Not All Sea Buckthorn is Created Equal!

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a fully sustainable, hardy, thorn-laden deciduous shrub that is found throughout Canada, Eastern Europe and Asia. It produces brilliant golden-orange berries that are packed full of antioxidants and health-boosting omega fatty acids. The Ancient Greeks discovered that wounded horses that foraged on the leaves and berries of the wild sea buckthorn healed quickly and had excellent coat and skin quality. Sea buckthorn’s scientific name is taken from these observations- Hippophae rhamnoides, translating to “shining horse.”  

Why choose a pure, whole-food sourced sea buckthorn supplement?

Our Seabuck 7 supplements are made from 100% whole-fruit, wild-crafted sea buckthorn berries, unlike many other sea buckthorn sources harvested from artificial man-made farms. SeaBuck 7’s sea buckthorn pulp and oils are 100% pure, not “purified”. Our readers and customers tend to be very well educated in the world of natural health and understand that “purified” oils may contain residual chemicals from processing, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. Some of the residues even contain known carcinogens! This purification process also exposes the fatty acids to high temperatures, breaking them down and causing the oil to go rancid. Rancid oils not only have a funny flavor and smell, making it less palatable to your furry friend, but it also loses its nutritional value. Remember to look for pure, not purified.

Seabuck 7 pure sea buckthorn fruit oil contains up to 37% omega-7 oil, the highest known source in the world. Sibu and Seabuck produce oil extracts using a simple process called CO2 supercritical extraction. Put simply, it works like a big espresso machine. High-pressure CO2 is put through the sea buckthorn, forcing out the oil component without any type of solvents or chemicals, even leaving the CO2 recyclable! This process retains the integrity of the omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the numerous varieties of carotenoids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.   

Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants Found in Sea Buckthorn Berries

Omega 3 Omega 6 Omega 7 Omega 9

Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B5 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C

Carotenoids Selenium Quercetin Myricetin

Seabuck 7:  Ecological, Sustainable and Improving Lives

Our sea buckthorn berries are sourced high in the pristine Himalayan mountains where we work directly with local women who harvest the berries using their simple, yet effective traditional methods. These ancient methods protect the integrity of the plant, the soil and our final product. What’s even better? Our fair-trade agreement has enabled us to increase their income by 500%, allowing them to care for their family through the year by working a single harvest. We take our conscious minded efforts all the way to the finished product. SeaBuck 7 products are all made in the U.S.A. under strict quality control standards and guidelines to provide the cleanest and highest quality sea buckthorn for our four-legged friends.

In 2009 Sibu Beauty, the sister company to Seabuck, and co-founder Nico Khanna were recognized and blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the ongoing humanitarian, economic and sustainability efforts in local villages. We are dedicated to and will continue our philanthropic efforts to create a better world for all of us involved.

Sea buckthorn berry’s health benefits for your pet*:

• Shiny Coat and flexible, healthy Skin
• Healthy Heart and Circulation
• Healthy Digestion
• Aid for Gastrointestinal problems
• Sea buckthorn berry extracts and whole-fruit purees have been scientifically shown to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses and other mammals**
• Nutritional Support for Diabetics**
• Promotes healthy weight
• Promotes healthy joints
• Reduces inflammation
• Fights cellular free-radical damage

Stay as close to nature as possible. Whole-foods and minimally processed supplements contain higher levels of nutrients in ratios the way nature intended and are better absorbed and assimilated into the body. Your animal friend will certainly gain more from selecting the purest products, unaltered by any man-made process, like SeaBuck 7!

* References

1. Yang, et. al., 2011, Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay mice and genetic type 2 diabetes. Lipids in Health and Disease, Vol. 10:120.
2. Cao, et al., 2008, Identification of a lipokine, a lipid hormone linking adipose tissue to systemic metabolism, Cell, Vol. 134: 933-944.
3. Wu, Y. et al., 1997, Effects of total flavones of fructus Hippophae (TFH) on cardiac function and hemodynamics of anesthetized open-chest dogs with acute heart failure. Zhongguo  Zhong Yao Za Zhi. Vol. 22 (7) 9-31, 448.
4. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
5. Xing, J. et al., 2002 December, Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats. Fitoterapia. Vol. 73(7-8), 644-50.

**  Talk to your veterinarian about including SeaBuck 7 products in your pet’s treatment plan.

Equine Endurance & Recovery: 1,000 Years of Experience

SeaBuck 7 Endorser Natalie Foutch at the IRCA Finals

Are you looking for a way to boost your horse’s immune system, performance and overall well-being? There are many health supplements out on the market that claim to improve your horse’s health, but I can only think of one that has modern and ancient historical evidence supporting these types of claims. That would be the sea buckthorn berry!  If you thought that sea buckthorn is a recent health-food discovery, think again.  To understand what sea buckthorn can do for your four-hooved friend, let’s first take a look back at Ancient Greece. 

The health benefits of sea buckthorn are mentioned by Ancient Greek scholars Theophrastus and Dioscorides. The Ancient Greeks discovered that wounded enemy horses that had been foraging on the leaves and berries of the wild sea buckthorn healed quickly and had excellent coat quality. The scientific name is taken from these observations, as Hippophae rhamnoides translates to “shining horse.” 

The Ancient Greeks were so impressed with sea buckthorn’s health benefits that it is even mentioned in legends, most notably as the main food source of the mythical winged horse, Pegasus. In day-to-day ancient life, the leaves and berries of sea buckthorn were regularly added to the rations of horses, to promote a healthy body condition and a shiny coat. 

In modern times, sea buckthorn continues to boost the horse’s health, in a variety of important ways:

1. Improved Energy Levels
Sea buckthorn has been shown to improve energy levels and helps to relieve fatigue in humans and horses. This is likely due to its high levels of Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and Vitamin E.  If you and your horse regularly enjoy long trail rides or even higher levels of competition such as endurance or eventing, a natural, drug-free and legal boost from sea buckthorn is worth considering. Daily oral, whole-fruit supplements are integrated into the body more efficiently than B-complex vitamin injections, plus your horse doesn't have to suffer the daily needle sticks! 

2. Longevity
Sea buckthorn contains a large number of bioactive compounds, with most of these being longevity-promoting compounds such as omega 3, 7, and 9 essential fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids and protective vitamins such as vitamin E. Training is tough on horses, as well as travel. These environmental stressors promote rapid cell aging and oxidative damage to the body. Sea buckthorn oils and fruit pulp act as a vehicle for these important compounds, and ones that will protect him or her from premature aging and tissue damage. 

3.  Recovery
All horses need time to rest and repair their bodies, even if your horse is only used for weekend trail rides. Proper nutrition is the cornerstone to proper cell repair and maintenance of healthy tissues.  When your horse is at work or at rest, daily use of whole-fruit, nutrient packed supplements like sea buckthorn berry will support the body’s ability to heal itself.  Even in horses without injury, inflammation can occur in the body after any amount of training.  Inflammation, while a normal bodily process, can over time create problems and contribute to poor performance.  Sea buckthorn extracts have been shown in a variety of species, from mice to horses, to improve healing times and reduce levels of inflammation. 

With proper, botanical nutritional support, you and your horse can be working together better and sooner than you expect.  You can’t get any better than thousands of years of experience and the fuel of a famous mythical being, the sea buckthorn berry.


Resources

(1) Li, Thomas S.C. 2002. Product development of sea buckthorn. p. 393–398. J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds.), Trends in New Crops and New Uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA 

(2) Li, Thomas S.C., Beveridge, Thomas H.J. 2007. Sea Buckthorn: A New Medicinal and Nutritional Botanical. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Publication 10320E. Edition 2007.

(3) Roudebush, Philip. Nutrition, Inflammation and Pain. Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, Kansas.

(4) Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.

Equine Joint Health: Could Sea Buckthorn be the Solution?

Our equine companions are living longer than ever and some performance horses are still going strong well into their 20’s. The horse’s natural ability to move gracefully and with strength is what captivates us. In order to preserve this movement, it is important for us to protect their joints from the march of time. But what is it that causes horses to develop painful joints in the first place?  

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, most commonly known as arthritis, is the inflammation of the cartilage that lines the joints. Over time and with enough damage, the cushioning cartilage will wear away, allowing the surface of the bones to come in contact with each other, causing pain and inflammation. Arthritis can be caused by a number of problems, including injury, infection (from penetrating wounds or sepsis), poor conformation and daily wear-and-tear. 

The most common signs of arthritis are lameness, swelling of the joint, pain upon flexion or extension, ‘grumpiness’ and reluctance to perform. If there is a significant amount of arthritis present, a “crunching” sound or feeling (crepitus) may be observed when the joint is flexed or extended. Due to the unique blood supply of the cartilage, it can take some time for horses to recover from joint injuries. It can be even harder to prevent lasting damage to the cartilage in the absence of anti-inflammatory therapy. 

Horses of all ages and activity levels can benefit from natural, holistic nutritional joint support. The key factor in preventing pain and nourishing the joints through natural remedies is to start them before problems happen. However, even if your horse has suffered an injury, these products still have significant value and can improve recovery times. 

Glucosaminoglycans (GAGs)
GAGs have been used in horses for several decades to help nourish cartilage and ‘treat’ arthritis. GAGs are naturally occurring compounds that are found within the cartilage of other animals, particularly sharks and mollusks. When these compounds are introduced into the diet, taken up by the synovium of the joint and it in turn can “lubricate” the joints more efficiently. 

GAGs also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect at the level of the joint. One of the downsides to using GAGs is that some products are made from non-environmentally friendly sources, such as factory-farmed beef cartilage and shark cartilage. If you use GAGs for joint support, select an ocean-friendly source such as sustainable New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel. 

Sea Buckthorn 
Sea buckthorn is scientifically known as Hippophae rhamnoides, which means “shining horse.” The Ancient Greeks noted that when their horses foraged on the leaves and berries of the sea buckthorn plant, that it had a wonderful effect on their health. Their coats were shiny, hooves were stronger and the horses had an overall “bloom.”  Today, researchers have begun to understand why we see these health benefits. 

Sea buckthorn berry contains over 190 bioactive compounds that support every aspect of your horse’s body.  This sustainably wild-crafted food is rich in omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, numerous antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. One of the most important reasons to consider using sea buckthorn as a joint support supplement is the high levels of omega-3 and omega-7. 

Extensive research in dogs, cats, primates, rats and horses have shown that across the board, the high levels of omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids found in sea buckthorn controls inflammation, arthritis pain and supports joint health.(1,2,3) Recently, two important groups of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body have been discovered called resolvins and protectins. These molecules are made in the body from dietary omega-3 fatty acids found in sea buckthorn berry. These compounds are “switched on” during inflammatory process and act as a “braking signal” which prevents prolonged inflammatory over-reaction within the body.(2) These findings show that high levels of omega fatty acids can be extremely helpful for controlling arthritis-related inflammation and prevent further cartilage damage and degradation. The antioxidant punch of sea buckthorn also helps to prevent free radical damage not only in the joints but in the rest of the body as well.  

It is a good idea to use a combination of natural remedies, including GAGs and sea buckthorn for your horse’s joint health.  Both supplements work in different ways and can complement each other. If you have a horse that is taking a NSAID such as phynelybutamine (“bute”) for severe arthritis pain, laminitis, or an injury, sea buckthorn has another benefit that GAGs do not. “Bute,” combined with the stress of recovering from an injury, can predispose horses to painful gastric ulcers. Studies in horses and dogs have shown that sea buckthorn berry puree and oils have a natural preventative gastro-protective effect and can speed the healing of gastric ulcers.(4,5) 

Numerous users of sea buckthorn have reported an increase in their horse’s energy level and flexibility. Even small improvements in performance can make all the difference, especially for demanding disciplines.

Horses, despite their power and strength, are somewhat delicate animals. Keeping them healthy and performing at their peak without pharmaceuticals is in everyone’s best interest. Your veterinarian will likely agree that use of holistic products like sea buckthorn will help your horse to outshine the rest.


Resources
1. Patel, C, et al., 2012, Remedial Prospective of Hippophae rhamnoides Linn. (Sea Buckthorn). ISRN Pharmacol. 2012: 436857.
2. Roudebush, Philip. Nutrition, Inflammation and Pain. Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, Kansas.
3. Mozafarian, D. et al., 2010, Trans-Palmitoleic Acid, Metabolic Risk Factors, and New-Onset Diabetes in U.S. Adults. Annals Intr Med, Vol. 153, no. 12.
4. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
5. Xing, J. et al., 2002 December, Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats. Fitoterapia. Vol. 73(7-8), 644-50.

Pet First Aid Essentials 3: Common Emergencies

This third installment in our series on Pet First Aid will cover the most common emergencies you may encounter at home with a cat or dog. It is important to have your pet First Aid Kit well-supplied and accessible in times of need. We’ve also discussed the ABC basics of assessing an emergency situation.  Having a little bit of knowledge about each particular situation can help you act sooner and could improve the outcome.

Fever

I’ve often had owners call to tell me that their pet ‘feels hot’. If you think that your pet ‘feels hot’ to the touch on the ears, head or abdomen, she may or may not have a fever. The normal body temperature of dogs and cats is higher than for humans (100-102 F) so pets can ‘feel hot’ in comparison to our normal body temperature of around 98.6 F. 

The only way to know for sure is to take a rectal temperature reading. In your pet First Aid Kit you should have a digital thermometer and lubrication such as Vaseline or KY Jelly.  Put a little lube on the end of the thermometer and gently insert into your pet’s rectum.  Most pets will not tolerate this – have someone secure your pet’s head and stay safe – avoid getting bitten or scratched.  If you cannot take a temperature reading or it is unsafe to do so, go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are two different things that can cause an elevation in body temperature: fever and heat stroke. Here are signs of fever that you need to be aware of:

• Pet may feel “hot”, lethargic, not eating, shivering, coughing, nasal discharge, etc.
• Fever:  Rectal temperature over 102.5 F when at rest

A fever is the body’s natural response to inflammation or infection.  Fevers can be a good thing in helping the body fight off illness, but they are worrisome because they can also be damaging if not monitored closely.

• If over 103 F, contact a veterinarian
• Fever over 106 F can be life threatening

What do I do?

• Stay calm. Keep your pet comfortable.
• Check ABCs – note any abnormalities
• Record the rectal temperature for the vet 
• If temp over 105 F, apply cool water or rubbing alcohol to the paw pads and ears
• Direct a fan on pet
• Discontinue cooling once rectal temp is 103
• Encourage pet to drink cool water
• DO NOT GIVE ANY MEDICATIONS BY MOUTH
• DO NOT IMMERSE PET IN COLD WATER  

However, it is important to differentiate heatstroke with fever:

Hyperthermia/Heatstroke-

• Elevated temperature above 103 F
• More common during hot summer days
• Exercise on hot/humid days
• Obese animals are at higher risk
• ‘Smushy-face’ breeds (brachycephalics) such as bulldogs and pugs are at higher risk
• Dogs with airway disease are at higher risk
• Inside a car, even with windows down
• Temperatures inside a car can increase by 40 degrees within one hour, even when the outside temp is as low as 70 F!

• Remove pet to a cooler environment
• Direct a fan onto pet
• Check ABCs- note any abnormalities
• Monitor rectal temperature, record it every couple of minutes
• Place cool, wet towels along the pet’s back, apply cool water frequently to ears and paw pads
• DO NOT 
• Use ice for cooling
• Immerse pet in water
• Leave pet unattended 
• Contact a veterinarian ASAP

Seizures

Another common emergency is a seizure. Seizures can affect old and young pets. A seizure is recognized by sudden and uncontrolled body movement. They can affect the entire body or just part of it. The pet will become unresponsive, may urinate and/or defecate during the episode. They can last a few seconds or several minutes. There are many causes of seizures.

Seizures are very scary to witness. Here are some key points to remember: 

• Remain calm
• Speak to him or her in a calm, soothing voice
• Keep pet from injuring itself—move away from stairs or water
• Check ABCs- note any abnormalities
• Protect yourself from being bitten
• Do not put your hand in their mouth - they will NOT swallow their tongue! 
• Record the time the seizure begins and ends
• Record any particular characteristics
• Twitching, ‘paddling’
• Eye movement
• Response to your voice, or lack of
• Blindness or visual deficits after the event
• If your dog or cat is less than 12 weeks of age and has a seizure, this may be due to low blood sugar. Use the end of a spoon and scrape ½ teaspoon of honey from your pet First Aid Kit onto the tongue and gums. 
• If the seizure lasts for more than 3 minutes, take their rectal temperature and speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. In this situation the veterinarian may give specific instructions on how to transport your pet to the hospital. 

Your pet may act ‘strangely’ after a seizure. Some can seem really tired, while others are wired and almost ‘manic.’ This can be typical. It is important to stay with your pet during and after the seizure. It is safest to move your pet and travel to the veterinarian after the seizure episode is over. Any information you can gather for the veterinarian is important. Some owners are able to use a smartphone or camera and videotape the episode. If your pet is in a safe location, a video like this can help with your vet’s diagnostic process.

For our fourth and final article in this series on Pet First Aid, we will discuss other common emergencies such as dog fights and allergies. Stay tuned! 

Resources

• American National Red Cross. Dog First Aid: Be Read Cross Ready. Safety Series Vol. 2. Staywell Co. 2008. 
• Mamatto, Bobbie. Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs.  American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.  Mosby 1997.