The Health Packed Berry: Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is one of the botanical herbs that we use in Naturopathic Medicine. It is also a herb we commonly find in our neighbourhood.

Sea buckthorn has been used for thousands of years, with one of the first recorded being around 600-900 AD. Traditionally, it has been used to help with indigestion, injuries and skin healing, liver issues and cardiovascular issues.

The Sea buckthorn plant is a shrub found in many places around the world including Canada, Tibet, India, Russia, Mongolia and Northern Europe. The plant contains tart, orange-yellow berries which are high in many nutrients. The leaves are also high in nutrients. This makes it an important herb with many different medicinal uses.

Nutrients

Sea buckthorn is high in nutrients such as…

      • Vitamin C – good for immune health and antioxidants
      • B vitamins –  good for stress, cell repair and nerve regeneration,
      • Vitamin K – helps promote wound healing and plays a role in clotting
      • Vitamin A –  a great antioxidant can help with skin and immune health
      • Vitamin E  – can help with liver function, brain health, skin health and immune health
      • Quercetin – helpful in allergies  and is anti-inflammatory

Therapeutic Uses

The primary benefits of the leaves include their action in wound healing and skin health. There are many ways in which sea buckthorn does this. Using sea buckthorn when healing from an injury can reduce inflammation, increase cell regrowth, amplify collagen production,  increase blood vessels to the area, and has some anti-bacterial/ anti-viral effects. For wound healing, Sea buckthorn is usually applied topically, however you should consult your naturopathic doctor for the best way to use this product.

Additionally, Sea Buckthorn is gaining popularity in cosmetic properties because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating effects.

Sea buckthorn is also believed to be liver protection, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune supportive, anti-stress, anti-oxidant and possibly even anti-carcinogenic.

This amazing herb has so many beneficial properties, and you just might be able to spot one in your neighbourhood.

Watch the video to learn more: https://youtu.be/U_7PsHIHRx8

Resources

Suryakumar, G., & Gupta, A. (2011). Medicinal and therapeutic potential of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.). Journal of ethnopharmacology138(2), 268-278.

 

Ozone therapy: A diverse treatment option

Ozone therapy is a treatment used frequently in our clinic to help patients with a variety of different symptoms and conditions. Ozone is made up of 3 oxygen molecules. It is found naturally in the earth’s atmosphere and it can be produced with specialized equipment to be used therapeutically.  It is a strong antioxidant that donates an oxygen molecule to the body’s cells that need it to keep them healthy and strong. Ozone helps to keep the body in balance, can help with antiaging, and modulates the immune system. It has been used and researched for over 50 years in Europe.

At Natural Terrain, Dr. Mason-Wood, ND has studied and completed certifications allowing him to safely administer ozone therapy.

What is it used for?

Ozone therapy can be used for a number of different reasons. Some of the common uses include…

  • Bacterial infections
  • Chronic viral infections
  • Chronic Fungal infections
  • Dental infections
  • Chronic diseases
  • Cancers
  • Ulcers, wounds, rashes
  • Athletic performance
  • Anti-aging
  • Pain management
  • Inflammation
  • Brain fog

Administration

Ozone can be administered locally or systemically based on your needs. When ozone is administered systemically, it is administered through an IV. Ozone can also be injected locally, used in topical olive oil, or used as ear insufflation. 

Ozone therapy has provided a lot of relief for a lot of our patients. Consult a naturopathic doctor to find out if ozone therapy is right for you.