Sea Buckthorn Benefits: Juice, Oil, Uses and Why Ladakh Berry Is Called the Wonder Berry
Wellwith was earlier known as Ayuzera, according to the episode notes.
Imagine a thorny shrub that survives at 10,000 feet, in a cold desert where temperatures swing from minus 40 to plus 40 degrees Celsius, and still produces one of the most nutrient dense berries on Earth. That plant is sea buckthorn, also called the Leh berry or the wonder berry. In this episode of The Sarvesh Mishra Show, Udit Chawla, founder of the wellness brand Wellwith, sits with Sarvesh Mishra to explain what the fruit contains, how juice, oil, tea and capsules are used, and how the berry is changing livelihoods in Ladakh.
Sea Buckthorn के फायदे | Skin, Immunity & Health | Udit Chawla @wellwith_official | Sarvesh Mishra · 1 hr 25 min
What is sea buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn is a hardy, thorny shrub that grows wild at high altitude. Its scientific name is Hippophae rhamnoides. According to the guest, Hippo means horse and phae means shine. The story he shares is that old war horses released into the wild returned with glossy coats after eating the plant.
The name has nothing to do with the sea. It comes from European regions where the plant grew along coastlines. The guest also explains that every part of the plant is useful: the fruit (berry), the seeds, the leaves, the roots and even the thorns, which Ladakhi families use to build natural fences.
Sea buckthorn in Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda
The guest says Tibetan medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa, has used sea buckthorn for centuries, with local Amchi healers creating around 300 formulations. Sowa Rigpa is now part of the AYUSH system. He also points to mentions of the plant in old Tibetan literature and to its reputation as a king of superfoods.
Why is Ladakh sea buckthorn special?
The guest explains that Indian sea buckthorn grows mostly wild, not on farms, which he says lowers the risk of pesticides and adulteration. He adds that higher altitude improves nutritional value, and that Ladakh berries grow higher than those in China or Russia. The plant survives in sandy soil with low oxygen and little water, and its deep roots help fix nitrogen and reduce soil erosion.
He describes work by DRDO’s high altitude defence research institute, aimed at helping soldiers cope with extreme conditions. He credits Padma Shri awardee Dr. Brahm Singh for decades of scientific work that guided his own journey, and he mentions that the Prime Minister has spoken about the plant in public.
Sea buckthorn nutrition: what is inside the berry?
According to the guest, sea buckthorn contains more than 190 bioactive compounds. These figures are from the episode, not independently verified here:
He reports about 30 g of protein per 100 g in seed residue after oil extraction, based on his own test report, plus flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols. He also stresses synergy: compounds in the whole plant, he says, work better together than when isolated.
Free radicals and antioxidants, explained simply
The body creates free radicals during normal energy production. Pollution, stress, poor food and a sedentary lifestyle can increase them. Over time, the guest explains, this damage may contribute to lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, heart problems and visible skin ageing. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals: vitamin E supports skin, vitamin A supports eyes, vitamin C supports blood and immunity, and omega fats support the heart. Sea buckthorn, he argues, offers several of these in one source.
Benefits discussed in the episode
Skin
The guest says vitamin E and omega 7 support skin, and he shares his own experience with acne between 2013 and 2020. He suggests two to three drops of sea buckthorn oil on the face at night. Results differ from person to person.
Heart health
He links the oil’s omega 3 content to cholesterol balance and heart health, and mentions a 500 mg oil capsule. Anyone with a heart condition should speak to a cardiologist first.
Immunity
Because of its very high vitamin C content, the guest positions the pulp as an immunity support, and compares it with amla and orange.
Stress and weight
He describes leaf tea as caffeine free, with a mild taste, and says it supports stress relief and belly fat reduction.
Women
People often search for sea buckthorn benefits for women, mainly around skin glow, hair, immunity and general nutrition. The episode does not cover women’s health as a separate topic. The guest’s points on skin, vitamins and omega fats apply to anyone, but women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a hormonal condition should consult a doctor first.
How to use sea buckthorn: juice, oil, tea and more
| Form | What the guest says |
|---|---|
| Juice and pulp | 5 to 10 ml of pulp diluted in water. The pulp is very sour, similar to amla, because of ascorbic acid. |
| Oil capsules | He says the oil can only be extracted by the supercritical CO2 method, not cold pressing, and that this protects nutrition. |
| Leaf tea | Brewed like green tea but without caffeine. He suggests an evening cup around 4 PM, with a little honey if you like. |
| Dried berries, gummies, turmeric oil | Dried berries can top salads or be eaten as a tangy snack. Gummies are made for children. A sea buckthorn and turmeric oil blend is suggested for older adults with joint discomfort. |
A simple recipe from the episode: stir 5 to 10 ml of pulp into a glass of cold water, add a teaspoon of honey, and serve over ice. You can also sprinkle dried berries over salads or oats.
Daily routine: four things, four times a day
- Morning: Pulp, 5 to 10 ml in a glass of water.
- Afternoon: One oil capsule.
- Evening: A cup of leaf tea.
- Night: Two to three drops of oil on the face.
The guest claims visible changes may begin in about 15 days and fuller results in about 90 days. These are his personal and brand claims, not guaranteed outcomes.
Sea buckthorn juice price
The guest compares cost per glass. A 300 ml bottle with an MRP of Rs 799 gives roughly 40 to 50 servings, which he says works out to Rs 25 to Rs 30 a day. Prices change, so check the official Wellwith website for current rates and reviews before buying.
Who should be careful?
Sea buckthorn is a dietary supplement, not a replacement for treatment. Never stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
- People with low blood pressure should avoid the pulp, according to the guest.
- People who recently had surgery should avoid the pulp because of high vitamin C.
- During pregnancy, he notes FSSAI does not recommend it.
- Medicines should never be stopped suddenly. Any change should be gradual and guided by a doctor.
- People often ask about combining sea buckthorn juice with ashwagandha. The episode does not discuss this, so ask your doctor before mixing supplements.
Sea buckthorn and Ladakh’s economy
Beyond health, the episode highlights livelihood. The guest says his team procured about 500 tons of berries this year and works with local pickers, pulping units and leaf drying teams in Ladakh. He also mentions work in Uttarakhand (Pithoragarh and Dharchula) and notes the plant grows in Himachal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal. He says China has about 2.3 million hectares of sea buckthorn against about 14,000 hectares in India, and that the government supports cultivation through a dedicated excellence centre in Ladakh. Online results also show growing coverage of the berry as the gold of Ladakh and of its GI tag status, so check official sources for the latest status.
Key takeaways
- Sea buckthorn is a high altitude berry from Ladakh, used in Tibetan medicine and studied by Indian defence researchers.
- The guest highlights more than 190 bioactive compounds, including vitamins C, A and E and omega 3, 6, 7 and 9.
- It comes as pulp or juice, oil capsules, leaf tea, dried berries, gummies and face oil.
- The suggested routine is pulp in the morning, a capsule in the afternoon, tea in the evening and face oil at night.
- Low blood pressure, recent surgery and pregnancy need extra care, so speak to a doctor.
- Never stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
- The berry also creates income for pickers, farmers and processors in Himalayan regions.
Treat the conversation as a map of how one founder uses the berry, not as a prescription. Confirm nutrition, dose and safety with a qualified doctor.
Watch the full episode
Watch the full episode, leave your questions in the comments and visit the Wellwith website to see products, current prices and reviews. If you want your own story on the show, apply as a guest.
Sea Buckthorn के फायदे | Skin, Immunity & Health | Udit Chawla @wellwith_official | Sarvesh Mishra
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Frequently asked questions
What are the main sea buckthorn benefits?
The guest points to immunity, skin, heart health, stress relief and general nutrition, based on its vitamin, omega and antioxidant content. Confirm with a doctor for your own needs.
What are the benefits of sea buckthorn juice?
He describes the juice as a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E and omega fats in one glass. The suggested serving is 5 to 10 ml of pulp in water.
How to use sea buckthorn juice daily?
Mix 5 to 10 ml of pulp in a glass of water in the morning, with or after breakfast.
Are there sea buckthorn benefits for women?
The nutrients discussed, such as vitamin E and omega 7, are linked to skin and general wellness. The episode does not cover women’s health specifically, so consult a doctor in pregnancy or hormonal conditions.
Can I take sea buckthorn juice with ashwagandha or other medicines?
The guest says there is no known side effect with medicines when taken in limited quantity, but medicines should be tapered only under medical guidance. Ashwagandha was not discussed, so ask your doctor.
Who should avoid sea buckthorn pulp?
People with low blood pressure and those who recently had surgery. FSSAI does not recommend it during pregnancy, according to the guest.
Why is sea buckthorn oil not cold pressed?
The guest says the seed is very small and the oil is extracted by the supercritical CO2 method, which he says preserves nutrition.
Where does the sea buckthorn plant grow in India?
Mainly in Ladakh, and also in parts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Is sea buckthorn tea better than green tea?
He says it is caffeine free and milder in taste. Which is better depends on your needs.
Is sea buckthorn safe for children?
He suggests pulp or gummies for children. Check with a pediatrician first.