There are two types of sea buckthorn oils: pulp and seed oil. Both are very good sources of vitamin E and K. It also contains carotenoids, which indicate the orange color. That is why orange carrots are as useful for our vision as sea buckthorn berries.
Carotenoids are precursors of vitamins A, and vitamin A in turn is one of the key figures in the functioning of our eyes. Vitamin A deficiency can be recognized by vision problems or by dry skin and eyes. Therefore, sea buckthorn is a very useful snack even for those who spend a lot of time in front of the screen. However, compared to berries, the concentration of carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil is several times higher.
However, sea buckthorn pulp and seed oil have very different fatty acid compositions. The pulp oil contains more saturated fatty acids, but the seed oil contains healthy unsaturated fatty acids. Sea buckthorn seed oil is the only oil with a natural 1:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.
Both of these omega fatty acids are necessary for humans, but the omega-6 fatty acid found in fish, pork and chicken meat, as well as various seed oils has a significant preponderance in the modern diet. Omega-6 fatty acid is a promoter of inflammatory reactions as the body's natural defense. Omega-3 is, on the contrary, a reducer of the resulting inflammation. Therefore, it is necessary for the ratio of the two to be either 1:1, as it was in our ancestors, or even 2:1 in favor of omega-3.
Sea buckthorn seed oil is mostly consumed as a dietary supplement and is recommended to be taken in the morning before meals. In this way, it also helps to treat gastritis and ulcers, relieves pain and discomfort, and supports the healing and renewal of the gastric mucosa.
Sea buckthorn oil contains a rare omega-7 fatty acid found in the lipids of our skin, which stimulates cell renewal.
The oil obtained from the pulp is beneficial for the skin, which is why the oil is mostly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The oil pressed from the dried pulp contains the rare omega-7 fatty acid, which is an important component of skin lipids and stimulates skin renewal processes and wound healing. Thanks to this, topical application of sea buckthorn oil also supports the disappearance of scars and soothes and reduces, for example, skin burns caused by sunlight or otherwise irritated skin. Whereas sea buckthorn oil absorbs UVB radiation and is therefore also suitable for use as a component of natural sun cream.
Due to its antioxidant properties, sea buckthorn oil is often found in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products for mature skin. Sea buckthorn oil also tightens and tones loose skin, smoothes wrinkles and is also suitable for caring for dry, irritated, rough and itchy skin. For centuries, sea buckthorn oil has also been used to treat cold and heat damage to the skin.
In hair care, sea buckthorn oil is often found as an ingredient in shampoos and hair conditioners. It is also a great addition to hair care products used after hair coloring or perming to restore damaged hair, elasticity and shine.
Due to the fantastic properties of sea buckthorn fruits, the leaves of this shrub and their healing properties have been overshadowed. Sea buckthorn leaves are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids and sterols. Also, the leaves are equal to the fruit in terms of antioxidants.
Since antioxidants help strengthen the immune system as well as reduce fevers and inflammation, sea buckthorn leaf tea is very useful for relieving various respiratory ailments, as well as for increasing the body's general resistance. It also helps to grow stronger hair and reduce hair loss. So don't forget to pick the leaves from the bush in autumn!
