Seabucthorn!!!! Haven’t heard about it. Is this the name of some sea animal? No idea!!!!
These are some of the general reactions of people when asked whether they knew about seabuckthorn. But, my belief in the potential of this plant took me to the far and remote areas of the Himalayas to find more about it.
Seabucthorn is a plant with miraculous healing power. It is known for its anti-ageing properties, protects from harmful ultraviolet rays of sun and is highly rich in Vitamin C, besides several other benefits. Each part of the fruit is useful from the pulp, peel to the seed. It is generally found between 11,000 feet to 13,000 feet. In India it is found mainly in Ladakh and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh). It grows in wild in both these areas and has been used by the villagers traditionally as a fuelwood and for fencing their home. For the past few years some organizations have been working to process Seabucthorn for making Jam, Juice, Squash, tea and many more value added products.
The region of Ladakh and Spiti are cold desert and a plant like seabuckthorn can uplift the economic status of the people in these regions if used properly.
Earthy Goods is always on the look out to work with producers and organizations in the remote parts of the country so as to improve there livelihoods. To realize this vision, I set out on a road trip to Ladakh to locate and discuss with people involved in processing Seabucthorn.
This was a journey of the lifetime. I met organizations and entrepreneurs in Leh who were working under extreme weather conditions and were making extremely good and healthy apricot and seabuckthorn products. These were genuinely healthy products with no preservatives but due to lack of marketing were not known to consumers.
After exploring leh, on my way back, the trip from Leh to Manali left me spellbound with beautiful landscapes and some of the highest passes in the world (I crossed Tanglangla pass at an altitude of 17582 feet!!!!) I was just lost in time amongst the glaciers and silence of the deep valley. To add to the nature’s beauty was the hospitality of the locals in Ladakh.
When I reached Manali, to start on a journey to Spiti, another destination to explore Seabucthorn, already I had started visualizing Seabuckthorn products in all retail outlets in the country. Seems challenging!!!!! But then the real challenge lies in achieving the not so possible. The journey to accomplish this dream has already begun.
Deepak( From Leh)
2 comments:
Looks like a painted sky...Mr.Deepak am turning bright green looking at these pictures.
seabuckthorn seed or berry oil is indeed an outstandind oil.it has becoming very popular in north America as both an herbal supplement and as a cosmetic use.it has innumerable use for skin care.If the potential of this oil could be harnessed and made available to the market in India ,it would be simple amazing.
Many highend cosmetic brands have incorporated this into their brands.Previously I knew that it was vastly available in Russia.butI'm glad to know it is found in my own country as well.
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