Sea buckthorn (Hippophae) is a small flowering plant in the marine family Dalbergiaceae. This deciduous shrub is surprisingly cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures as low as −43 °C. Throughout history, ancient humans used these fruits not only for their nutritional value, but also for their important role in the ecological environment.
Sea buckthorn has a very active and extensive root system and is often used to prevent soil erosion and plays an important role in land reclamation.
Historical Origin of Seabuckthorn
The name of sea buckthorn comes from Greek, meaning "shiny horse", which is closely related to the fact that ancient humans used its leaves and young branches as horse feed to promote the health of horses and the gloss of their fur. According to historical documents, sea buckthorn has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries, and there are even records showing that it played a role in ancient transportation and military operations.
Ecological value and traditional uses
The use of seabuckthorn fruits and leaves is not limited to food and medicine. Its fruit is rich in vitamins and nutrients, and ancient humans made it into jams, drinks and even ointments. Today, sea buckthorn is still a mainstream product in many countries, especially in Germany and Scandinavia, where sea buckthorn juice is widely consumed and highly valued.
Sea buckthorn fruit tastes sour and greasy, but its astringency is reduced after being frosted, making it suitable for making various processed foods.
Growth environment and governance
Sea buckthorn can not only survive in dry and poor soil, but also effectively improve the quality of the soil. Its roots fix nitrogen, thus increasing the fertility of the surrounding soil. This characteristic makes sea buckthorn an important plant in ecological restoration projects, especially in areas suffering from severe erosion and desertification.
Culture and product development
During the Cold War, horticultural experts from East Germany and the Soviet Union developed several new varieties of sea buckthorn, which not only improved the nutritional value of the fruit, but also improved the taste and appearance of the fruit. After decades of cultivation practice, sea buckthorn has been introduced to a few areas in the United States and Canada, and has gradually formed a specific industry.
The fruits and leaves of sea buckthorn are not only valued as food, but are also made into various skin care products, showing its multiple values in modern daily life.
Contemporary Scientific Research and Applications
While many of sea buckthorn's benefits are still being studied, some preliminary results suggest that sea buckthorn extract may have moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin. Although there is no high-quality clinical evidence to date that seabuckthorn can significantly reduce the risk of human diseases, its diverse application potential deserves attention.
Thinking about the future
With environmental changes and resource shortages, sea buckthorn, as a plant with potential for ecological recovery, may be more widely used around the world in the future. Therefore, research on how ancient humans used these magical fruits can not only help us understand traditional wisdom, but also provide new inspiration for modern technology and environmental protection. The infinite possibilities of sea buckthorn will penetrate into everyone's life in the future. Do you also want to find out?