Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil
Aromatherapy is a natural practice that uses essential oils to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Essential oils are derived from plants and have been used for centuries in various cultures for their healing and therapeutic properties. One lesser-known but highly effective oil is Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil.
What is Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil?
Sea buckthorn is a flowering shrub that produces bright orange berries. These berries are rich in carotenoids, the same compounds responsible for the orange color of carrots. Sea buckthorn oil comes in different types, depending on the part of the plant used:
- Sea buckthorn berry oil – extracted from the pulp of the berries; best for topical applications
- Sea buckthorn seed oil – extracted from the seeds; typically used for internal health benefits
- Whole berry oil – a blend of both berry and seed oils
Each type has unique properties, but all versions of sea buckthorn oil offer skin-nourishing and healing benefits.
Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Berry Essential Oil
Whether used topically, internally, or in aromatherapy blends, this oil provides exceptional benefits. By incorporating it into your self-care routine, you can experience its healing and rejuvenating effects firsthand.
Therapeutic Properties
Sea buckthorn berry oil is known for its powerful healing properties, including:
- Anti-aging – reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
- Antibacterial – helps fight bacteria and infections
- Antifungal – combats fungal infections
- Anti-inflammatory – reduces swelling and redness
- Antioxidant – protects skin cells from free radicals and oxidative damage
- Circulation support – improves blood flow
- Emollient – deeply moisturizes and softens skin
- Skin regeneration – speeds up wound healing and promotes healthy skin cell turnover
Skin Benefits
Sea buckthorn berry essential oil is effective in treating various skin conditions, such as:
- Burns and sunburns – soothes and repairs damaged skin
- Eczema and psoriasis – relieves itching, dryness, and inflammation
- Acne and scars – reduces breakouts and fades scars
- Rosacea – calms redness and irritation
- Slow-healing wounds – speeds up the healing process
This oil can be applied directly (neat) to affected areas or diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
Hair Benefits
Adding sea buckthorn berry oil to your shampoo or conditioner can help:
- Promote hair growth
- Nourish dry and damaged hair
- Improve scalp health
- Enhance hair shine and softness
Internal Benefits
When taken internally, sea buckthorn berry oil can:
- Improve eyesight due to its high carotenoid content
- Support immune function
- Help prevent certain types of cancer
How to use internally: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of sea buckthorn berry oil into 1/2 glass of juice and consume no more than twice a day.
Safety and Best Practices
- Always do a patch test before applying sea buckthorn berry oil directly to your skin.
- Choose cold-pressed, pure oils over chemically processed versions.
- Avoid solvent-extracted oils as they may contain harmful chemicals.
- Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the oil’s potency.
Aromatherapy Recipes Using Sea Buckthorn Berry Essential Oil
Sea buckthorn berry essential oil is a versatile and powerful natural remedy for skin, hair, and overall wellness.
Soothing Sunburn and Burn Treatment
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce pure Aloe vera gel
- 6–18 drops Sea Buckthorn Berry essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the Aloe vera gel and essential oil in a dark-colored bottle.
- Apply to sunburns or irritated skin for cooling relief.
- Store in the refrigerator for an extra soothing effect.
Moisturizing Bath and Massage Oil Blend
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon rosehip seed carrier oil
- 1 tablespoon evening primrose carrier oil
- 1 tablespoon apricot kernel carrier oil
- 9 drops Sea Buckthorn Berry essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the carrier oils together in a small bottle.
- Add the sea buckthorn berry essential oil one drop at a time and mix well.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Ways to use:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons to bathwater.
- Apply to damp skin after a shower.
- Use as a massage oil.
- Mix with water for a foot soak.
- Apply to dry skin areas several times a day.
Essential Oil Blends for Skin Health
Sea buckthorn berry oil blends well with other skin-supporting oils, such as:
- Carrot Seed Oil – promotes skin healing and anti-aging
- Cistus Oil – helps with wound healing
- Helichrysum Oil – supports cell regeneration
- Lavender Oil – soothes inflammation and irritation
- Neroli Oil – boosts skin elasticity
- Rosemary Oil – improves circulation
- Verbena Oil – offers antioxidant protection
