ENGLISH NAME: Sea Buckthorn,
Seaberry
LATIN NAME: Hippophae rhamnoides
LOCAL NAMES:
Bulgaria: облепиха (oblepiha), ракитник (rakitnik)
Czechia: rakytník řešetlákový
Turkey: yalancı iğde, yer iğdesi, çıçırgan otu
Georgia: ქაცვი
COUNTRY: Bulgaria;
Czechia; Turkey; Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Coastal sandy soils; riverbanks; disturbed sites; high-altitude
slopes (Samegrelo, Yazbegi, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi in Georgia)
Elevation: From sea level up to montane zones
Terrain: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates saline and arid
conditions
DESCRIPTION:
A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree 1–6 m tall, with silvery-green,
lanceolate leaves that are silvery underneath. In summer it bears small white
flowers, followed by dense clusters of bright orange, tart berries (~6–9 mm)
enclosed in a papery calyx.
USABLE PARTS: Berries
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Antioxidant: Very high in
vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids; supports reduction of oxidative stress.
Immune Support: Vitamin C and
other bioactives bolster defenses.
Cardiovascular: Omega-3, -6, -7,
-9 fatty acids in the oil help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.
Skin Health &
Wound Healing:
Sea buckthorn oil promotes hydration, regeneration, and reduced inflammation.
Gastrointestinal: Traditionally
used for ulcers and digestive wellness.
Anti-Inflammatory: Broad spectrum
of fatty acids and antioxidants reduce inflammation.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause mild gastrointestinal upset (bloating, diarrhea) if consumed in excess.
Rare allergic reactions possible. Use caution if prone to low blood pressure.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often included in antioxidant or immune-support blends. Caution when combined
with antihypertensive or blood-thinning medications.
PREPARATION:
Berry
Tea/Infusion:
Steep 1–2 tsp dried berries (or a handful fresh) in hot water for 5–10 min;
strain.
Fresh Juice: Blend berries
with water; strain; sweeten if desired.
Oil Infusion: Mash fresh
berries, mix with carrier oil (olive, coconut) in a jar (1:2 ratio); let infuse
in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks; strain.
Topical Oil: Apply pure sea
buckthorn oil or infused carrier oil directly to skin for hydration and wound
care.
Jam/Syrup: Cook berries
with sugar or honey; strain or leave pulp for texture.
HARVEST TIME:
Late summer to early autumn (when calyces turn bright orange-red and berries
are soft).
HARVEST METHOD:
Wear gloves to protect from thorns. Gently pluck ripe berries or cut branches
and strip berries by hand or with comb-like tools. Harvest in the cool morning
hours.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Short-term: Refrigerate
fresh berries up to one week.
Long-term: Freeze berries
spread on a tray, then transfer to sealed containers.
Drying: Air-dry or use a
dehydrator; store in airtight jars in a cool, dark place.
Processed: Make and store
juices, jams, oils, or syrups following standard preservation guidelines.