Sea buckthorn, also known as Hippophae Rhamnoides, is a bright orange-red berry, directly handpicked from the valleys of Ladakh. This superfruit is enriched with several nutrient profiles and bioactives that enhance total wellness.
Sea buckthorn, being available in different products like pulp, berry oil, cosmetic products or food items (jam), is no doubt providing super health benefits. However, many have gone through minor or severe side effects due to a lack of knowledge on dosage, their health conditions or certain medications that may react.
If you are a starter to this natural supplement and want to know the common side effects of sea buckthorn usage, then this article is right for you. Let’s also understand its nutrient profile and smart tips for better use.
Nutritional Profile of Sea Buckthorn
When you present a product-specific analysis (berries, seed oil, pulp oil, leaves) of the nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic values of sea buckthorn, it is packed with vitamins A (carotenoids), C, and E, along with B-vitamins, phytosterols, organic acids, amino acids, and flavonoids.
The fruit of Sea buckthorn is enriched with Vitamin C (~998 mg/100g (some samples >3,000 mg/100g), Vitamin E (56–140 mg/kg in berries), fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants. The berries of sea buckthorn have 4–20× more phytosterols than soybean oil (e.g, β-sitosterol), making it a good choice for lowering blood cholesterol.
Due to its nutrient-dense profile, Sea buckthorn has many health benefits, making it an ideal choice for everyday routine. It is consumed in the form of pulp/juice, jam, snacks, or even applied on the body or cosmetics products as seed oil.
Despite having nutritional value and multiple health benefits, Sea buckthorn possesses some side effects that can trigger health situations if taken in an inappropriate manner.
Most Common Side Effects Associated With Sea Buckthorn
Generally, Sea buckthorn side effects are mild and uncommon, and provide many potential health benefits. However, common scenarios like overdosing, not taking under prescribed, suffering from other diseases, or going through pregnancy/breastfeeding, are likely to have common side effects. Here are some of the side effects that may occur with sea buckthorn products if not taken properly.
Headache
Usually, when you start taking sea buckthorn, it may give you a headache. This happens if you take more than as labelled in the product, or without prescriptions or expert advice. Also, patients with blood‑thinners or diabetes meds are more likely to get affected with headaches due to high intake of Vitamin C present in it.
Dizziness
In some people, sea buckthorn can lower blood pressure or affect blood‑sugar levels. This rapid drop in either can reduce blood flow to the brain for a moment, making you feel light‑headed. It may also be a sign of dehydration if you’re taking the juice and not drinking enough water.
Swelling
Some people develop a mild allergic or inflammatory response to flavonoids or other compounds in the berry. This can cause fluid to accumulate locally around the hands, feet, or face, leading to swelling and further discomfort or pain in the affected body parts.
Skin Allergy
Allergic reactions, such as skin rash or irritation when applied topically, are another side effect that may happen. Since everybody has different PH levels, the essential fatty acids (omega‑3, 6, 7, and 9) and vitamin C in Sea‑buckthorn may react or act as irritants for sensitive skin or in people with pollen‑related allergies.
Upset Stomach
Digestive issues like mild diarrhoea or stomach discomfort are likely to happen with sea buckthorn products (pulp/juice) if not taken properly. This happens because this fruit is high in fiber and natural acids, and a sudden increase in fiber can irritate the gut, while the acidity may provide discomfort to the sensitive stomach lining.
Lower Blood Pressure
In sea buckthorn, compounds like flavonoids and potassium have a mild vasodilatory effect, which can reduce blood pressure. This in turn can lower blood pressure and thus make you feel low, light-weighted and faint while suddenly standing up. It happens with people who usually take certain medications or lack of nutrients.
Blood Clotting
Another common but rare side effect that may happen with sea buckthorn is clotting of blood. This usually happens when you are taking blood-thinning medicines (e.g., Warfarin). As Sea‑buckthorn contains vitamin K and salicylate‑like compounds that can interfere with anticoagulants, too much intake can thin the blood, potentially increasing bleeding risk.
Medicines Reaction
Certain medications like warfarin, anti‑hypertensives, and anti‑diabetics can cause side effects when taken with sea buckthorn. This happens because sea buckthorn has vitamin K, salicylates, or other essential bioactive compounds that may react with these medicines and trigger health situations. Thus, check levels weekly if you’re on anti‑hypertensive or anti‑diabetic meds.
Smart Tips To Use Sea Buckthorn In Your Daily Routine
Sea buckthorn is a robust source of vitamins (A, B, C, E, and K), minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc), and omega fatty acids. Thus, by keeping its side effects aside, if you use this superfruit in a smart way in your daily routine, you obviously get most of the benefits.
Let’s see below some top tips to incorporate these useful supplements.
- Start with a small dose (1‑2 tsp) for the first 3 to 5 days and then gradually increase.
- Pair juice or powder with meals to reduce stomach irritation and improve absorption.
- Apply diluted oil on the forearm 24 h before regular topical use to rule out an allergy.
- Add a splash of juice to water or smoothies for a vitamin C kick and energy lift.
- Drink plenty of water (2‑3 L) to stay hydrated and fit.
- A late-night dose might cause a mild laxative effect; best taken before 6 PM.
- Always check with a doctor if you’re on prescription meds.
- Stop sea buckthorn use if you experience certain side effects as mentioned above.
Over To You- Take Most Of The Advantages Of Sea Buckthorn And Kick Off Side Effects With Proper Use
Most side effects are infrequent and mild, often disappearing once your body adjusts. When taking it for the first time, watch for patterns like any dizziness, swelling, or rash, and the time of day. If anything feels off and is on BP, diabetes, or blood‑thinners, pause and consult a health expert to avoid potential side effects. Also, for optimal usage, buy sea buckthorn online from WellWith, which delivers the purest, natural, and original sea buckthorn at your door.
Start low, go slow, and take most of the benefits of Sea Buckthorn!
FAQs
Can I take sea buckthorn before operations/surgery?
Generally, sea buckthorn is not suggested to be taken prior to 3 to 4 months before surgery. This is because during operations, bleeding is likely to occur, and its blood-thinning properties increase the chances of bleeding. So, you should stop to recover fast.
What consequences can happen if a breastfeeding mom takes sea buckthorn?
No, sea buckthorn is not good for breastfeeding moms. Its strong vitamin A activity and potential uterine‑stimulating effect can newborns, possible give an allergic reaction or lower blood sugar.
Is sea buckthorn safe for the elderly group?
Sea buckthorn is safe for the elderly if taken in the right manner. But age‑related changes (reduced kidney function, slower metabolism) and common meds like blood thinners, antihypertensives, or diabetes drugs can increase interaction risk, thus suggesting starting low.
What side effects can happen to kids from taking sea buckthorn?
The common side effects that can happen to kids from taking sea buckthorn are as follows-
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Gut upset
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Allergic reactions
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Vitamin A access
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Blood-sugar drop, etc.
When should I take healthcare professional help?
Generally, sea buckthorn is safe when taken properly; however, when you experience side effects like persistent severe headache, vision changes, abdominal cramps, dizziness, etc, it is time to consult a healthcare professional.
Can asthma patients take sea buckthorn?
Yes, sea buckthorn is safe for asthmatic people when taken in moderation. However, overdosing or taking without prescriptions can trigger an asthmatic attack due to its high Vitamin C and other cold ingredients present in it.
