Buckthorn berries are the most valuable part of sea buckthorn plants, which are a part of the Hippophae genus. The most commonly used species of the seven in the genus is Hippophae rhamnoides, which is a deciduous shrub and is found throughout Europe, Mongolia, and parts of China. Depending on where you are in the world, you may know the name of this plant as seaberry or sandthorn, but they’re all quite similar in terms of nutrient composition and physiological characteristics. The branches are stiff and thorny, while the leaves are of a long, thin, silver colour. The berries of sea buckthorn, however, are small, orange, and only found on female plants.

These berries are actually considered super fruits due to their unbelievable concentration of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and organic acids, including flavonoids, phenolics, amino acids, and carotenoids. This diverse range of nutrients has also made buckthorn berries extremely versatile in the treatment of various health conditions and illnesses. An extract can be taken from the berries to be used in medicinal treatment, the berries can be consumed directly, or a tea can be made from the leaves, which also contain some of the same nutrient composition. The use of buckthorn berries as an herbal remedy stretches all the way back to Genghis Khan!

Health benefits

Cancer Treatment: The juice from buckthorn berries has been found to be extremely valuable in the reduction of cancer, or slowing down its spread. The organic components of buckthorn berry have a high antioxidant content, which helps to neutralize free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. However, in the case of buckthorn berry juice, the anti-cancer abilities cause cell-cycle arrest, so cancer cannot progress; however, it doesn’t induce apoptosis, like many other antioxidant substances.

Vitamin C Boost: Aside from the boost to your immune system that buckthorn berry juice provides, as explained above, this powerful fruit is also able to help improve the health of your skin, the strength of your bones, and the resilience of your gums and teeth. Vitamin C is an integral part in the formation of collagen, which is a crucial component of growth and repair throughout the body. Therefore, the high concentration of vitamin C in buckthorn berry makes it an all-around body booster that helps to speed wound healing and recovery from injuries.

Vision Health: Carotenoids are another important antioxidant compound that is found in buckthorn berry, and this important nutrient can protect your vision in a major way. Carotenoids are able to slow down the progression of macular degeneration, and can prevent the development of cataracts, in addition to improving night vision!

Heart Health: Buckthorn berry oil has been found to significantly improve cholesterol levels by helping to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and keeping the fatty acid balance even in the body. By eliminating bad cholesterol, you can reduce your chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, because there is less blockage in the arteries and blood vessels. Therefore, your blood pressure is also lowered, reducing tension on the entire cardiovascular system.

Diabetes Control: Although research is still relatively new on this particular topic, buckthorn berry is very good at regulating blood sugar, meaning that for people suffering from diabetes, adding this delicious fruit to their diet is a great choice. By eliminating the peaks and drops in blood sugar, superberries like buckthorn can help people live a more normal life!

Circulation: Studies have also shown that the high levels of vitamin C in buckthorn berry can help to increase the uptake of iron by the body, thereby ensuring a high, steady blood flow, as iron is a key ingredient in red blood cells.

Stomach Health: If you suffer from upset stomach or gastric distress of any kind, buckthorn berry juice can quickly relieve discomfort and soothe inflammation. The anti-inflammatory capacity of this superberry also helps relieve joint pain and sore muscles.

Aging Process: The final bonus of this antioxidant-filled berry is its impact on the aging process. For those people seeking younger-looking skin, or who want to eliminate age spots and wrinkles, the free radical-neutralizing antioxidants in buckthorn berry are perfect! Drinking buckthorn berry juice, adding the concentrated oil to other foods, or eating the berries themselves are all viable ways to stay young! A Final Word of Warning: If you suffer from a bleeding disorder, buckthorn berry can be dangerous, as it slows down blood clotting. Also, if you already are taking blood pressure medication or suffer from hypotension, this superberry might not be a great choice. As always, you should speak with a medical professional before making any major changes to your diet with powerful new superfoods!