Sea Buckthorn Oil

Description

Sea buckthorn oil is a bright orange, nutrient-packed oil extracted from the berries and seeds of the Hippophae rhamnoides plant, a thorny shrub native to Europe and Asia, especially the Himalayan region, Tibet, and parts of China and Russia. Revered for over a thousand years in Tibetan, Mongolian, and Russian traditional medicine, sea buckthorn oil is known as a “miracle oil” due to its unparalleled range of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and healing compounds.

There are two types:

• Berry oil – extracted from the fleshy pulp; rich in omega-7.

• Seed oil – extracted from the tiny seeds; rich in omega-3 and omega-6.

While not typically used in high-quantity cooking like olive or sunflower oil, sea buckthorn oil is increasingly added to foods and supplements for its functional health benefits and vibrant flavor.

Nutritional Composition:

• Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid): ~30% (in seed oil)

• Omega-6 (linoleic acid): ~30%

• Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid): ~25–35% (in berry oil)

• Omega-9 (oleic acid): ~15–20%

• Saturated fats: ~10–15%

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene) – gives the deep orange color

• Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols)

• Vitamin C – rare in oils

• Flavonoids, polyphenols, and plant sterols

• Superoxide dismutase (SOD) – a rare and potent antioxidant enzyme

• Rare minerals: calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and selenium

Sea buckthorn is the only plant known to contain all four omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, and 9), making it a complete skin, gut, and metabolic health oil.

Health Benefits:

• Supports skin regeneration – speeds healing, improves elasticity, reduces scars

• Anti-aging powerhouse – high in antioxidants and collagen-boosting vitamins

• Soothes digestive tract – excellent for ulcers, GERD, and gut lining repair

• Balances cholesterol and triglycerides

• Improves liver function – shown to reduce fatty liver markers

• Supports eye health – omega-7 and beta-carotene improve tear production and corneal strength

• Aids in managing metabolic syndrome and blood sugar

• Boosts immunity and wound healing

• May support weight loss and reduce inflammation

• Treats vaginal dryness and mucous membrane issues in menopausal women

It is often used in nutraceuticals and therapeutic foods due to these diverse effects.

Culinary Applications:

Sea buckthorn oil is rarely used for direct cooking, but increasingly used in:

• Functional foods and beverages – health smoothies, energy bars, herbal tonics

• Drizzled over yogurt, muesli, or fruit

• Mixed with honey or ghee as an immune-boosting tonic

• Paired with citrus or berries in vinaigrettes

• Added in small doses to soups or broths after cooking

• Used in herbal teas and infusions

• In desserts like sorbets, mousses, and gummies

• Blended into nut butters, protein shakes, or kefir

Just a few drops per serving deliver powerful nutrition and tangy, citrusy flavor.

Flavor and Texture:

• Color: Vibrant orange to red-orange

• Flavor: Tart, citrusy, slightly bitter, earthy

• Texture: Light to medium viscosity

• Aroma: Fruity, slightly woody or herbal

• Aftertaste: Tangy and sharp, sometimes sweet-bitter

Its taste is strong and distinctive, so it’s used in tiny quantities to enrich and fortify recipes.

Cosmetic and Skincare Benefits:

Sea buckthorn oil is a superstar in skincare and dermatology:

• Repairs damaged skin – acne scars, burns, cuts, and eczema

• Brightens complexion and reduces pigmentation

• Improves skin tone and texture

• Strengthens hair follicles and reduces scalp inflammation

• Used in lip balms, anti-aging creams, and serums

• Soothes sunburns, rosacea, and radiation burns

• Boosts collagen and hydrates deeply

Its omega-7 content supports mucous membrane healing — making it valuable in oral care, eye drops, and gynecological treatments.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Due to its delicate compounds, sea buckthorn oil must be carefully stored:

• Shelf life: 6–12 months unopened, 3–6 months opened

• Must be refrigerated after opening

• Stored in dark glass bottles, tightly sealed

• Sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen

• Avoid exposure to sunlight or metal containers

Oxidized sea buckthorn oil loses potency and may smell rancid or lose color.

Sustainability:

Sea buckthorn is a sustainable, hardy shrub:

• Thrives in barren, rocky soils

• Nitrogen-fixing plant – improves soil fertility

• Prevents soil erosion in Himalayan and desert regions

• Used in reforestation and ecological restoration projects

• Requires minimal water and no pesticides

• Entire plant is usable – fruit, seeds, leaves, and bark

It supports rural Himalayan communities, especially in Tibet, Ladakh, and Siberia, where it’s a key livelihood crop.

Summary:

Sea buckthorn oil is a rare, healing elixir loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that rejuvenate the body from inside out. Whether you’re looking to restore your gut, repair your skin, or boost your immune system, this orange gem delivers potent nourishment in just a few drops. Though not a cooking staple in the traditional sense, it is one of the most therapeutic oils available and rounds out our list as a true superfood oil.

Quantity is 1 litre