沙棘 Sha Ji / Hippophae Fructus / Swallow Thorn, Sea Buckthorn Fruit

Parts used: Dried ripe fruits

TCM category: Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

TCM nature: Warm

TCM taste(s): Sour

Organ affinity: Spleen Stomach Heart Lung

Scientific name: Hippophae rhamnoides

Dosage: 3 – 10 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Expels phlegm and stops coughing. Strengthens the Spleen and smooths digestion. Activates Blood circulation and eliminates Blood stasis.

Sea buckthorn is the fruit of a shrub, the name of which comes from the synthetic “horse”, which is the horse and “faes” which means glow. years ago. Both the fruit and the leaves of the sea buckthorn were used to treat many pathological conditions as well as as a source of energy and strength, both by humans and animals. Hence its name. According to historical data, in the time of Alexander the Great it was used as food for the army and as a fortifier for wounded people and animals.

What is sea buckthorn

It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae plant family and is a small deciduous shrub. It grows in mountainous areas, mainly in Europe and Asia and the height of the bush ranges from 1 to 4 meters. It is also called Sea Buckthorn, however, it is often found with its Latin name, Hippophae rhamnoides.

Full of vitamins

You will often hear that sea buckthorn is a superfood, and not by chance. Its nutritional value is very high, due to the more than 190 nutrients it contains. The nutritional composition of sea buckthorn varies depending on the part that has been cultivated, the altitude and the extraction process used. The 100gr. Dried fruits provide about 275 calories and contain carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Its rich composition in polyunsaturated fatty acids, is an element that makes sea buckthorn a special fruit, as it is a valuable source of omega 3,6 and 7 fatty acids (fatty acids). , alpha-linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid).According to studies, sea buckthorn fruit is an excellent source of fiber. It contains vitamins E and C (400-600mg / 100g dry weight), while the fruits contain B-complex vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin and folic acid.