What is Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhammonides) is a hardy, deciduous shrub bearing small yellow to orange-red berries. This plant has been used for centuries in the traditional medicinal system of Asia and Europe mainly for its nutritional and medicinal value.
It possesses an exclusive composition of vitamins, nutrients and essential fatty acids usually found only separately in different plants and sources. Sea Buckthorn grows widely in Europe, central Asia and temperate regions of South Asia, India and China, ranging in altitude of a minimum of 60 m asl to a maximum of 5200 m asl.
The Spiti valley has a fairly large concentration of Sea Buckthorn, particularly along the river bed covering an area of more than 200 hectares, as per official figures. The 3 varieties of Sea Buckthorn found in Spiti are rich in Carotenoids, xanthophylls, Phenolics and Flavonoids and have a higher content of essential oils.
Sea Buckthorn was used in China for over 12 centuries where it was first used for traditional Chinese medicine strengthening stomach, blood circulation and respiration. Sea Buckthorn is currently used in juice, sports drinks, jellies, ice cream, cosmetics and medicines.
Sea Buckthorn is known as nature’s most balanced fruit. This “Holy Fruit of the Himalayas” has been cherished by native Tibetans for centuries for its incredible nutritive qualities. The Sea Buckthorn fruit is also known through out the world as Sandthorn, Sandorn, and Siberian Pineapple.
Seabuckthon is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients. Sea Buckthorn contains vitamins B1, B2, folic acid, C, E, beta-carotene (Pro-vitamin A), and K. It contains Carotenoids, Flavonoids, phenols, Terpenes and at least 20 mineral cofactors. Sea Buckthorn also naturally contains 5-HT (serotonin), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions. Sea Buckthorn numerous health benefits include cardiovascular, immunity, anticancer, memory, growth, anti-inflammatory, and skin health. Sea Buckthorn contains more than 60 antioxidants and high ORAC value.
