Sea buckthorn leaves – medicinal properties and contraindications, how to use, and what can you drink them for?

Sea buckthorn is a small tree growing up to 3 meters in height. The branches of the fruiting tree are densely covered with orange, slightly elongated berries, thorns, and long, narrow leaves. Harvesting begins in the fall, and the berry has a wide range of uses. Unfortunately, sea buckthorn leaves are often left unharvested, as their medicinal properties are little known, although a drink made from the leaves does not have the same contraindications as the berry.

The leaves' chemical composition makes them a versatile remedy for treating a wide variety of ailments, strengthening the immune system, and providing the body with vitamins. When harvested and processed correctly, they can be used to create a highly beneficial medicinal product that will keep all winter.

Useful properties of sea buckthorn leaves and chemical composition

When discussing the beneficial properties, the focus is primarily on the berries, whose benefits and contraindications have been well-studied and are actively used in conventional medicine. The leaves aren't as fully described, as their use isn't widespread enough, but American biologists from SCI were interested in the leaves because all chemical synthesis occurs within them.

During the research, two substances that are very important for the body were discovered:

• Tannins contain tannic acid, which suggests anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties. Tannins aid in the absorption of vitamin C, absorb heavy metals, and are effective in treating oral diseases.

  

• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known as the "pleasure hormone." This hormone influences digestion and mood, helps eliminate harmful substances from the body (by stimulating the part of the cerebral cortex responsible for the gag reflex), and is responsible for sleep and awakening. A deficiency of serotonin leads to a general disruption of the hormonal system.

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Also included:

• Coumarin – has antispasmodic and anticoagulant effects;
• microelements;
• Flavonoids – similar in action to vitamin C, and when taken together, their effects are greatly enhanced. They strengthen the immune system, prevent cell aging, and increase enzyme activity.
• phytoncides – have an immunomodulatory effect on the human body;
• Folic acid (B9) – the human body can synthesize it on its own, but this dose is insufficient to meet all needs because this nutrient is involved in numerous processes, such as heart and nervous system function, and hematopoiesis.

  

  The need for folic acid increases during pregnancy, old age, and during recovery from injuries and surgeries. The first symptoms of deficiency appear very quickly, but are often overlooked. Signs to watch out for include: sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, depression, or aggression;

• vitamins C, PP;
• Inositol (B8) is one of the most important vitamins in this group. It is involved in metabolism, enzyme synthesis, and cholesterol regulation;
• oleic acid;
• Ursolic acid – participates in metabolism, normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol, reduces estrogen without affecting testosterone.

Main contraindications and harm to the body

The leaves have no contraindications and are considered a safe and versatile addition to any treatment. The only possible risk of harm from the decoction is an individual intolerance to the ingredients.

Tinctures containing alcohol have contraindications due to the alcohol content. It should be noted that the medication is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding. It may also impair reaction time and attention, so it is best not to consume it during the workday.

It is worth remembering that the leaves are only a supplement to treatment, while the main therapy is prescribed by the attending physician individually.

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What can you drink sea buckthorn leaf decoction for?

The decoction can be drunk for:

1. Strengthening the immune system and helping the body recover from viral infections and colds is a good choice for this purpose. Pour boiling water over the dried herbs and let steep for 15 minutes. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Strain and drink hot before bed.
2. Normalizes blood pressure due to its sedative properties. To prepare the infusion, pour 2 tablespoons of leaves into 500 ml of boiling water and bring to a boil. As soon as the infusion begins to boil, remove it from the heat and let it steep for 1-1.5 hours.

   

   Pour a glass of hot water over 1 tablespoon of dried, chopped herbs and simmer for 10 minutes. Some of the water will evaporate during this time, so strain the remainder and add enough clean water to make a glass of infusion. Divide the serving into two servings throughout the day.

3. Liver support or treatment. There is experimental evidence that substances in sea buckthorn leaves have a hepatoprotective effect and restore liver cells. The recipe for a decoction is very simple. Add a teaspoon of the herb to a cup of boiling water. Let the drink steep for half an hour and then drink it. Drink half a glass three times a day.

Also, similar infusions are useful for:

• maintaining the cardiovascular system;
• lowering blood sugar levels as an additional treatment for diabetes;
• treatment of joints.

Methods of preparation and use of sea buckthorn leaf remedies

To prepare a health drink, the raw materials must be properly collected and prepared. To maximize the concentration of beneficial substances, this is best done during the tree's flowering period. However, the branches should not be completely stripped bare, so it is recommended to harvest some of the leaves and then more during the fruiting period.

Spread the herbs in a single layer on a clean, dry surface and dry for several days in a dry, ventilated area. Using a dehydrator will speed up the drying process. Store the herbs in linen or cotton bags in a cool, dry place.

The drink has a wide range of effects, and to fully utilize the beneficial properties of the leaves, you must adhere not only to the preparation method but also to the recommended dosage.

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Decoction

The decoction has proven effective in the comprehensive treatment of liver, heart, and nervous system disorders. To prepare the medicinal drink, take 4 tablespoons of dried, crushed leaves and pour a liter of boiling water over them. Heat the container for 10-15 minutes, then steep for 40 minutes, covered.

The decoction has a cumulative effect, so it should be taken regularly for the effects to be noticeable. A serving is 100 ml 2-4 times daily. This decoction can be used for hair washing, face washing, wound treatment, or mouth rinse.

Infusion

To make a sea buckthorn infusion, place 4 tablespoons of the herb in a thermos and add a liter of boiling water. Let the infusion steep for an hour, after which it's ready to drink.

The daily dose should not exceed 150 ml, and no more than 50 ml should be consumed at a time. The infusion is recommended for restoring metabolism, diabetes, and connective tissue disorders. External use is also suitable for treating acne.

Tea

Tea is the most popular drink; it can help combat vitamin deficiency, colds, gastrointestinal inflammation, chronic fatigue, and insomnia. By adding other herbs or berries to the main ingredient, you can not only enrich the flavor but also expand its range of effects.

Tonic drink: mix sea buckthorn and mint in equal proportions, pour 5 liters of boiling water and leave for 5 hours.

Cold-fighting tea: Pour one tablespoon of leaves into a glass of boiling water. Let steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Sea buckthorn pairs well with ginger, cinnamon, raspberries, and citrus fruits. You can sweeten it with honey, adding it to the warm drink. Drink this tea-like beverage several times a day.

Tincture

A tincture is a mixture of fresh (or dried) sea buckthorn leaves and bark and 70% rubbing alcohol or vodka. To make it, use 3 parts fresh sea buckthorn (1 part if dried), including the bark, and 10 parts high-quality vodka. Mix everything in a clean glass container, seal it tightly, and let it steep for 2.5 weeks in a cool, dark place. Then strain the mixture through several layers of cheesecloth.

The tincture has a number of advantages over other drinks:

• long shelf life;
• Some substances (for example, folic acid) are destroyed during heat treatment, which does not happen when making an alcohol tincture;
• Serotonin dissolves better in alcohol, so the tincture contains more of it, especially if it contains tree bark, which is rich in this substance.

It is recommended for colds, nervous exhaustion, sleep disorders, hypertension, heart disease, vascular disease, and skin conditions. Unlike water extracts, alcohol-based medicine has contraindications:

• childhood;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• acute liver disease;
• professions that require increased attention or reaction speed (for example, pilots, drivers, equipment operators, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sea buckthorn leaves are a true gift of nature; their concentrated nutritional content and versatility make them an indispensable addition to any home. Properly harvested and prepared for the winter, these greens can be consumed as a beverage to prevent vitamin deficiencies and colds.

However, the possibility of an allergic reaction should be kept in mind, so introduce herbal supplements into children's diets in small doses, monitoring their response. And remember that herbal treatment does not replace medical consultations and additional medication.