Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea-buckthorn identifies a group of species in the genus Hippophae, the most commonly used of which is Hippophae rhamnoides. Oil can be extracted from either the seeds or the pulp of the fruit.

Oils from sea-buckthorn seeds and pulp differ considerably in fatty acid composition. While linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid are the major fatty acids in seed oil, sea buckthorn pulp oil contains approximately 65% combined of the monounsaturated fatty acid, palmitoleic acid, and the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid. Few other vegetable oils contain a similar quantity of these fatty acids. Both the seed and pulp oils are rich in tocopherols, tocotrienols and plant sterols. In addition, the pulp oil contains especially high levels of carotenoids.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Due to its unique botanical and nutritional properties, and there being no reported evidence of sea-buckthorn oil causing adverse reactions or negative side effects, the oil is also used as a natural agent that may benefit diseases of mucous membranes, including Aphthous ulcers, esophagitis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers, as well as dermatological diseases and skin conditions.

In Russia and China, pulp oil may also be used topically to treat skin burns from radiation. Due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet rays, pulp oil is purported to reduce risk of radiation burns for Russian astronauts working in space.

Currently, cosmetic companies are adding sea-buckthorn oil to anti-aging preparations for skin rejuvenation and accelerated healing properties. It is also being used topically as a natural treatment for keratosis pilaris, eczema, acne rosacea, acne and acne scars, and as a lotion for minimizing stretch marks.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling or oil swishing, in alternative medicine, is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil in the mouth for claimed oral and systemic health benefits.

This process results in the thorough mixing of oil with saliva. The oil is put in the mouth, with chin tilted up, and slowly swished, sucked, chomped and pulled through the teeth. As the process continues, the oil gets thinner and white, changing from a yellow and oily consistency to a thick viscous consistency. One must ensure that the oil is spit out before the purported toxins get re-absorbed by the body. If the oil viscosity starts thinning while swishing, it should be a sign that toxins are getting re-absorbed. A second round of oil pulling may be done with fresh oil for further cleansing. The oral cavity is then thoroughly rinsed and washed with normal tap water and fingers or tooth brush. This procedure is typically performed daily.

Organic Coconut Oil

Directions:

1) Put one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth when your stomach is empty. This means you haven't eaten for 3 hours.

2) Slowly move the oil around, swishing and pulling it between your teeth for 20 minutes.

3) After 20 minutes, spit, brush teeth, and rinse mouth with warm salt water.

KP Treatments

I've been doing some research over the break on different treatments for KP and plan to include the following products in my skincare and vitamin regimens.

Topical:

Glytone body wash and lotion

Supplements:

Fish Oil

Flaxseed Oil

Omega 3 6 9

Evening Primrose Oil

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs, a process known as hyperkeratinization. Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and the bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture. Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle.

Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 40% of the adult population and approximately 50%-80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than in men. There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps which can be on arms, head, legs), keratosis pilaris alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), keratosis pilaris rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks), and related disorders. While KP resembles goose bumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small rough bumps on the skin. As a result, many people with keratosis pilaris do not know they have it, and it is often confused with acne.