Sea buckthorn sounds more like a sea creature. But it’s really a beneficial plant originating from the mountainous regions of Russia and China.  It is a winter hardy, deciduous shrub with bright orange berries.  The plant is mature for harvesting purposes at 4-5 years.

This branch is brimming with berries.  Photo from They are also known as Seaberry, Siberian pineapple, or Alpine Sandthorn.

Sea buckthorn oil and powder is commonly used in skincare and soaps. It can also be taken internally as herbal medicine. The oil is full of are vitamins A (derived from -carotene), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (-tocopherol). If taken internally, it is full of antioxidants and is good for your intestinal tract too.

Sea buckthorn oil is mainly used to promote the healing of skin such as burns and eczema. It also helps improve skin condition, especially with dryness and wrinkles. Sea buckthorn oil reminds me of other good oils such as Rose hip and carrot seed oil.

Last summer I saw real sea buckthorn bush at the International Fruit Orchard. I don’t remember if there was any fruit at all. Next time I visit, I will have to take a photo of it and try sampling some of the berries.

ln Europe the fruit is made into sauces or jellies and as a base of liqueurs. The juice is sour and has an orange passionfruit like flavor when sweetened. Blended with other fruits, or by itself, it makes a delicious juice. It is also used widely in Europe and Asia as a healing oil and for other medicinal purposes. - Raintree Nursery

They are suppose to grow well on fairly bad  or sandy soil. If possible, I would like to grow some of these at my mom’s backyard garden too. Across much of northern China, and in other countries, it is grown to prevent soil erosion. And it is also used in food and medical preparations.

Sasktchewan, Canada also has cultivated sea buckthorn that was originally brought over from from Siberia in the 1930s. Sea buckthorn oil from Saskatchewan yields a high quality product.

Z Natural Foods has seabuckthorn powder for sale in 5 lb bulk at $85.  I wish they had a smaller size for sale, as I’m willing to give it a try.  At Mountain Rose Herbs, 1 oz sea buckthorn oil goes for $24.  Also very pricey!

I was able to find some sea buckthorn oil in gel caps.  I wanted to try using them on my face for the “brown spots” on my cheek due to sun exposure.  Actually the spots aren’t too bad, I’ve been told they are more like cute freckles.

One capsule can yield about 3 applications. The sea buckthorn oil has a very bright yellow color much like turmeric.  And it can stain your clothes if not careful.  It also smells ten times better than carrot seed oil.  I just apply it directly on the skin versus mixing into a face balm.  So check back with me in 4 weeks time and we’ll see if there’s any improvement.

Update 4/24/10:  The seabuckthorn face cream I’ve been applying to my freckles has shown some improvement.  It’s not completely gone of course, but it does look lighter.  As with natural products (such as essential oils) the results are never immediate.  But overall it does provide nutrients for your skin.

More info:

Purdue University Horticulture

Sea Buckthorn Production Guide (Canada)