Sea buckthorn oil comes from sea buckthorn berries, which grow off the coasts of Europe and Asia. It’s a super-oil mentioned in ancient Tibetan healing manuscripts and used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for digestive distress and a revitalizer of immune health.
Sea buckthorn oil is rich in phytonutrients, carotene, flavonoids, vitamin C and E (as much as wheatgerm!), and the antioxidant enzyme super oxide dismutase, all of which help defend against free radical damage. What makes sea buckthorn oil standout the most, however, is that it is made up of 30% omega-7, a health-promoting fatty acid, and one worth paying attention to.
Omega-7 for Health
Omega-7, also called palmitoleic acid, isn’t an essential fatty acid like omega-3, which means that our bodies can produce it from other nutrients we consume. That doesn’t mean that it can’t or shouldn’t be consumed through diet. Coldwater fish and macadamia nuts contain high concentrations of palmitoleic acid, as does sea buckthorn oil.
Preliminary research suggests that the omega-7 found in sea buckthorn oil can help manage metabolism, improve cholesterol levels, and promote insulin sensitivity. And ever since Dr. Oz featured sea buckthorn oil on his talk show, it’s been touted as a weight loss aid.
Slather Sea Buckthorn Oil on Your Skin
The health benefits aren’t just internal. Sea buckthorn oil is a wonderful topical tonic for the skin. It helps:
- Regulate sebum production
- Diminish the appearance of age spots
- Heal acne scars
- Slow down aging
- Promote cell vitality
- Cleanse and detoxify the skin
- Heal burns, sunburns, rashes, and cuts
- Enhance overall skin health
Using Sea Buckthorn Oil
There are two types of sea buckthorn oil. The fruit oil comes from the pulp of sea buckthorn berries and the seed oil comes from the seeds of sea buckthorn berries. The fruit oil is darker hued and thicker than the more pale seed oil.
Always consult your doctor before taking any oils internally. Sea buckthorn oil should not be consumed if you suffer from kidney, liver, or intestinal distress.
