BT-079 · Elaeagnaceae

Sea buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Evidence: LimitedGenerally safe

One story says horses in ancient Greece that ate its leaves grew shiny coats; its Latin name means “shining horse”.

Other names: Chatsargana (Mongolian), yaban iğdesi (Turkish)
Part used: Fruit, oil
Region: Asia and Siberia
Anatolia and the Mediterranean
Use: Food, Healing

Photo: Виталий Уайлд · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

In short

What is Sea buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a plant of the Elaeagnaceae family. Traditions that use it: Asia and Siberia, Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: fruit, oil.

What is Sea buckthorn used for?

Traditional use: In Mongolia and Tibet the fruit is stored for winter; its oil is applied to burns and wounds. Scientific evidence: limited. Rich in vitamin C, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Is Sea buckthorn safe?

Safety label: generally safe. Safe as food.

Traditional use

Central Asia and Siberia

In Mongolia and Tibet the fruit is stored for winter; its oil is applied to burns and wounds.

Anatolia

Grows along streams in Erzurum, Kars and Artvin; the fruit is made into jam and syrup.

In nature

Where it grows: River beds of northeastern Anatolia; Central Asia, Siberia and the Himalayas.
Harvest season: Berries are picked September–November, after the first frosts.
Local names: yaban iğdesi, deniz topalak, çiçirgan