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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Hippophae rhamnoides | Sea Buckthorn

Botanical Overview:

  • Family: Elaeagnaceae

  • Common Names: Sea Buckthorn, Sandthorn, Sallow Thorn, Buckthorn

  • Plant Type: Deciduous shrub

  • Native Range: Native to Europe and Asia, particularly along coastal areas and in mountain regions

  • Key Identifiers:

    • A hardy, thorny shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height

    • Narrow, silver-green leaves with a silvery underside

    • Small, bright orange berries that grow in dense clusters

    • The plant has a distinctive, spiny appearance and thrives in sandy, well-drained soils, often found in coastal dunes, riverbanks, and dry mountainous areas


Properties:

  • Active Compounds: Vitamins (C, E, A, K, B1, B2, B6), flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids (omega-7, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9), phytosterols, antioxidants

  • Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, cardioprotective


Distribution and Habitat:

  • Found along the coastlines of northern and central Europe, as well as parts of Asia, including the Himalayas and parts of China

  • Grows in coastal areas, riverbanks, and other dry, nutrient-poor habitats

  • Often planted in erosion control programs and to stabilize sand dunes, due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions


Medicinal Uses:

  • Immune Support: Sea buckthorn is renowned for its high vitamin C content, which supports immune health and can help fight colds, flu, and infections

  • Skin Health: The oil derived from the berries is used topically for healing wounds, burns, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerating properties

  • Cardiovascular Health: The omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil are believed to support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in blood vessels

  • Digestive Health: Sea buckthorn oil is sometimes used to treat digestive issues, including ulcers and gastritis, due to its soothing properties on the gastrointestinal lining

  • Liver Health: The plant has hepatoprotective effects, potentially aiding in the regeneration of liver cells and protecting against liver damage


Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

  • Psychoactive Nature:

    • Hippophae rhamnoides is not considered psychoactive. It does not induce any mind-altering effects or changes in perception typical of psychoactive or psychedelic substances

    • However, its beneficial compounds, particularly antioxidants and essential fatty acids, may support mental clarity and cognitive function over time by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain

    • While not psychoactive, its use in wellness and rejuvenation products contributes to overall mental and physical health


Magical Correspondences and Uses:

  • Element: Fire

  • Planetary Association: Sun

  • Magical Uses:

    • Sea buckthorn is often used in rituals and spells for protection, healing, and rejuvenation. Its spiny branches and bright orange berries are considered symbols of vitality and strength

    • The plant is associated with purification and revitalization, often used in spells to cleanse negative energies or restore balance in both physical and spiritual realms

    • Sea buckthorn’s bright color and nutritional benefits also make it a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and success in magic, particularly in rituals focused on wealth or well-being

    • Some traditions use sea buckthorn to increase energy and vitality, using it in spells aimed at enhancing personal power or rejuvenating tired or depleted individuals


Folklore and Mythology:

  • Symbol of Vitality: Sea buckthorn has long been considered a plant of vitality and rejuvenation, with some cultures regarding it as a sacred herb that supports life and health

  • Protective Qualities: In folklore, sea buckthorn was often used to ward off evil spirits, with its thorny branches symbolizing defense and protection

  • Resilience and Endurance: The plant’s ability to grow in harsh, sandy environments and endure extreme conditions made it a symbol of resilience and endurance, often used to represent overcoming adversity

  • Historical Uses: In ancient Greece, sea buckthorn was used for medicinal purposes, and it was believed to have divine properties. In some Eastern traditions, it was considered a gift from the gods to promote health and longevity

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