The Healing Powers of Sea Buckthorn – Bee By The Sea

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor

My daughter Thea has allergies. And with these allergies comes eczema. Not just a little bit, but huge flare ups around her eyes, nose, lips and every other orifices on her body. She is simply miserable during these outbreaks and, regrettably, our first reflex is to reach for Benadryl. I am always looking for some topical relief for her, however I am also always cautious about what she puts on around her eyes, nose and mouth.

Recently, at the local farmer’s market here in Northern Ontario, I noticed a booth with skin products called Bee By The Sea. The “bee” word caught my attention since I already know the health benefits of bee pollen and honey. What I did not know about was an herb called Sea Buckthorn.

Sea Buckthorn, although relatively unknown in North America, is well known in China and parts of Europe for its healing qualities when ingested, due to its high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and antioxidant properties. In fact, 90% of the world’s Sea Buckthorn is in China. Sea Buckthorn was introduced to Canada by the Ministry of Agriculture because it rapidly develops an extensive root system that prevents soil erosion. It also has been used in land reclamation for its ability to fix nitrogen and conserve other essential nutrients. It grows well in Canada because the plant is hardy, drought resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. When Bee By The Sea owner Andrew Wingrove worked abroad, he saw the merits of this herb and started farming and harvesting the plant upon his return to Canada.

Combining Sea Buckthorn with honey, Andrew was able to create a natural product that treats skin irritations such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and burns, and I was also surprised to hear that it combats dry skin, fades age spots and treats wrinkles.

At the same time that I came upon the product, Thea’s eczema was particularly bad and she had the largest coldsore I have ever seen (poor child). I bought a tube of cream and a lip balm for her. I quickly applied the cream and balm and, within minutes I could see the relief on her face. My daughter applied both for several days in a row until her eczema was gone and her cold sore had subsided. The key for me to know that it was working was that the Bee by the Sea products appeared to give her immediate relief and that she faithfully kept applying both on her own. Not bad for an 8 year old.

Bee By The Sea sells directly from their website and ships to the United States. Go to their website to view their entire line of products. I will vouch for them.