Contrary to what its name suggests, sea buckthorn does not come from the sea. It’s actually a shrub belonging to the Elaeagnaceae family and grows in the mountainous areas of Asia and Europe. Sea buckthorn is believed to have originated from the Himalayas, but was also used by ancient Greeks and other European cultures.

DESCRIPTION
Sea buckthorn oil is available either as a seed oil or fruit/berry oil, extracted from the seeds or the fleshy pulp of the small, nutrient-rich yellow-orange or red berries. Although both share some characteristics in their nutrient profiles, they have pronounced differences, too. For instance, the fruit oil is dark red or red orange, while the seed oil is yellow.

COMPOSITION
Sea buckthorn oil is becoming popular because of its impressive nutritional profile. It contains various nutrients and phytonutrients, particularly:

Amino acids
Plant sterols
Tocopherols
Carotenoids like beta-carotene
Phenols, terpenes and glucosides
Vitamins (A, E, K and B vitamins)
Minerals (Copper, iron, selenium and manganese)
Flavonoids like isorhamnetin, quercetin and myricetin

BENEFITS
Sea buckthorn oil is well-known for its skin-healing and rejuvenating effects. Used topically, it’s a great natural cleanser and exfoliator. It can also help heal burns, cuts, sores, wounds, sunburn, rashes and other types of skin damageThis essential oil may help manage your weight, address dry eyes, and lower your risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

How Does Sea Buckthorn Oil Work? – Sea buckthorn oil can be taken internally or used topically. Before ingesting this oil, consult a doctor to determine the ideal amount and confirm that if it’s safe for you. If using topically, make sure to dilute it in a safe carrier oil first, like coconut, sweet almond or jojoba, and take an allergen patch test to see how your skin will react.

Promote skin health — Topical applications of sea buckthorn oil may help address skin concerns by enhancing hydration, elasticity and regeneration, and addressing acne. Initial research has revealed that sea buckthorn oil may aid in alleviating rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by small red bumps on the face.

Help with weight management — Sea buckthorn oil’s fatty acids may help inhibit your body from storing fat, assisting with better weight management in the long run.

Help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — Vitamin B12 in sea buckthorn oil may reduce the risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The omega-3s and other fatty acids present in this oil can have the same effect as well.

Manage ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — Sea buckthorn oil can help ease mucosal tissues in your digestive tract, and may be useful in helping manage gastric ulcers49 and other gastrointestinal tract problems such as upset stomach, dyspepsia and constipation.

Relieve dry eyes — Sea buckthorn oil may help ease dry eyes, commonly seen in older people and menopausal women and often caused by hormonal changes. A study found that oral supplementation of sea buckthorn oil in individuals with dry eyes for three months had a positive effect on osmolarity and dry eye symptoms such as burning and redness.

Reduce liver damage — An animal study found that sea buckthorn exhibits potent hepaprotective activity, and lowers concentrations of aflatoxins in the liver, reducing their adverse effects. Another clinical study found that sea buckthorn oil can assist in normalizing levels of liver enzymes and serum bile acids.

SOURCES :
https://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/sea-buckthorn-oil.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sea-buckthorn-oil