids, including Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. Omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) is rare—and this plant is full of it.
Sea buckthorn face oil supports:
- Skin barrier repair
- Moisture retention
- Healing from sunburns and cuts
- Collagen production
- Antioxidant protection against ageing
Studies show it even shortens healing time from sunburn and reduces redness.
Sea Buckthorn Digestive Health
Sea buckthorn supports your gut with Omega 7, which helps lubricate and heal dry, irritated mucous membranes. That means:
- Relief from constipation
- Help with dry intestines
- Faster healing from ulcers
A clinical study found that it helped repair stomach lining damage and eased ulcer pain—thanks to its fatty acid and carotenoid content.
Sea Buckthorn and Weight Loss
Sea buckthorn contains Omega 7, your fat-fighting friend.
Omega 7 tells your body not to store excess calories and helps dissolve existing fat.
It boosts CCK (a hormone that makes you feel full) and helps fire up your metabolism.
Sea Buckthorn Constituents
Sea buckthorn oil (from seeds and pulp) is rich in:
- Omega 7 (palmitoleic acid)
- Omega 3, 6, and 9
- Vitamin E and K
- Carotenoids
- Phytosterols
- 28 trace minerals (including iron, magnesium, selenium, calcium, zinc, and iodine)
Sea Buckthorn Energetics & Flavour
Sea buckthorn is cooling, sour, and astringent.
The taste is unique—tart and oily, a bit like citrus, pineapple, and passionfruit all at once.
Parts Used
Mostly the berries, though the leaves can be dried for herbal tea.
How to Use Sea Buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn tea (from leaves or dried berries)
- Sea buckthorn juice (sour, but great with honey)
- Sea buckthorn oil (for skin or capsules)
- Sea buckthorn powder (add to smoothies or dressings)
- Sea buckthorn jam and preserves
Sea Buckthorn Safety Notes
Sea buckthorn is powerful stuff, so keep the following in mind:
- Don’t overeat the berries—they can act as a laxative
- Avoid large amounts in pregnancy (not enough data)
- May lower blood pressure—avoid if yours is already low
- May thin blood—avoid before surgery
- Can increase bleeding/bruising if you have a bleeding disorder
Sea Buckthorn Harvesting
Berries ripen from August to September but are best picked in mid-autumn. The riper they are, the messier they get!
Use thick gloves and squeeze the juice into a bucket rather than picking each berry.
Or wait for the first frost—frozen berries are easier to remove and less tart.
There is a great post by Woodland Classroom that goes into lots of detail about how to harvest sea buckthorn.
Only female plants bear berries, so check nearby shrubs if you see none.
Sea Buckthorn Recipes
Here’s how you can enjoy this tart treasure:
- Sea buckthorn jam or marmalade
- Juice preserved in honey
- Added to sorbet, yoghurt, or quark
- Pickled berries
- Dried powder sprinkled over roasted veg or tofu
- Salad dressings with sea buckthorn juice
How to Grow Sea Buckthorn
Yes, you can grow sea buckthorn at home!
Newer varieties have bigger, sweeter berries and fewer thorns2.
Can sea buckthorn be grown in a pot?
It’s possible, but they prefer sandy, well-drained soil and plenty of sun.
Only the female plants produce berries, but they need to be pollinated by nearby male plants for fruit to develop.
Sustainability of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn isn’t very common in the UK, though it can be locally abundant.
If you’re wild harvesting, only take what you’ll use.
Leave some for birds and to allow the shrub to reseed.
Other Uses of Sea Buckthorn
The berries can be used for natural dyes: orange, red, and yellow.
The leaves and young shoots create a black-brown dye.
And the leftover pulp can go into the compost!
Fun Facts About Sea Buckthorn
🧡 Sea buckthorn has been to space!
It has been included in space food for Russian astronauts, prized for its powerful antioxidant properties—especially its ability to help protect against radiation exposure during space missions.
🧡 Researchers are now looking into sea buckthorn as a potential aid for cancer recovery because it’s packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, and beneficial omega fats.
These nutrients may support the body’s natural healing processes, especially during and after chemotherapy or radiation.
Early studies suggest it could help reduce oxidative stress, boost immune function, and even protect healthy cells from damage.
🧡 Sea buckthorn oil has earned a place in high-end skincare, celebrated for its remarkable anti-ageing benefits.
Packed with rare Omega 7, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, it helps to smooth fine lines, boost collagen production, and deeply nourish tired or damaged skin.
Its natural ability to lock in moisture while calming inflammation makes it a favourite in luxury creams and serums designed to restore a youthful glow.
Historical Uses of Sea Buckthorn
In ancient Tibet and China, sea buckthorn was used in medicine to support digestion, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation.
Mongol warriors were said to carry sea buckthorn oil into battle for healing injuries.
Sea Buckthorn Dosage
There’s no single standard dose, but here are some general ideas:
- Juice: 1/2 cup daily
- Oil: 500–1000mg daily in capsules
- Powder: 1 tsp in smoothies or dressings
Always start small and listen to your body.
Sea Buckthorn Friends (Herb Pairings)
Pairs well with:
- Calendula (for skin)
- Marshmallow root (for digestion)
- Turmeric (for inflammation)
- Rosehip (for vitamin C and antioxidant boost)
Foraging Tips
– Wear gloves and long sleeves—those thorns are no joke!
– Squeeze berries instead of picking
– Freeze berries to reduce sourness and make them easier to work with
– Strain juice to remove debris
FAQ: Sea Buckthorn Questions Answered
Is sea buckthorn edible?
Yes! The berries are very tart, but safe to eat in moderation.
Is sea buckthorn good for you?
Definitely. It’s rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Sea buckthorn what is it good for?
Skin, digestion, inflammation, weight balance, and more.
Can sea buckthorn cause diarrhoea?
Yes, if you eat too many berries.
Is sea buckthorn native to the UK?
Yes, in coastal areas of eastern England.
How to use sea buckthorn powder?
Mix into smoothies, salad dressings, or sprinkle over food.
Is sea buckthorn good for menopause?
Its fatty acids may help moisturise dry mucous membranes and balance hormones.
When should I take sea buckthorn?
Anytime! Morning is great for juice or capsules. Evening is ideal for oil-based skincare.
Is sea buckthorn anti-inflammatory?
Yes—inside and out.
Sea buckthorn where does it grow?
Naturally near sandy coasts but also in gardens and parks.
Is sea buckthorn good for joint pain?
Traditionally, yes! Its anti-inflammatory oils can support joint health.
Sea buckthorn capsules benefits?
Support skin, digestion, and immune system—easy to take daily.
Wild sea buckthorn juice—what’s it like?
Tangy, vibrant, and packed with nutrients. Add honey or blend with apple juice.
References
- Sea buckthorn by The Wildlife Trusts ↩︎
- A Superfood in Your Garden by Orchard People ↩︎
Final Thoughts: Sea Buckthorn Medicinal Uses
From skin to stomach, sea buckthorn is a deeply healing and versatile wild plant.
Whether you use its oil, powder, or fresh berries, the benefits of sea buckthorn are too good to ignore.
Have you tried sea buckthorn before?
Share your experience below—I’d love to hear your story!
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