Sea buckthorn is a unique berry. It is loved or hated, but anyone who has tried her at least once will not be indifferent to her. It has a reputation for being unimaginably useful, with a piercingly sour taste of berries, about the "joys" of harvesting which many know firsthand.
But the most memorable feature of sea buckthorn is a complex, very specific, difficult-to-explain aroma, fruity, with a very characteristic oily and even slightly rancid aspect.
What is the secret of the unique aroma of sea buckthorn?
Oddly enough, there are quite a large number of scientific papers that tell about the research of the aroma of sea buckthorn. One of the first is an article by German scientists dated 1984. They have identified about 60 key components that determine the aroma of sea buckthorn.
Among the key odorants, several esters are noted, primarily ethylcaproate, which makes the main contribution to the formation of odor. In its pure form, this ester has a smell reminiscent of pineapple and green banana, which partly explains the common nickname of sea buckthorn "Siberian pineapple".
They also noted some strangeness - isoamyl acetate, the most common ester of isoamyl alcohol in nature, is completely absent in the aroma of sea buckthorn, although other esters of isoamyl spirit, as they say, are in the assortment. Esters of leaf alcohol, cis-3-hexenol are mentioned, they give the fragrance a green tint and herbiness.
In addition, they found a certain amount of terpenes (limonene, ocimene), free lower alcohols and phenols, carbonyl compounds, and carboxylic acids, which, apparently, give the smell of sea buckthorn a characteristic sourness and oiliness.
There is a popular opinion that hawthorn is useful for the heart and blood vessels in any form. In ancient times, the juice was squeezed out of it, decoctions and teas were prepared.
All parts of this plant are useful for the human heart, however, berries bring the maximum benefit. This is ensured by the presence of elements such as hyperoside and vitexin. These are flavonoids that can accelerate the process of glucose oxidation and ensure the release of energy from carbohydrates. The result is an increase in the level of oxygen in the blood and vasodilation.
Hawthorn from Siberia is a shrub with white flowers and small red or black berries. Both components can be used for medicinal purposes, however, berries are still used more often than inflorescences. The plant contains many compounds that provide tremendous benefits for the heart. At the same time, blood pressure is also affected to normalize it.
Among the useful components of hawthorn we can find:
Tea made from pine needles in combination with Shilajit is an excellent prevention of colds. Since coniferous components are a real storehouse of vitamin C, a drink made from needles and bark helps strengthen teeth and gums.
Coniferous tea is especially useful during colds and flu. Pine needles contain shikimic acid, combined with Shilajit, which has a powerful antiviral effect on the immune system and the human body as a whole. Coniferous tea and Shilajit, taken before bedtime, may prevent the formation of cholesterol.
A classic recipe of pine needle tea to drink with Shilajit.
For brewing coniferous tea, it is recommended to use the needles of a pine tree, member of white pine family. It will also make the taste of the drink much richer.
Next, you need to cut the pine needles into small pieces. Pour a tablespoon of fragrant pine tea into the cup, pour boiling water for 20 minutes. After the decoction, you need to strain, add a spoonful of honey, taking the necessary dose of Shilajit (no more than 0.25 g. 2 times a day) and ... enjoy the delicious taste of godlike tea!
There is also a ready-made tea from Altai pine needles in powder form. All you need is just dilute it in boiled water, stir thoroughly and let it brew a little.
Despite the amazing healing properties of Shilajit, not everyone likes the specific taste of this natural resin. The pine needle tea prepared according to this recipe will allow you to "drown out" the bitter taste of Shilajit and enjoy the power of Siberia!
There is a special type of valerian herb in the distant taiga region, which has unique healing properties and is very much appreciated by pharmacists and phytotherapists – “Stone Valerian” from Siberia. Patrinia sibirica has the second name of Siberian Valerian (Valeriana sibirica). It is a perennial herb that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and is used both in folk medicine and in scientific pharmacology.
What is so unique about this Siberian herb? In this article we will answer this question:
Biological and chemical features of “Stone Valerian”.
Siberian Valerian has a very developed root system. In this system, the root is thick enough and has many branches, on which a large number of dark-colored heads are formed. The rhizome of the Siberian herb gives numerous stems with flowers and shoots, as well as rosettes of leaves.
All stems of Patrinia sibirica are straight and have two longitudinal lines made up of many delicate hairs. The leaves are collected in rosettes with deep dissections in the form of feathers. In infertile rosettes, the leaves have a different shape. In some cases, there are leaves with serrated edges or dissected in the form of a feather, but such leaves are not pubescent.
Flowers appear on the stems of Siberian valerian, which are collected in inflorescences and are located at the end of the stem. The flowering of the valerian herb begins in May and lasts until the beginning of July. After the end of flowering, dry fruit is formed, in which there are three nests. Only one nest contains grain, the other nests are empty.
The herb grows on gravelly slopes and rocks, and it can also be found in dry pine or birch forests, in steppes, subalpine meadows, tundra, on rocky river coasts in Eastern Siberia.
Dihydroquercetin: medicinal properties and where it can be found.
As for dihydroquercetin, or taxifolin, it was discovered back in 1938, and for the first time showed its effectiveness in the fight against bleeding gums. At that time, the structure of dihydroquercetin was not yet known, and its functions, during the Second World War, research was suspended. But now we can fully explain its healing properties.
But here's the problem: unlike quercetin, it was not found in plants so often, despite the fact that quercetin and taxifolin molecules are very similar in structure, but very different in function and ability to heal the body.
Dihydroquercetin was found in grape seeds and rose petals, but naturally, it would be at least costly to isolate dihydroquercetin from these substances on an industrial scale, and we also do not use rose petals and grape seeds for food. Yes, there is a recipe for exotic jam made from rose petals and cold-pressed grape seed oil, but it is unlikely that they can be compared with onions, cabbage and plums in terms of frequency of use.
However, an almost inexhaustible source of taxifolin has now been found. This is an ecologically clean Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), which forms huge arrays of taiga forests in Siberia and the Far East. Dihydroquercetin occurs unevenly in larch tissues. There is more of it in that part of the trunk, which is called a lump, and goes into the roots. There is this bioflavonoid most of all.
Many people, both women, and men, may face such a problem as skin stretch marks. This defect does not bring joy to anyone, although it does not prevent the body from fully functioning. Nevertheless, it looks quite unattractive, as a result of which people are constantly looking for means to combat stretch marks. Surprisingly shilajit which is known as a dietary supplement can help us here what would be a cosmetic remedy...
Shilajit copes well with stretch marks, especially if used in conjunction with horse chestnut extract, pine cones or pine needles extract, as well as burdock root extract - this is what we would call a traditional Siberian recipe.
To get rid of skin atrophy through shilajit, you can use the processes that this mixture is able to provide:
Stretch marks are better treated by topical application. In this case, it will be possible to ensure the receipt of the maximum amount of necessary substances to the affected skin. In addition, when a person has an individual intolerance to individual components, external use will significantly reduce the possibility of an any allergic reaction.
Probably the easiest method is to apply Altai cream-gel with shilajit in it. For example, Altai Cream-Gel “Anti-Stretch Marks” with Shilajit and Siberian Herbs – it is made using traditional formula and combination of shilajit with Siberian Herbs, such as: Horse chestnut extract, Pine needles extract, Pine cones extract, Burdock root extract. Directions: Apply all over skin, concentrating on stretch mark prone areas such as tummy, hips, thighs, and bust. Massage liberally into skin twice daily. Store in a cool dry place and keep tightly closed after initial opening.
Both the medical and nutritional value of hawthorn seeds is due to the increased content of active but at the same time easily digestible substances.
Each of the hawthorn berries contains 3-5 seeds of a triangular shape. They do not sit very tightly in the pulp and can be easily removed when a fruit is fresh, but when it’s dry – it’s almost impossible to take out. Both - berries and seeds – have great therapeutic effect, whether hawthorn are fresh, frozen, or dried.
It is recommended to prepare teas, balms, drinks, and compotes based on extracts from solid natural raw materials (whole berries with seeds) since its useful components, contained in berries and seeds will stay with the liquid during processing. Hawthorn tea, drink, compotes are much tastier and healthier in comparison with those prepared from berries without seeds. For a basic compote from whole dried hawthorn berries, let dried berries to stay overnight in liquid, then bring it to boil, and now you can eat much softer berries with honey or as-is, and you have a ready to drink healthy hawthorn compote.
Hawthorn seeds are also used in Siberia for making flour, from which you can then bake cupcakes, buns, cakes, etc - pretty much like bird cherry flour, very popular in Siberia. There is also a method of using ground hawthorn seeds for the purposes of fortification (adding vitamins and useful nutrients) in wheat flour and baking mixes products in Siberia.
Sea buckthorn berries have become popular in the last decade due to their rich chemical composition. They are used in various spheres of life to help maintain and improve health. Unusual taste, smell, and appearance attract many fans of exotic. But why does sea buckthorn have such a unique vibrant color?
Sea buckthorn has a very specific taste. In ripe berries, it is sour with a little bitterness. Fruits nailed by freezing become sweetish-bitter. Some varieties have a bright sweetish note.
The scent of the fruit is a mixture of the freshness, sourness, and bitterness of a resinous tree. It has a quite acidic flavor. Many say that the scent of sea buckthorn is similar to the scent of a Siberian pine forest during a rainy season. Honestly, we don’t know why but the smell is definitely interesting.
Researchers from the University of Ulm (Germany) have collected data on exactly how ultraviolet radiation is reflected from the fruits and leaves of 97 plant species around the world. The study also included some berries from Siberia, including sea buckthorn.
The science team found that the colors of the berries of related species have nothing to do with this relationship, which means that their color is independent of the genetic relationship. Scientists write that the fruits are mainly eaten by mammals (primates), which better perceive colors from the green part of the spectrum. Birds that prefer bright berries, on the other hand, notice red and orange colors faster, which are easier to spot in green foliage, including sea buckthorn bushes.
Fireweed (Ivan-Tea, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Great willowherb, Rosebay willowherb) is a miraculous herb that, before the appearance of Indian and Chinese teas, saved many northern Europeans and American colonists from serious ailments. In this article, we will tell you the most interesting facts about fireweed collected in Russian Siberia:
The first researcher of Siberian Ivan-Tea lived a long and happy life.
Petr Aleksandrovich Badmaev, a Russian doctor who studied Fireweed, lived one hundred and ten years, and ten years before his death he once again learned the joy of fatherhood. The biographers of the Russian scientist agree that Badmaev owes such a long life path to the constant drink of fireweed tea.
Ivan tea is a devoted symbol of Ancient Rus`.
In Kievan Rus, fireweed was used for a variety of purposes. The fluff from its seed boxes was used as weaving material, the roots were eaten or dried, then ground into flour, and fresh shoots and leaves were sometimes placed in different salads.
For centuries, people have used the healing power of natural herbs to solve various health problems. Being overweight is one of the most pressing problems of a modern person.
With the accumulation of fatty deposits, the general condition of the body worsens, the work of vital organs becomes difficult. Therefore, competent herbalists often use the ancient secrets of Siberian healers and prescribe special herbs to their clients to break down subcutaneous fat.
Below we list the 3 most popular herbs from Siberia to support your weight loss activities:
Sea buckthorn. (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Studies have shown the presence of special substances in the sea buckthorn bark, leaves, buds, and fruits - anthraglycosides. Also in the chemical composition of buckthorn is:
Sea buckthorn dried fruits can be used to brew tea or prepare a decoction. It is taken in combination with other remedies, primarily those that reduce intestinal gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract.
The peculiarity of buckthorn preparations is that they act directly in the large intestine. The action of the herb is primarily aimed at enhancing the peristalsis of the large intestine. The result of a decrease in the motor activity of the intestine is that the mucous membrane ceases to absorb fluid. By emptying the intestines, weight is lost, and the body is cleansed of toxins.
Bioflavonoids are necessary for the general maintenance of immunity, stabilization of the functions of the nervous system, as well as the normal functioning of blood vessels.
But what bioflavonoids are contained in Siberian herbs so popular today in traditional medicine? In this article, we will try to answer this question.
Siberia is the birthplace of many medicinal plants. Chokeberries, buckwheat, rose hips, dandelions, bergenia, burnet, valerian, hawthorn, and much more grow here rich in bioflavonoids. Here are some of the beneficial bioflavonoids found in these herbs:
It is perhaps the most powerful antioxidant among bioflavonoids. It also prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and thus contributes to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, there have been recommendations for the use of quercetin along with zinc for the treatment of patients with flu and viral infections.
The maximum concentration of this substance is in red onions. Quercetin is also found in apples, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, red grapes, dark cherries, lingonberries, and raspberries.
