Hippophae is a genus of sea buckthorns which are also referred to as sandthorn, sallowthorn, buckthorn berry or seaberry. Hippophae rhamnoides is the most widespread of the species of the genus, occuring all over the world, from the Atlantic coasts of Europe across to northwest Mongolia and northwest China. In western Europe, it is more commonly found at sea coasts, but in central Asia it is more widespread in dry semidesert sites where other plants cannot easily survive the dry conditions.

These berries are actually considered to be superfruits, due to their incredible concentration of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and organic acids, including flavonoids, phenolics, amino acids and carotenoids. This divese range of nutrients has also made buckthorn berries extremely versatile in the treatment of varioud health conditions and illnesses. Namely, the fruit can reduce inflammation, prevent certain types of cancer, soothe gastrointestinal issues, heal the skin, lower blood pressure, improve sight, slow the aging process and aid the immune system. The berries can be consumed in an extracted form, consumed directly in their fresh or dried form, and when available, the leaves can also be used as a tea, eventhough the largest concentration of nutrients is present on the berries.

The use of buckthorn berries as a herbal remedy stretches back to antiquity, as the plant has existed long before even the Ice Age. In Greece, hippophae as it is called, was well known during the years of Alexander the Great, as he used to feed his horses with the berry. Even the name itself can translate to shiny horse, as hippo translates to horse and phae translates to shining.

Medicinal Applications:

• The juice extracted from buckthorn berry has been found to be extremely valuable in the reduction of cancer, or slowing down its spread. The organic components present in buckthorn berry have a high antioxidant content, which helps to neutralize free radicals, the dangerous by-product of cellular metabolism. In the case of buckthorn, the anti-cancer abilities cause cell-cycle arrest, so cancer cannot progress; however, it does not induce apoptosis.
• Aside from the immunity boost buckthorn berry provides, it also helps improve the health of the skin, bone strength and density, and gum and teath resilience. Vitamin c is an inegral part in the formation of collagen, which is a crucial component of growth and repari throughout the body. For that reason, the high concentration of Vitamin C in buckthorn makes it an all-around body booster that helps to speed wound healing and recovery from injuries.
• The Vitamin C present in the berry can also help to increase the uptake of iron by the body, thereby ensuring a high, steady blood flow, as iron is key in red blood cells.
• Carotenoids are another important antioxidant compound that is found in buckthorn berry, and this important nutrient can protect and enhance one's vision. Carotenoids are able to deccelerate the progression of macular degeneration, and can prevent the development of cataracts, in addition to improving night vision.
• Buckthorn can improve cholesterol levels by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and keeping the fatty acid balance in the system. Elimination of bad cholesterol equals to reduction of the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes, because there is less blockage in the arteries and blood vessels. As a result, the blood pressure is also lowered, reducing tension throughout the entire body.
• Buckthorn is excellent at regulating blood sugar by eliminating the peaks and drops in blood sugar.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.