Sea Buckthorn helps weight loss? Could it be? If you watched the Dr. Oz show, on June 2 2011, like I did, you certainly walked away thinking there was something to this. In short, Dr Oz shows a picture of 2 mice – one fat mouse and one skinny mouse. Both he said ate the same food except that the skinny mouse was also given the sea buckthorn. The mice looked dramatically different. After that, I went online to do some research on this stuff. Unfortunately many of of the people who praise sea buckthorn also seems to be selling it too – and none of them list any weight loss research. So, I decided to dig a little further to help you try to make sense of this.
Types of Buckthorn
There is more than one type of Buckthorn. You need to know this if you go to the health food store looking for this supplement. The types are:
- Alder Buckthorn (also called Frangula alnus or Rhamnus frangula)
- Buckthron (also called Cascara or Frangula purshiana or Rhamnus purshiana)
- European Buckthorn (also called Rhamnus cathartica)
- Sea Buckthorn (also called Hippophae rhamnoides). Some people write it as “C. Buckthorn” but it’s really sea buckthorn.
Alder Buckthron, Cascara and European Buckthorn are typically used as laxatives. They may also be dangerous if used long term and can interfere with some medications, so do not confuse these with sea buckthorn.
Although sea buckthorn doesn’t seem to be specifically listed as having laxative properties, after watching the Dr. Oz Show demonstration where food treated with sea buckthorn oil effortlessly slid down a glass tube, I wonder if it might also act as a laxative?
Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamin C (processing may reduce levels) and phytonutrients. As such it has antioxidant properties. This is probably why it may be found in some anti aging cosmetics.
Sea Buckthorn and weight loss
That mouse picture that Dr Oz showed on TV was pretty dramatic. Dr. Oz unfortunately didn’t say where the study that found this weight loss effect was published. That said, I may – or may not – have found it.
A study was published in 2011 in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agraculture and was titled Hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects of total flavonoids from seed residues of Hippophae rhamnoides L. in mice fed a high-fat diet.
In this study mice were fed a high fat diet for 4 weeks to raise their cholesterol levels. The mice were then given different amounts of sea buckthorn and simvastatin (a cholesterol lowering drug) while still eating the high fat diet.
Mice getting the sea buckthorn had lower body weights and reduced fat at the end of the study. Cholesterol levels were also reduced.
Now, I must say that I could only read the summary of this study (I wasn’t going to pay to read the whole thing if I wasn’t sure if this was THE study). Since I could not read the whole study I still have several questions.
I was also able to locate something that might be considered Sea Buckthorn weight loss research. This study, published in 2011 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition recruited 110 overweight women (80 completed the study). The women were given diets that contained either Bilberries, Sea Buckthorn, Sea Buckthorn phenolic extract, or Sea Buckthorn oil.
Researchers noted that both bilberries and sea buckthorn caused a statistically significant reduction in waist circumference. Bilberries appeared to reduce waist circumference more than sea buckthorn (1.2 cm vs. 0.008 cm respectively). That’s not a lot but it’s something I guess.
As far as I can tell, this seems to be the only human sea buckthorn weight loss study out there so far.
Dr. Oz recommended that a supplement that contained 500 mg of sea buckthorn oil would help people lose weight. But, where did he get this recommendation from? If anyone knows, let me know. I’m really curious.
Sea Buckthorn side effects
In healthy people, sea buckthorn seems safe to use. Sea buckthorn does appear to have a blood thinning effect and may interact with blood thinner medications (why didn’t Dr Oz mention this?) so people who are not “healthy” should speak with their doctor first.
Despite the glowing recommendation by Dr Oz, I can only find one one human study, which for weight loss, I feel was pretty pathetic, and a mouse study. As I learn of more about sea buckthorn research I will update this review. As it stands now, I’m not sure how much it might work, or if it works at all.
What do you think?
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In one of the studies you mentioned, why would they give the mice both sea buckthorn and simvastatin? How would they know how much of the result each one caused individually.
Sofia, good question and I asked myself the same thing. Since I couldn’t read the whole study I’m not sure why they would do such a thing or any of the real specifics of the study.
I am so glad I found this article! I saw the episode as well and was wondering why I had never heard about it before. Thanks for doing all that research. I wish there was an easy way to weight loss but I guess I’ll just have to keep eating well and exercising!
Leah, glad I could help you. I was really surprised at the lack of good research considering how great Dr Oz said it was. I’m going to be keeping my eye out for this stuff and will update my review if I learn anything new so check back for updates.
Thanks for the article, Joe. You did the leg-work for me. I would have thought there would have been more research as well, because if Dr. Oz is going to put it out there, you know everyone will be jumping on its bandwagon.
I was forced to watch the Dr. Oz segment about the mice by my wife who swears by the good doctor. I can find nothing that substantiates that study nor any mention of weight loss in relation to seabuckthorn oil on any credible website. Thanks for your help and work.
I have always considered Dr. Oz in the same light as Oprah and the other hucksters on TV. My feelings have not changed.
ps. I ordered the oil in capsule form and it is not inexpensive. Thanks Dr. Oz.
William and Stephanie thanks for chiming in and I’m happy I could help. William, it’s only recently I’ve become aware of Dr. Oz talking about supplements that, for me, had little proof.
For example in my review of Coleus Forskohlii for weight loss – Here is the link http://supplement-geek.com/coleus-forskohlii-forskolin-weight-loss/ – Dr Oz consults a “metabolic expert” who said the supplement raises metabolism. No study shows it does this. The metabolic expert I found out is a personal trainer who as far as I could tell has no scientific training. You can see her saying this on Youtube.
Stephanie, Ill be watching Dr. Oz more now because like you said, you’d think stuff he talks about should have some basis in scientific facts.
I saw that episode of Dr. Oz. I had never heard of it before but I believe he has featured it some time ago previously. Anyhoo, I did some research and saw tons of comments on amazon.com from people who have used it. They all seem to relate to the skin benefits none mentioned weight loss. But since I do have occasion problems with my skin, I decided to try it. If it helps with my skin issues and perhaps melt some fat in the process, I say Win Win.
Natasha, thanks for letting me know about Amazon. If you lose weight with it, Id apprecaite you letting me know.
I saw the show too, twice ! However, Dr OZ did not say that a human, would lose weight. He said it “may prove” to help with weight loss. It seemed clear to me that it had not yet been tested.
I was also shocked by the mice and was glad to see that you found the study. I also am wondering about the simvastatin as well as how much SB would a human need, to equal the amount given to a mouse?
I also read the the Amazon post and it seems like a good thing to try. Not only did they rave about their skin but some claimed to breath better, and even help with stomach problems. (One person claimed it curbed their hunger, I have my doubts.) It seems to have a lot of anti-inflammatory (sp?) properties, so I am going to check it out. I’ll let you know what I think.
I’ll have to check out the Amazon comments. My only concern when it comes to supplements on Amazon is that some people may sell the product they are raving about. Sea buckthorn does have antioxidant properties and it may reduce inflammation so that’s good. I doubt if it reduces hunger but by all means do let me know what happens when you try it
I was very interested in Sea Buckhorn after watching the Dr. Oz Show. I started looking online to see what info I could find out about it. I found your article. I also found a lot of people selling it. It can be very confusing.
My question is …How should it be taken to get the best benefit from it? (I cannot swallow big caplets so I would have to do some form of liquid.) Is it better to take it as oil or as juice? And how much of it a day? I am still looking online to get as much info about Sea Buckhorn before I take the plunge and try it. Any suggestions would be a great help.
Heidi, I dont think it matters. I dont think the evidence is strong enough to recommend any type of seabuckthorn over another. I think whatever type you try, if it works you should notice a weight loss effect in about 2-3 weeks. I dont see any reason for sticking with it longer than this if its not working by then. If you do get the capsules you can always break them open and put them in a smoothie to kill the taste if it tastes bad.
Joe – thanks for digging in to this sea buckthorn research more for us. Cuz – just like you and the other posters here – I saw that Dr. Oz episode, and immediately added SB to my Whole Foods shopping list. Then, I literally raced to my computer to google SB right then and there. That’s how I stumbled across your site.
My first question reading your findings was exactly the same as others: why potentially skew the results by giving those mice simvastatin – the anti-cholesterol drug?! How are we to know what actually lead to the dramatic weight difference (SB or the drug) until/unless there is yet another test done without the drug? Would the mice have died of high cholesterol way sooner if not for the drug? We simply don’t know.
Also, what if the miracle weight loss properties of SB are no more than its being a laxative? Again, irresponsible to promote something that could become habit-forming as well as interact with other medications and supplements a person takes. Yeah, exercise and healthy eating are the only “silver bullet” for life-long weight maintenance. I wish it could be easier.
I watch Dr. Oz’s show religiously, and respect the man (and love his enthusiasm!) but quite frankly, I feel I’ve been “burned” on more than one occasion by his advice or recommendation!
In particular, taking supplements or vitamins is NOT to be done lightly! Too much Vitamin C leaves me with mouth sores; fish oil does not agree with me; bromelain may be an anti-inflammatory, but when I took it to diminish a total body rash last summer, it did squat diddly. Ditto Arnica. Highly recommended, seems to work for many, but I find ZERO benefit to taking that prior to surgery.
I will always keep an open mind to things suggested in the area of good health. But I will also keep my eyes open and surf the ‘net to find sites like this that help put things in perspective before I dash out and spend cold, hard cash.
Mumtaz, thanks for taking the time to write and Im happy you found me. I also apprecaite Dr. Oz’s enthusiasm and like to keep an open mind when it comes to supplements, but like you said, supplements should not be taken lightly, esp for those with health issues.
Thanks for the analysis! I believe in eating vegetables and fruits, exercising, and taking supplements. It’s always good to learn a bit more about other alternatives, although I agree with you that information from those selling the products is suspect. Thanks again.
Joe good job on the research- Dr. Oz mentioned that you could purchase what he showed as a 12oz or larger bottle for $5 but nowhere so far have I found any such deals. And you are right the sellers are tooting their own horn on this and using Dr. OZ comments and even twisting it to sound like it was guaranteed to work. Nowhere on Dr. Oz site can I see any comment or data on this topic apart from his TV show. There are links on his page to ads selling the products, so the fact that he allowed the links means he must be getting kickbacks or some form of compensation. I hope to find some folks who may have tried it for weight loss and posted any feedback, until then “its buyer beware”
George thanks for the feedback and I also never found the $5 sea buckthron either.
I also saw the Dr. Oz episode on Sea Buckthorn. I have been trying to research it on the internet and came across the same study you posted, about 3 mins. before I found your site. I was hoping to get a bit more info. and with all the hoopla that Dr. Oz has created since that episode aired (yes, it seems Sea Buckthorn Oil is flying off the shelves per a store I went to), maybe Dr. Oz will do a follow-up episode.
I did run out to a vitamin / supplement shop and purchased a brand of Sea Buckthorn Oil caplets. I have been taking them for 1 week now. I am not looking for a miracle weight loss drug. I lost 50 lbs. the old fashion way with weight training 3-4 days a week and eating a low fat diet (25 grams of fat or less a day), I have been doing this since Jan. 2010. I still need to shed about 15 more lbs. and just not getting there. Hoping Sea Buckthorn will help it move along. Although I haven’t weighed myself so I cannot attest to it’s weight loss claims, I did notice that it does make your bowel movements regular and with ease, LOL! So, that part of Dr. Oz’s episode is true. I have saved this site to my favorites and will check in to see if anyone has new developments. If I find any additional info., I will report back. Thanks for doing a post on this subject!
Katie, thanks for letting me know about the laxative effect of sea buckthorn and I will update this post as I find new info on this stuff.
I’ve been taking the Seabuckthorn for 2 weeks now and I haven’t noticed any “laxative” effect what so ever as Kathie mentioned. Perhaps everyone’s system is different. I have lost 2 pounds but I can’t contribute it to Seabuckthorn or something else I’ve been doing. My skin, however, is looking fabulous.
Natasha, thats interesting about sea buckthorn helping your skin and that you have not seen any laxative effect. How much were you taking?
Joe, I’m only taking 2 gel caps once a day which I think is 1000 mg. The instructions on the bottle suggest taking 2-4 soft gels 3 times a day before meals. That seems a bit much for something I’m just starting to take. I don’t want to shock my system so I usually ease into taking new supplements.
Maybe that’s why I don’t see the laxative effect. Maybe taking it as the bottle suggest is too harsh on the body. Dr. Oz only suggested taking 1 pill a day so taking upwards of 6 to 12 as the bottle suggests seems like far too much to me and will make the bottle not last even a month and these aren’t cheap.
I can’t see taking 6 – 12 pills of anything every day. I’m not a pill person. I may up it to 2 pills at lunch and 2 at dinner but so far I feel comfortable with just the 2 pills a day period right before lunch. I’m also using the Aubrey facial wash with Seabuckthorn and facial toner that has seabuckthorn so maybe that has something to do with my improved skin as well along with other things I’m doing, like using coconut oil as a moisturizer.
Natasha, thanks for letting me know and I agree, when I take a supplement I always start out with less than what is recommended, just to see how I’m reacting.
The bottle probably says take more because they want you to run out of it faster
I am taking 2 gel capsules in the morning with breakfast. The listing on the box states it is 900 mg. I am not sure where Dr. Oz got his recommendation of 500 mg. daily.
Thanks Katie. Im not sure where he got that 500 mg recommendation either. Ive been looking.
Here is the thing on the Dr. Oz show if you listen to what he says in the beginning of this episode he said it may help with weight loss. He never said it did. So I really do not think he was telling everyone to go out and buy this just to lose weight. He was just saying it may help with weight loss. If your looking to lose weight a good diet and exercise is the key!
Jennifer, thanks for chiming in and your very right, he doesn’t say it will work, rather that it may work. I the issue with that is that he is “Dr. Oz” and people will unconsciously think “may work” really means “does work”.
Dr. Oz knows that the peddlers of do nothing or do little products watch what he says like a hawk and when he mentions their stuff they on TV, websites go up all over the place proclaiming “Dr Oz recommends” or “As seen on the Dr. Oz Show”. I know he’s taken legal action against some Acai berry companies for this very reason.
I know he really wants to help people and I like his show too. I just wish there was a better way to discuss supplements on his show so that people got both points of view.
I really like Dr Oz but his weight loss advice leaves a lot to be desired. He seems to be jumping on every band wagon going well except for a healthy Atkins lifestyle!
If a supplement really did what it said would anyone be fat? Really I think it is just another rip off.
I have some swamp land in Florida for sale. It will make your skin glow like a teenager and magically reduce fat without any life style change. PS it’s cheap just 5.00 a month. Sorry I couldn’t resist!
… and thanks for the article!
He never said it would work on humans.
Hi Joe, did you try contacting Dr. Oz’s staff to see if they could clarify any of these concerns? Just wondered if they/he would be willing to help.
Laura, I did not contact the Dr. Oz Show. it is a thought though. I figured that it would be hard to get a hold of the right people at a TV show.
After looking at the research I also could not see how they would have had access to anything else that I could not locate for myself.
It’s a good idea though Laura and I may just try to contact them and see what I can find.
I purchased a bottle of organic sea buckthorn oil, but do not know if it is seed or fruit oil. I understand from my research each has its own benefits. I have been using this on my 49 year old skin for over a week and have seen basically the same results as any other quality face oil, but it is too soon to expect miracles. The oil does stain clothes orange. That said, my 15 y.o. son had been using it on this chronic chin and forehead acne. Here I can say the results have been dramatic compared to standard products. His white heads are gone and the redness and inflammation has greatly diminished.
Thanks, Joe. I am skeptical of EVERYTHING Dr. OZ says after watching his Diabetes show on Oprah. While everything on that show (all the complications, and overweight people) were a result of TYPE 2 diabetes, he and Oprah showed a women who poorly controlled her Type 1-insulin dependent diabetes (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes) in the hospital with amputations due to her diabetes.
They never told the audience the difference between the two diseases and that TYPE 1 cannot be controlled with diet and exercise.
Much of what he said on that show was inaccurate and extremely misleading. He is all about sensationalizing. As we all know, diet and exercise are the only things that bring weight-loss results.
However, I’m sure some of the factual, known-researched, good qualities of Sea Buckthorn are beneficial to us. Thank you for taking the time to do the research and give us the real deal!!!
Sarah, thanks for your words. I missed the Oprah diabetes episode. I usually make it a point to tell people with type II diabetes that it can be “cured”. I’ve written a couple of things on this at my personal site
http://www.joe-cannon.com/home/wp/natural-cure-for-diabetes/
and
http://www.joe-cannon.com/home/wp/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/
This is such an awesome read! Thanks for sharing your findings and to those who made comments. Very informative. I’ve watched Dr. Oz in the past; and have noticed a similar trend between Dr. Oz and “The Drs Show”; as far as carefully using the words “may help” or “could help”. Nothing definite but I guess it’s worth a little research as is any other mainstream weight loss supplement that requires you to do nothing and keep the same lifestyle and eating habits; yet reassures weight loss by just popping a pill.
Sarah, thanks Im glad you enjoyed my review
DR. OZ is a huckster just like the rest…OPRAH. He should stick to being a cardiac surgeon. He makes it all seem like it’s magical lotions and potions.
So glad I found your site Joe, looks like honest information for a change. I followed up on the research you uncovered on the mouse study and found the full text of that study here:
http://acaiberrysite.com/journal-of-science-pub-of-seabuckthorn-mouse-study/
It seems there were 5 groups of mice. A control group, one fed simvastatin, and 3 groups that were giving different levels of seabuckthorn seed oil.
I’ll let you and others draw their own conclusions on how effective it may be for weight loss.
Bryan thanks for finding that study
Can someone make sense of that study for me. From what I can tell, it seemed to really help in the reduction of liver fat and cholesterol??? It said something about helping to prevent visceral obesity (not sure if I spelled that correctly).
Hi Amy, Im guessing you are asking about the mouse study where the mice were also given the cholesterol lowering drug. What I take away from this study was that
1. it was a mouse study. Its sometimes hard to say what happens in a mouse is the same as what would happen in you
2. As far as I can tell this is the only study to find a reduction in liver fat accumulation. As such I personally would like to see a couple of other studies (preferably in people) that find the same thing
What I take away from all of this is, if you are healthy, I dont think this stuff will hurt you (not so healthy, its hard to say…). if you try it, get your blood cholesterol etc checked before you start taking it and get it rechecked in a month or so and see how things compare. I’m really looking forward to other studies on this stuff but right now that might be your best option. If you do this, please do let me know about what happens!
yes you did spell visceral obesity correctly – I always need spell check when I spell visceral
Joe, I have been interested in sea buckthorn mostly for it’s laxative effect. I have tried everything from miralax to dieter’s teas. Nothing seems to keep me regular…without cramping and I’m tried of always being bloated and uncomfortable. Maybe this will be the magic bullet? It has been difficult to find, and was backordered, but I finally got it in the mail today! Hopefully it will work, and if I can lose a pound or two…BONUS!
I will update after a few weeks.
Great article. Thanks for doing the research.
LG thanks and I hope it helps and do let me know!
Hi Joe, well i also watched to Dr. Oz show on this ad decided to try it. Me and my son both used it. My son always broke out with white heads on his face and no matter how much he washed his face he still broke out.
About two days after starting sea buckthorn oil his face started clearing up, he was so happy about that. He said that he had more energy as well. As for me, I did notice that food just didn’t taste as good and I didn’t want as much to eat. I also have really bad knees, they didn’t seem to hurt as much.
But now we have been out for about three weeks and my sons face is breaking out again and food is tasting to good again. Cant seem to find any sea buckthorn oil in the stores at all and there is a two to three week back order on it. just letting you know that it seem to work for us.
Alicia, thanks for the update. its interesting about the sea buckthorn helping acne. I was never able to find anything on it but as long as it helps that’s a good thing. Did you try vitamin shoppe and amazon? You may have luck there.
Very interesting article and posts. I would like to know whether sea buckthorn is helpful in changing the size of the LDL particles in our blood. Apparently this measure, LDLP (for particle size, I presume), is emerging as a better predictor of heart disease than just the standard HDL/LDL numbers.
Noelle, thanks for the compliment and you ask a very interesting question. Yes the LDL particle size is something that some cardiologists will look at. Smaller LDL are “more bad” than larger LDL.
While I have not seen any research that sea buckthorn changes LDL particle size some research hints that fish oil supplements do change the size. Thats what I would go with until somebody does a study on sea buckthorn and LDL particle size. Great question!!
Hi
Sea Buckthorn contains Omega 7 oil…like a similar product Chia they are high in Omega’s. It is used to mainly for skin but it also is comprised of both palmitoleic and cis-vaccenic acids and has been used in the ancient tradition for centuries to promote skin, urogenital and digestive health.
So it acts as an emollient within your digestive tract soothing and moisturizing internal organs and helping regenerate tissue. I have been practicing alternative medicine for over 25 years. Some things are taken out of context. Usually with these things side effects are great skin, healthy bowel movements and weight loss. But that is not the specific purpose of them.
Hope this helps.
Kate thanks for your comments. how long do you think it would take before people noticed better skin with sea buckthorn?
It would depend on what type you are using…oil, supplement or topical lotion. Lotion for skin may take a month or so. Supplementing for say rosacea may take 3 to 4 weeks to notice redness diminishing but if you are taking it for internal health benefits like omega 3 and 6. I would say within a week or two. Supplementing with it may have some immediate effects to your digestive system ….like more bowel movements and cleansing properties…which in turn may give folks a lighter feeling immediately. How it effects the scale is a personal thing.
Mumtaz, Joe.
I am currently researching an article on sea buckthorn. I will let you know if I come across any additional scientific studies. I am curious about the use of simvastatin in the study you referenced. It might have been used as a comparison to sea buckthorn because simvastatin has known properties for reducing cholesterol and triglicerides. I will post more if I can get into the article through my database, and will let you know of their objective in using the pharmaceutical in the study.
Taune, thanks Id appreciate you letting me know what you turned up
Joe,
I have been taking Omega-7 by Seabuck Wonders for 3 weeks today. I take 2 when I wake up and 2 at dinner. I lost six pounds in 3 days and then, nothing.
It probably was temporary water loss cause I have 4 pounds of it back. but, I have not dieted at all. I eat pizza, chips, icecream and anything I want and I have not gained. That surprised me!
Today I am going to start to diet, and still take my pills and see what happens. Also, I have the worse I.B.S. of anyone I know. I lived on laxatives, prescription laxative powders, and colon cleanses ever since they took zelnorm off the market.
I have gone 18 days without a bowel movement before! I now only need the Seabuck Wonder. It didn’t work right away and I only go every other day right now, but it is fine for me. I also received more of my product yesterday, which I had also ordered the body lotion.
Last night I put a dab of it on my right arm to see what the lotion was like. I did like the fact that it soaked in and wasn’t greasy. This morning I was surprised that I could feel the difference from the skin on my right arm compared to the left. I also want to tell you about my experience in purchasing the products. I first ordered from the web site, 4 All Vitamins, because it was the least expensive. I waited almost 3 weeks and had to finally file a complaint with PayPal and I did receive my money back.
I ordered from another web site, Tao of Herbs, and I was shocked because I received my order the next day! I looked to write a review for them but I couldn’t find anywhere you could. Thank you for your web site because nothing gets sugar coated.
Sandy thanks for taking the time to write and for the “nothing gets sugar coated” comment. Very appropriate
Hi Again Joe,
I was only able to read synopses of the article on Buckthorn, but based on what I read, they did not do a comparative study between buckthorn and simvastatin, which leads be to continue wondering about their motivation in utilizing a known cholesterol reducing pharma along with the sea buckthorn. This research did originate in China, which grows 90% of the farmed sea buckthorn in the world though, so I am wondering if this research was sponsored by a grower. Sponsorship of the research, as you know, can make far too much difference in the outcome of a research project, especially if the scientists are part of the staff of the manufacturer. I emphasize that I don’t know if this is the case, but I do question their reasons for using simvastatin, and the answers are definitely not “out there” in plain site in the abstract for their piece. This tends to make me rather skeptical.
Taune, thanks for confirming my skepticism. I was also perplexed why they didn’t state the reasons for using simvastatin in the abstract of the study.
Even though I usually put a lot of weight on published research, we know all published studies are not of equal quality nor are the journals they are published in. This study just proves that.
Thanks about the heads up about most sea buckthorn coming from china. I thought it might be given the research I saw but had no confirmation – until now.
Thanks for all the great information. I have a question for those of you who got great results with acne….did you take the sea buckthorne internally or topically? Thanks…
I am not sure about weightloss but I do know that what I have found out in my research is if you do take seabuckhorn drink lost of water. I found that it might cause damage to kidneys not sure how reliable the information is though.
Also there was a recall on a brand of seabuckhorn by the FDA it was just on one brand. Other then that I found that people who have acid reflex, chroms and most intestinal issues do benefit for seabuckthorn due the the omega 7′ in it. Also and I know for a fact that it does help with skin.
If you have extremely dry skin it will help and that is due to the omega’s. I have been taking it for a 4 weeks and my skin with in 3 days showed great improvement. Some of what. found said that seabuckthorn helps repair the sensitive tissues which makes since why it would help with intestinal issues/ skin prob’s.
Now when you are buying any product like this I would recommend going to a healthfood store and talking to someone who know what they are talking about if you can find someone.
I would not buy pills unless they are gel because the oils of the seabuckhtorn are the most important.
When it come to anything like having a health prob or wanting to lose weight there is no pill that will fix it. You have to work on it pill may only help not solve. I have had intestinal issues and weight issues and I can say the best thing anyone has ever told me is there is not quick fix there is only a life style. Hope I was able to help anyone today.
I just read about the person who has ibs/ constipation I would suggest getting off all laxatives they are very harmful to you. Try taking aloe vera juice without citric acid if you can. Take it everyday also eat greek yogurt with acidophilus in it plain, if you can get you acidophilus milk. I also have extremely bad constipation and have done hours of research this should help you. When it comes to diet stay away from high fructose corn surp/corn surp cut back to sugars and no sodas. Sorry about the spellin hope I was some help.
Joe,
Here’s my update since starting Sea Buckthorn:
The first few weeks were awful. I was taking 2 capsules every day at lunch time. I normally don’t have acne, but my face broke out to the point where it was noticeable. I stopped taking laxatives and teas, hoping the sea buckthorn would work…but I felt worse.
More bloated and constipated than ever. I had to supplement with dieter’s tea, and was about to give up after 2 weeks, but wanted to give it another chance. I started taking 4 capsules at lunch time. After a few days, my skin started looking a little better (but I had also been in the sun and was more tanned) and I didn’t have to used the tea as much.
Sometimes I take another 2 before bed, which seems to work better, however, It’s starting to get a little expensive. 8 per day would probably be optimal, but that’s just about a 1 week supply for $25. It’s been 1 month and I also have NOT lost any weight. I only have 10 lbs to lose, so I didn’t expect to lose much, if any.
I may continue to take sea buckthorn, but I won’t take more than 4 per day, maybe even go down to 2. I will update again if there are any changes.
I just read Carol’s post and will try the Aloe Vera juice. I already take pro-biotics and eat Activia yogurt every day.
I hate my digestive system!
LG thanks for the update. I agree 8 per day is too much and it gets expensive after a while.
Remember to use a sunscreen when you go outside
well, i was working out a lot and not seeing results. so i got some sibu brand sbt pills, and within a week started losing inches. in 2 weeks i was fitting into clothes i couldn’t fit into for a year! I would love to know how sbt works, but for now i know, IT WORKS!!!
i gave my uncle a bottle of sbt pills, he’s had a keg belly for over 10 years, he’s a truck driver and doesn’t eat healthy or exercise. after one month of taking sbt, he can no longer use his gut to hold up the clipboard to write out his paperwork lol!
now i’m taking single source pills directly from seabuckthorn.com, and so is my husband, my mom, her bf, and i’m about to order a few cases because everyone that sees how it’s working for us wants a bottle too!
so far the only bad side effect i’ve experienced is some intestinal cramping if i eat very greasy fatty food, but i should stay away from that anyway, so i see it as a benefit
personally, i’m in love with sea buckthorn oil and i excitedly await more studies and scientific research into this wonderful fruit!
ps, my hair also has more volume and shine, and my skin glows! even my friends say i sound like a walking advertisement, but id feel guilty not sharing sbt with the world!!
Sil, it sounds like SBT is working in you like a laxative. Are your bathroom trips more frequent? With all the SBT products on the market, why did you decide to use the sibu brand?
My mother in law started taking seabuckthorn seed oil about 2 months ago and has lost 16 pounds. Her Cholesterol is down like almost 50 points. I am starting my SB today. It works so well for her, she has all the energy in the world, you wouldn’t think she was a 70 year old woman. She takes the seed oil in oil form, but I am going to be using the softgels because the oil form tastes so bad. lol. But for her it really and truly works. I will post my results in about 2 months if this site is still up and running.
Thanks for letting me know Susie and do let me know what brand you use. Yes this site will still be up and running. I’m not going anywhere
I also heard about sea buckthorn on the Dr. Oz show, and at first, I was a bit hesitant in purchasing it. I had heard about the benefits of the omega oils (increased heart health, digestive benefits, etc.), and wondered, what harm could it do? And then I thought, and it could possibly keep my body from absorbing excess and harmful fats?
So, I bought it in person from GNC, and began taking it on Aug 16th. I have been using the Sibu brand of sea buckthorn oil like Sil, and I have noticed some significant improvements since I’ve been taking it!
I live a very stressful life, and for the past couple of months I have been having issues with acid over production (due to the stress, I think). Since I’ve been taking the sb oil, I haven’t had any problems with that unless I wait until the evening to take it.
My BM’s are comfortable and smooth no matter what I eat. Not in a laxative-like way, but it sort of gives the same type of feeling as when you eat a high fiber diet, which I would over do just to get the same results. There’s no cramping or gas, or change in frequency or anything like that.
I have not noticed any skin or hair benefits yet, mostly because I was already on a skin regimen, so those results are from the topical products I use since it was helping before I bought the sb oil.
One thing I do notice is that it helps me power through incredibly long days that I normally would not have been able to do. And If I wait late to take it, I can always tell because I start to get tired around 3-ish. Since I’ve been taking it, I’m able to get through the last 9 hours of my day. (I know it sounds crazy, but I told you I had a stressful life!)
So I try to remember to take it during breakfast when I take my multivitamin (which I was also taking before I began the sb oil). I don’t know if I’ve lost any weight (because I don’t have time to think about weighing myself), but I have noticed a change in my body composition- it’s starting to look different, and my clothes are feeling loose, particularly around my hips and midsection, so that’s exciting.
I’m supposed to be doing Weight Watchers right now, (on my 5th week, supposedly- it’s hard to keep up with tracking points sometimes), but I’m failing at that because I have time to exercise maybe once a week, and I NEVER stay within my points range.
I’ve had a sweet tooth that I haven’t been able to shake for about 3-4 weeks, so I’ve been eating Culver’s custard and Haagen Dazs ice cream which I know are both REALLY fatty. I’m shocked that I haven’t gained any weight! I will continue taking it and try and come back to update you guys with the progress.
And just some information just in case you guys want to know, I’m 27, and I take 2 capsules a day with food. They’re small for those who don’t like to take pills, and when they dissolve, I can always smell the scent of the oil, and it smells good.
It seems that sea buckthorn is working in some way for everyone…except me. I have decided to stop taking it since I have not noticed anything beneficial. Good luck to those who wish to try it and I’m happy for everyone it has worked for. It’s just not for me.
LG were you using the same type of sea buckthorn as the others who said it worked for them? Im trying to get a handle on this stuff myself so that’s why I ask.
I was taking the Sibu brand from TNVitamins, the same as from GNC. I have seen the Single Source Capsules, but they’re $70 for 90 1000 mg caps. I would be willing to try, but it’s kind of expensive to try if the others didn’t work. I’m still contemplating.
LG that’s interesting since the Sibu brand was highlighted by others as the stuff that works. I agree $70 is a lot to spend on something if there is no guarantee. I wouldn’t do it unless it had a 100% money back guarantee.
I’ve been researching a skin condition that I have lived with my entire life, keratosis pilaris. I can’t begin to explain how aggravating and embarrassing it is, so I am desperate to find a solution. I have bumps all over the outside of my upper arms and on my face at my jaw line. Dr’s claim that it is supposed to get better with age, but in my case it’s only gotten worse, MUCH WORSE.
In my internet research, I’ve found a few people claiming that SB has helped them get rid of kp. They did specify that it was the seed oil that helped, as it is supposed to benefit skin and hair. The berry oil has been reported to have internal benefits. Maybe this is why most of the people who have left feedback have had varying results? Maybe they haven’t been using the proper type for their condition?
From my findings it seems that if you’re looking for weight loss, laxative effect, try the berry oil and for skin benefits, try the seed oil. I have yet to try it, but I found this site and figured I would chime in with my findings. I’ll be heading to my local Whole Foods to pick up some seed oil and get started with it…I’ll be sure to post an update when I’ve been taking it for a couple of weeks.
Thanks Joe for getting this started and thanks everyone for your input!
Crystal, thanks for your words and yes Do keep me posted if sea buckthorn helps keratosis pilaris. While I can only imagine how aggravating your condition must be for you, dont let anybody make you feel embarrassed. We are all different on the outside but its whats on the inside that really counts.
Thank you for your kind words! Fortunately, I can count on one hand the people in my lifetime that have said anything about it…I am my own worst critic! I will be sure to keep you posted.
I believe most people are basically good so Im glad of that Crystal. I’ll look forward to hearing about your experiment and keeping my fingers crossed
Having done a little more research, the Sibu formula contains 900 mg of the fruit (720) and seed oil (180) blend in 2 capsules. The SBT Single Source brand is 1000 mg of the blend in 1 capsule. I couldn’t find the ratio, but I may try it since more was better for me. Thanks for your input Crystal, I hope it works for you!
Thanks for critiquing the SB scientific research. Here’s another study from Korea: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21723364 (You may be able to contact the authors directly for a copy of their manuscript.)
Given the paucity of scientific data about SB oil, Dr. Oz’s dramatic presentation of the obese and normal mice was borderline unethical when he inferred a possible benefit for human obesity. We have to remember that the metabolic rates of most (non-hibernating) rodents is much higher than for larger mammals, including humans.
This is one of the best reasons for initially testing the effects of drugs (or alternative treatments like SB oil)–any effect often is seen to occur rapidly. Rodent results can then be used to structure testing in other animals or humans but, given all the physiological differences between species, the human results may not be the same.
However, for the folks who have seen a beneficial effect of using SB–you have made some kind of lifestyle change so I say keep up whatever you are doing. I, too, would love to find a magic pill to stave off hunger, the detrimental effects of a bad diet, or for losing a few pounds now and then. But the only thing that has worked consistently for me is exercise coupled with a low fat, low glycemic index diet.
JC thanks for sending the study on sea buckthorn leaf – until now is only been about the oil. Based on that study, sea buckthorn leaf supplements can’t be far behind. You also make a good point about the metabolic rate of smaller animals vs larger ones too. Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
here’s a site with a lot of infos about SEA BUCKTHORN.
I’m from Quebec, Canada. I ordered the gel pills and the juice.
I want to try this product and see for myself if it’s good or not.
drugs.com/npp/sea-buckthorn.html
Well, just short of a month taking SB supplements and using SB soap and body oil. As far as the supplements and weight loss, It DOES NOT help you lose weight! As far as my skin, it looks a million times better! My KP is almost gone and I don’t feel so bad about wearing sleeveless tops / dresses. As an added benefit, my nails are also stronger. SB for skin, hair and nails? A resounding YES!! For weight loss? A big fat NO! (no pun intended of course!)
Thanks for the update Crystal. Where did you get your SB soap and oil?
I purchased the body oil from Whole Foods (Weleda brand), and considering how little I have to use at a time, it was a rather decent price, $16.99. The bottle is probably 3.4 oz. if I remember correctly.
You can also find the same oil online, but actually for a couple dollars more. The best application is after a shower. As far as the soap, Whole Foods was very limited in it’s SB products, so I found a fantastic shop on Etsy.com (similar to eBay, but most products are handmade) that particular seller also has a website http://soapsoleil.com/. I sent her (Diane) a message through Etsy as far as what she would recommend, her response was rather quick and she was VERY helpful and informative! I highly recommend her, she has an incredible collection of SB and other all natural products.
Crystal, thanks for the update. I may just try the SB soap myself
I’ve been taking Sibu sea buckthorn oil every morning as soon as I get up for 3 weeks now. I haven’t missed a dose. I’ve lost 8 pounds! I work out on a regular basis, run 20k a week and am very active but I haven’t been able to shed the last 20 pounds from my pregnancies. I have been trying for 8 years and don’t move up or down in weight. I haven’t made any changes to my lifestyle in the last 3 weeks because I want to be sure it’s the sea buckthorn oil. I’ll continue on and see how it goes but I feel great.
Jeannette, Im glad you are feeling great and that its working for you
Ok folks. In all the research I have done, and it’s been MOUNDS, I have never found anything that says seabuckthorn [sbt] helps one lose weight. If it did, I would surely have taken some off by now.
There are actually hundreds upon hundreds of studies on this fabulous oil. Go to PubMed. Heck, go to my website!
But no, I highly doubt sbt will help you or me take weight off. It heals a LOT of things and helps with a lot of things, but it won’t do the dishes or take off that weight.
It has healed ME of eczema, joint pain, fungal infections, inflammation, even got my eyes to where I didn’t need glasses to read! [I didn't keep taking it] It has grown my hair in, [and others'], heals stomach ulcers, lots of stuff, but no weight loss.
Dr. Oz, I watched him once, when he brow beat that gal, can’t remember her name, the daughter of the Mama’s and the Papa’s is she? but she’s a diabetic and her blood sugar read in the good range when she was on his show, he FORCED her to say it was bad, when it wasn’t. Since then, I’ve not watched him, because if he doesn’t know the difference between good blood sugar and bad, then he can’t teach me anything. Caveat emptor people
Janine, Thanks for chiming in. Sine you mentioned that sea buckthorn can help your eyesight and grow hair and mentioned Pubmed, I wondered if you could show me some studies where sea buckthron helped people see better or if SBT helped hair grow back. These are areas of SBT I have not looked at yet. I checked your SBT website but didn’t see any proof. If you can provide me with proof of this, that would be great.
I have spoken with a lady that her mother used to take the sea buckthorn syrup in Germany. It is called Sanddorn in German. If you google it and translate, you find a bit more info on it. Here is a web site with blogs on it
I have started to take it myself to hopefully lose a bit of weight and for the Vitamins in it. There is natural Vit B12 from this plant.
Wendy, I checked out the link you provided but it just took me to the google translate page. there were no sea buckthorn blogs etc.
Do the Sibu gel caps work the same as the oil?
Nikki, good question and I am not sure. Does anybody know this?
I’m still taking the capsules and use the oil on my skin. My findings so far, lost 3 more pounds, my skin is radiant and my eye sight has not changed. What I read was that you won’t lose weight, it helps keep new weight off and that’s what is happening for me. I am very active and my weight stayed the same before taking these supplements.
After reading through all of the posts, I’ve decided to give sea buckthorn a try. Would be great if I lost weight, but would be happy if it helps the skin and digestive system. Have psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, so maybe this will help. Will post back with my results.
Paula, yes please do so I’m interested to see if sea buckthorn helps psoriasis.
Thanks so much for your detailed writing and unbiased info! I’ve been trying to find out more about this and your article was the most informative by far! Very useful.
I just read all the posts and I was especially interested in follow-up posts from Susie and Sil. I have ordered this and I really hope it helps with my skin, digestive and weight issues. I have to say…I ordered it for the weight issues, but would love some of the other benefits that everyone else talks about too!
I just came from Central Market and the lady that works in the vitamin area knew all about the studies for sea buckthorn and weight loss. She said it has been circulating for years and was worried about needing to stock up on more of it. I didn’t ask her to tell me where she had heard it from or anything but I feel certain that Dr. Oz wouldn’t just make this up.
I’m trying it and will see. First Magazine also has several women in it that have lost 50 lbs in 3 months. Not everyone has the same results but it is worth a try if it has been around a long time!!!
Kristen, if you come across any better research than I have here please let me know about it. What I posted in my review is all I could find.
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