The Swiss Army knife of plants — why sea buckthorn oil is such a powerful remedy

Sea buckthorn has been touted as the “Swiss Army knife of plants” for its diverse and multi-faceted range of applications. It can be used for the protection against and treatment for a number of different ailments and health conditions. Most of its medicinal properties come from the oil which is extracted from the berries, leaves, and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant. To reap its myriad of health benefits, sea buckthorn oil can be either be topically applied to the skin or ingested. Here are a few of the health benefits you can get from using the Swiss Army knife of plants:

Sea buckthorn oil can boost your immune system

Sea buckthorn oil contains high levels of flavonoids, which are beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds can strengthen your immune system to help protect your body against infection. Sea buckthorn’s leaves and berries are also loaded with vitamin C. In fact, the juice from the bright orange berries contains about 16 times as much vitamin C as kiwi fruits do. Vitamin C is also a potent is also a potent antioxidant that can help increase your resistance to illnesses.

Sea buckthorn oil can protect you from free radicals

The high antioxidant content found in sea buckthorn oil can help protect your body from the harmful effects of free radical damage and oxidative stress. (Related: Sea buckthorn protects your heart, offers antioxidant health benefits.)

Sea buckthorn oil can promote heart health

Some of the risk factors of heart disease include blood clots, and high blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Sea buckthorn oil is a highly regarded heart tonic as it is a known source of cholesterol-lowering compounds. According to one small study, men who were given five grams of sea buckthorn oil a day displayed significantly lower markers of blood clots than men who were given the same amount of coconut oil per day after a period of four weeks. Another study suggested that a daily dose of sea buckthorn oil could reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides in people with poor health.

Sea buckthorn oil can support the growth of healthy skin

You can find sea buckthorn oil as a common ingredient in plenty of skin and sun protection products, and for a good reason. The nourishing and rejuvenative compounds found in the oil can boost your skin health. Another powerful antioxidant present in sea buckthorn oil is proanthocyanidin, which possesses strong skin-protective qualities. Proanthocyanidins can aid in the preservation of your skin’s building blocks, collagen and elastin, to help keep your skin smooth and clear. It can also help treat wounds, burns, and skin inflammations.

Sea buckthorn oil can help slow down the effects of aging

The sea buckthorn plant has bright orange berries that get their vibrant color from the vast quantities of carotenoids they contain. Some of these carotenoids include beta-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. What’s special about these carotenoids is that they can act as effective anti-aging agents that can help prevent wrinkles and dryness. Their revitalizing qualities can even help preserve your skin’s moisture and softness.

Sea buckthorn oil may be able to help protect against diabetes

Frequent spikes in your blood sugar levels can lead to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In a small study, sea buckthorn oil was suggested to help reduce spikes in blood sugar levels after eating a meal rich in carbohydrates.

Sea buckthorn oil can support a healthy liver

Sea buckthorn oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, carotenoids, and healthy fats, such as omega-3, 6, and 7 essential fatty acids. All of these vitamins and compounds can in aid in proper liver function. The compounds in sea buckthorn oil may also have protective properties against liver disease.

Learn more about the health benefits of sea buckthorn and other herbs by going to Herbs.news.

Sources include:

OrganicSpaMagazine.com

Healthline.com