Sea buckthorn, a health dynamite
Its ancient Greek name raises questions. And yet, the orange stalks and leaves of this thorny shrub have been shown to be “nutritional dynamite”.
Russian and Chinese scientists place it in the top ten most powerful medicinal plants in the world. They claim that it contains more vitamin C than strawberry, kiwi, orange, tomato, carrot and hawthorn. Also, that its content of vitamin E is higher than that of wheat, corn and soy and that the phytosterols it contains are much higher than those of soybean oil. In addition, it has all the vitamins of the B complex and all the minerals and trace elements necessary for the body. And not only that. Provides the body with unsaturated fatty acids, such as: ω-3, ω-6, ω-7 and ω-9. It has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and healing action. For all these reasons, it is used as a dietary supplement, as an ingredient in medicines and cosmetics, but also as an original medicine for many ailments, while its fruits are used to make juices and jams.
What was it named?
Although in modern Greece sea buckthorn has been used for the last two years, in antiquity its use was very widespread. Relevant references exist in texts of Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, but mainly of Dioscorides, the father of Pharmacology. It owes its name to the troops of Alexander the Great, who noticed that the sick and wounded horses that ate the leaves and fruits of the plant recovered faster, gained more strength, while their hair grew stronger and brighter. They called it sea buckthorn, which in modern Greek means bright, shining horse (horse: horse, phaos: light, shine).
Before the glaciers …
It is one of the oldest plants on Earth. Its presence dates back to long before the ice age. Its scientific name is: Hippophae rhamnoides. It thrives even in the poorest soils and depending on the microclimate of each area, we find it in coastal zones, but also in semi-desert or mountainous areas. Its fruits look like grape berries, are orange and juicy and have a sour taste. According to the “International Center for Research and Training on Sea Buckthorn”, the plant thrives and is cultivated in Europe and Asia. It is mainly found in the following countries: China, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Ukraine, England, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. In our country it is cultivated in northern Evia, in the area of Achuria.
Scientifically acceptable
In the classic Tibetan medicinal book “Sibu Yidian”, written in the 18th century, thirty whole chapters are devoted to the healing properties and uses of the plant. In India it is a key parameter of Ayurveda, while it is an integral part of Chinese medicine. It has been used in Mongolia for centuries as an excellent tonic. Legend has it that Genghis Khan and his army drank sea buckthorn juice to increase endurance and speed up the healing of their wounds. In Russia it has been used for many years as an ingredient in the diet of astronauts. In 1929 the first biochemical analysis of its components took place. The first clinical trials for the therapeutic use of the plant began in Russia in the 1950s. In the 1970s it was included in the official list of drugs used in Russia and China, and in the following years it was included in the official drug lists of the countries where it is grown. To date, many studies have been conducted, mainly in Russia and Asia, which have brought to light the abundance of nutrients it contains and their beneficial effects on the human body.
It also heals … nature
The dense root system of sea buckthorn and its resistance to barren and difficult conditions (cold, salt, poor soils) are the reasons why this shrub is systematically planted in burned areas to prevent soil erosion, such as. in large areas of northern China, where at the same time its fruits are collected and bring some income to the local population.
190 useful ingredients!
It is included in the category of “super foods”, some of which are: spirulina, aloe, pollen, ginseng, cane wax, chlorella, rosemary essential oil. According to Russian and Chinese scientists, sea buckthorn contains 190 valuable substances, most of which have strong antioxidant activity. Most and most active (106) have been found in the oil contained in its fruits. According to researchers, the most important scientific finding for sea buckthorn is not only that it contains valuable substances for human health, but also that both their concentrations and their combination have been combined by nature in such a way as to offer the best possible coverage in the human body.
Full of antioxidants
Sea buckthorn contains a unique combination of antioxidants that act as a preventative against aging, cardiovascular disease and cancer. In particular, it contains, inter alia:
Vitamin C: Contributes to the absorption of iron, helps in the formation of collagen in the skin, in the healing of wounds, in the repair of tissues and strengthens the body’s defenses.
Vitamin E: Slows down the aging of cells, helps oxygenate tissues and strengthens the genital system. Accelerates wound healing and protects against atherosclerosis.
Vitamin A: Maintains eye and skin health.
All minerals: Calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, potassium, selenium and zinc. They are essential for mental and physical health. Like vitamins, they act as catalysts in many biological reactions and their functions are interrelated. Selenium and copper have very strong antioxidant activity.
Carotenoids: To a large extent prevent the oxidation of cells and their destruction. Sea buckthorn contains β-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, as well as lycopene (anti-cancer effect), α-carotene, zeaxanthin (prevention against senile macular degeneration) and lutein. Sea buckthorn often contains carotenoids in larger quantities than any other plant, depending on the area in which it is grown.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Specifically: omega-3 (linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-7 (palmitic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid). Sea buckthorn is considered by Russian and Chinese scientists to be the richest source of vegetable fatty acids, which are essential for the proper functioning of the brain, nervous, immune and reproductive systems, while protecting against cardiovascular disease, lowering blood levels. blood and have both strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Omega-7 fatty acids are mainly of animal origin. Macadamia has been found only in the oil of the plant, but in concentrations 2 times lower than those found in sea buckthorn. Omega-7 has antiviral, antibacterial, healing and anti-aging effects.
It is also a source…
Β B vitamins: They help in proper functioning
of the nervous and muscular system, but also of the heart. They are involved in the synthesis of enzymes and in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. They help in growth and reproduction, take care of the health of hair, nails and skin.
. Vitamin D: Helps in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the body and their incorporation into the bones, contributing to their health.
. Vitamin K: Plays a key role in blood clotting
and helps in the formation of bones and their reconstruction.
… Β-sitosterol: Belongs to a group of sterols found only in plants. It has been shown that alone or in combination with other plant sterols it lowers the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. It also acts protectively against prostate hyperplasia, while there is evidence that it protects against cancer.
… Flavonoids: These are substances that are found only in plants and have similar antioxidant properties to those of vitamins C, E and A.
What it offers to the body
1. Stimulation, well-being and energy, fast recovery and wound healing.
2. Strengthen the immune system, protect against cancer.
3. Protection and strengthening of the nervous system, reduction of stress.
4. Regulation of metabolism.
Treatment of prostate hyperplasia, liver disease, as well as gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, Crohn’s disease.
6. Protection from cardiovascular problems, reduction of bad cholesterol and blood sugar, protection of blood vessels, enhancement of blood circulation.
7. Relief of menopausal symptoms, period pains and protection of the reproductive system.
8. Repair of tissues and cells after extensive exposure to radiation.
9. Preventive action against eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
1O. Detoxification of the body, oxygenation and renewal of cells, treatment of premature aging.
11. Treatment of skin problems such as acne, discoloration, eczema, burn, psoriasis, eczema.
What you will find in the market
. Dried plant in stores that sell herbs, to make a decoction or infusion.
● The oil of the plant, which results from the squeezing of its fruits. Contains nutrients in their strongest form. It is mainly used for the treatment of skin problems (external application) and for the stimulation of the circulatory system (by drinking it dissolved in water or juice).
. Concentrated juice, which results from the mashing of the fruits and leaves of the plant and has a milder action than the oil. It is suitable for stimulating and strengthening the body.
. Capsules: This is the dry extract of the leaves and fruits of the plant. It is easier to use and has satisfactory results. Capsules containing sea buckthorn oil are also available.
Look for them in health food stores, major pharmacies or pharmacies that sell herbal medicines and cosmetics.
The right dosage
If you have a health problem, you should first consult a specialist, who will indicate the appropriate dosage for your case. Otherwise, if you just want to stimulate your body, you can drink a decoction or infusion 2-3 times a day or take 1 capsule a day. Alternatively, you can drink 2 teaspoons of syrup dissolved in a glass of juice or water 3 times a day. Use the oil only after consulting a specialist. Also, from time to time, make sure to use sea buckthorn, like all medicinal herbs, in all forms that are on the market, so that your body benefits to the maximum from the nutrients it contains.
Make it
Decoction: Put 1 cup of water in 1 pot and add 4-5 sea buckthorn fruits. Boil the decoction for 3-5 minutes, leave it to cool and drink it.
Infusion: Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle, take the kettle off the heat and add 4-5 leaflets of dried leaves. Leave them for 5-7 minutes, strain and drink.
Source:
Dr. MICHALI KYRIAKIDIS, medical graduate, physiotherapist, nutrition consultant.