Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Common Names

Sea Buckthorn
Sandthorn
Seaberry
Sallowthorn
Buckthorn (note: not related to Rhamnus species)
Draigin ny Marrey (Manx – "thorn of the sea", modern reconstruction)

Botanical Description

Sea Buckthorn is a thorny deciduous shrub that thrives in sandy, coastal, and upland environments. It is well known for its bright orange berries, silvery-green narrow leaves, and tough, sprawling growth pattern. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, it is increasingly cultivated in the UK and Isle of Man for its nutritional and medicinal value.

It is dioecious—male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The berries ripen in late summer to early autumn and are exceptionally rich in oils and antioxidants.

Parts Used

Berries (Fruit) – fresh, dried, juiced, or as oil
Seeds – cold-pressed oil extraction
Leaves – dried for tea or infusion
Bark (occasionally) – traditional astringent, rarely used today

Constituents

Vitamins A, C, E, K
Essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9)
Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
Carotenoids (beta-carotene, zeaxanthin)
Tannins (mild)
Sterols
Amino acids
Antioxidants
Mucilage (in leaves and berries)

Actions

Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Skin healing and regenerating
Cardiovascular tonic
Immune booster
Mildly antimicrobial
Astringent (leaves and bark)
Digestive support
Adaptogenic (mildly)

Traditional Use

Sea Buckthorn has been used in Tibetan, Chinese, and European folk medicine for centuries. The berries and oils are considered nutrient-dense superfoods, and the plant is valued for its ability to promote tissue healing, protect the skin, support digestion, and enhance immunity.

- Internal Use:

Berry juice and oil for immune support, cardiovascular health, ulcers, and inflammation
Leaf teas for gastrointestinal complaints, detox, and mild infections

- External Use:

Berry and seed oils for eczema, wounds, burns, scars, and dry skin
Salves or creams used in skin repair and inflammation

Equine Use

- Applications:

Berry pulp or oil for immune support, metabolic balance, and digestive health
Leaf tea or powder in gut-soothing or detox blends
Oil applied externally for wound healing, skin irritation, or sweet itch

- Delivery:

Add berry powder or oil to feed (start small)
Brewed leaf tea can be added to water or mash
Topical oil application diluted with carrier oil for skin use

⚠ Cautions:

Introduce slowly due to rich oil content
Ensure oil is cold-pressed and for internal use
Not to be used if diarrhoea is present

Canine Use

- Applications:

Berry oil for joint health, skin issues, immune support
Leaf tea as a gentle detoxifier and astringent
Used in senior dog blends to support energy and coat condition

- Delivery:

Oil in capsules or mixed with food
Dried berries or tea added to meals
Diluted oil applied topically for skin healing or dry patches

⚠ Cautions:

Introduce oil gradually
Monitor for loose stools
Avoid if fat metabolism issues are present

UK and Isle of Man Folklore

While Sea Buckthorn is more commonly associated with eastern European and Asian herbalism, its striking appearance and bright protective berries have earned it a place in modern British folklore revivals. In areas of the UK where it thrives (such as Norfolk coasts and Scottish dunes), it is seen as a guardian of the shore, associated with light and resilience.

In the Isle of Man, there is no surviving native folklore specifically linked to Sea Buckthorn, but herbalists have adapted its protective and regenerative symbolism. As a thorned plant with fiery-coloured berries, it aligns with protection charms and is now sometimes used in modern Manx herbal traditions alongside rowan and gorse.

Salt (various) Seaweeds Commonly Used