Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Northern Hemisphere, Asia, and Europe. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and leaves have been used for decoctions, infusions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sea Buckthorn
Scientific Name	Hippophae rhamnoides
Plant Family	Euphorbiaceae
Genus	Hippophae
Species	rhamnoides
Native Range	Northern Hemisphere, Asia, Europe
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Hippophae rhamnoides
Common Name: Sea Buckthorn
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Buckthorn, Chinese Sandthorn, Seabuckthorn
Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Hippophae

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial shrub.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 2 to 6 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with smooth margins, upper surface bright orange, lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are yellowish orange with five sepals and five petals arranged in a raceme, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry and bearing five stamens with distinct anthers.
Stems: Erect, branched, woody, with smooth, thornless, angular, and ridged surfaces.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Oil Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a warming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a moderate tonic, in whole-system applications.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a calming diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a soothing astringent, for skin-related applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Infused Oil: A preparation created by soaking plant parts in carrier oils.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.