A Plant that Rejuvenates: Sea Buckthorn

A Plant that Rejuvenates: Sea Buckthorn

I'm always on the hunt for a plant that can magically rejuvenate the body, kinda like the elixir of life type of thing.  I'm starting to think this plant, Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) just might be the ticket.  Yes, there are high-tech anti-aging treatments out there, but we all know that the most profound and lasting revitalization comes from within because the body has the amazing ability to heal and regenerate, tapping into a sustainable source of energy, vitality and well-being when the immune system is properly supported.  Yes, diet, sleep, regular exercise and stress management all play a role in good health, but we can get help from the plant world too.

Sea Buckthorn is a shrub that typically reaches 6 to 12 feet tall (sometimes taller in native ranges), has narrow silvery-green leaves, dense thorny branches, and inconspicuous yellow-green spring flowers; female plants produce the showy orange berries in late summer and autumn that often persist into winter.  The plant grows in poor soil conditions and can withstand very cold temperatures, so it is a very resilient plant itself.  Because this plant has exceptional nutritional and antioxidant properties it has strong potential to be a rejuvenating drink that can help transform health.  It contains high levels of vitamin C, essential fatty acids (including the rare omega-7), flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that support cell repair, fight inflammation, and protect the body from oxidative damage.  

The high concentration of antioxidants helps to neutralize free radicals that cause cellular damage and accelerate the aging process.  Sea buckthorn holds promise as a complementary agent in cancer therapy too.  This plant is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids that have been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis in preclinical studies. Compounds such as isorhamnetin, quercetin, and protocatechuic acid isolated from sea buckthorn extracts exhibit selective cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines while sparing healthy cells.  It is known for aiding the body in detoxification and helping circulation, which can make you feel more vigorous.  Drinking Sea Buckthorn juice or tea made from the berries can actually revitalize you inside and out.  The liver, our primary detox organ, is helped by this plant, which supports liver function.  With vitamin C amounts 15 times that of an orange, the immune system is strengthened to ward off illness.  Gut health is also enhanced helping the body to absorb nutrients and aiding in overall wellbeing.   The omega-7 fay acids can help regenerate skin cells, improve hydration and increase elasticity to skin and boost collagen synthesis.  By regularly consuming it, you can get a more youthful and radiant complexion and no doubt rejuvenate the whole body.

That all sounds fantastic, so how do we start?  While raw berries are very tart, they can be quite tasty when properly prepared.

• Juice:  For a simple and potent drink, just mix the berries into a fresh drink.  Sea Buckthorn berry juice can be mixed with other fruits or sweetened with honey to balance its tartness.
• Smoothie:  Add the berries, juice or powder to your morning smoothie for a nutrient-dense and energizing start to the day.
• Tea: Dried Sea Buckthorn leaves or berries can be made into a toning and revitalizing infusion.

If we are looking for the elixir of life, we still have to keep looking but if you want to try something very close to it, this may be the herb to look at closer.