Seabuckthorn wonderberry of the Himalayas is a resilient deciduous shrub with high nutritional and therapeutic value. Rich in oleic acid, protein, amino acids, potassium, and other nutrients, it has been known to play a crucial role in traditional Tibetan and Mongolian Medicine for centuries. This hardy shrub is found in cold, arid regions of central Asia; it is known to enhance vitality to treat chronic ailments.
Seabuckthorn in Traditional Tibetan and Mongolian Medicine
Seabuckthorn is said to have been introduced by the Greeks by 5000 BCE and is known to have been in existence for about 200 million years. It is considered a precious asset in Tibetan and Mongolian medical traditions.
In Tibetan Medicine
- Since the 8th century AD, Tibetans have used seabuckthorn to treat lung and stomach diseases.
- It is prominently mentioned in classical medical texts like the rGyud bZhi (Four Medical Tantras) in Tibetan medicine, where it is classified as a “precious substance” for its ability to restore balance in the body.
- Moreover, “Sowa Rigpa”, a Tibetan medicine, is an ancient system that integrates Indian Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indigenous practices.
In Mongolian Medicine
- In the 12th century AD, Mongolians considered it a sacred food and called it “the emperor’s painstaking efforts” for medical treatment and food.
- Mongolian medicine blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan influences, and local herbal knowledge.
- Mongolian nomads have been using it to treat ailments such as frostbite, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Hence, Tibetan and Mongolian cultures see Seabuckthorn as a symbol of resilience and vitality, reflecting the plant’s ability to thrive in extreme environments. Today, more than 20 countries globally are promoting and utilizing its nutritional and medicinal properties. According to the WHO, it is one of the top ten raw materials for health products.
Medicinal Uses of Seabuckthorn
Balancing the Three Humors
- In Tibetan medicine, health is believed to be governed by the balance of three bodily energies: rLung (wind), mKhris-pa (bile), and Bad-kan (phlegm).
- Seabuckthorn is beneficial in pacifying imbalances in these humors, particularly those linked to digestive disorders and inflammation. It helps to alleviate cold and wind disorders, such as poor circulation and joint pain.
- Similarly, Mongolian practitioners use these products to harmonize bodily functions. It is especially effective in strengthening the liver and stomach, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation.
Treatment of Digestive Disorders
- Seabuckthorn berries are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids. They are used to treat digestive issues such as indigestion, gastritis, and ulcers.
- They are a rich source of omega-7 fatty acids that nourish and protect the stomach lining while their astringent properties help regulate bowel movements.
Skin and Wound Healing
- According to some studies, topically applying seabuckthorn may promote wound healing; particularly, its oil is beneficial.
- Tibetan physicians prescribe it for wounds, burns, and skin inflammation due to its regenerative and antimicrobial properties.
- Mongolian healers use this oil to treat frostbite and sunburn, as it repairs damaged skin and promotes cellular regeneration.
Utilization Of Seabuckthorn
- Dried berries or leaves are boiled to extract their medicinal properties for internal use.
- Cold-pressed seabuckthorn oil is applied topically for skin ailments or ingested to support digestive and cardiovascular health.
- Seabuckthorn is combined with other herbs to create pills addressing specific humoral imbalances.
- In Mongolian medicine, fermented seabuckthorn juice is a tonic to boost energy and stamina.
Research indicates that its bioactive compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerating properties. Since time immemorial, it has been a testament to the enduring power of natural medicine in fostering health and well-being.
