← Back
Nutrition and daily life

Sea buckthorn: a hot drink of orange berries

Sea buckthorn is a bright orange, sour berry loved in hot drinks in winter. This section covers the sea buckthorn drink and how to approach it during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Clusters of orange berries and a hot drink.
Figure 1.Sea buckthorn, a hot orange drink.

01Short answer

Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids and oils. A hot drink made from boiled berries is generally safe. During neutropenia do not eat raw mashed berries or uncooked berry-and-sugar jam; boil frozen berries too. Sea buckthorn oil capsules can affect blood clotting. Sea buckthorn does not treat leukemia.

02Simple explanation

Sea buckthorn is an orange, sour berry.

A boiled drink is safer.

Raw mashed berries: not during neutropenia.

Oil capsules: with your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

MSK: no benefit of sea buckthorn in leukemia has been shown; its oil and extracts may affect blood clotting.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Preparation

Boil the berries for 5–10 minutes, strain, add a little sugar if you like, and drink hot.

Frozen sea buckthorn tipped into a boiling pot.
Figure 2.Frozen berries into boiling water.

Frozen berries

Do not eat frozen berries raw either; only after boiling (see “Frozen foods — food card: freshness in store”).

A hot sea buckthorn drink strained into a glass.
Figure 3.Strain the drink — Sea buckthorn: a hot drink of orange berries

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PreparationBoil the berries for 5–10 minutes, strain, add a little sugar if you like, and drink hot.
Frozen berriesDo not eat frozen berries raw either; only after boiling (see “Frozen foods — food card: freshness in store”).
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Carotenoids
Pigments that give orange colour.
Uncooked jam
Berries mashed with sugar without cooking.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Choose a boiled drink.
  • No raw mashed berries.
  • Oil capsules with your doctor.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does sea buckthorn oil help mouth sores?

There is no evidence; plan mouth care with your team.

My platelets are low; is it allowed?

A boiled drink is usually fine; capsules and oil are not.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does sea buckthorn oil help mouth sores?

  2. My platelets are low; is it allowed?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  4. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  5. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  6. Food Standards Agency (UK). Best before and use-by dates
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism: Prevention
  8. World Health Organization. Botulism fact sheet
  9. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Shelf-Stable Food Safety
  10. NHS. Botulism
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →