SWISSE

Ingredient Glossary

The most amazing ingredients from nature aren’t always the easiest to find. At Swisse, we are dedicated to searching the globe for rich ingredients that help you make the most of life.
  • CRANBERRY

    CRANBERRY

    Overview

    Cranberries (actually a fruit, not a berry) are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs that are naturally rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C.

    Key benefits

    • Naturally rich in antioxidants
    • Supports urinary tract health

    Fun fact

    Cranberries are a picky little species and require specific requirements to bear fruit. They grow on low-lying vines in beds, known as ‘cranberry bogs’. 

  • ZINC

    ZINC

    Overview

    Zinc is one of the most important minerals for our immune system, it cannot be made within the body and is sought out through diet or supplementation.  

    Key benefits

    • Maintains healthy immune system function 
    • Supports skin repair  

    Fun fact

    Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning although it’s crucial, our bodies don’t need vast amounts of it. 

  • VITAMIN D

    VITAMIN D

    Overview

    Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make.  

    Key benefits

    • Maintains healthy bones  
    • Supports healthy teeth 

    Fun fact

    Vitamin D was discovered nearly 100 years ago and as it was the fourth 'vitamin' discovered, it was named vitamin D. 

  • VITAMIN C

    VITAMIN C

    Overview

    Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that contributes to normal immune system function and the regeneration of vitamin E.  

    Key benefits

    • Supports the immune system to fight illness.  
    • Supports the formation of collagen  
    • Maintains strong and healthy bones and teeth  

    Fun fact

    The body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, making a diet rich in vitamin C important for overall health.  

  • MAGNESIUM

    MAGNESIUM

    Overview

    Magnesium is an important mineral to maintain cardiovascular health, energy production and muscle health. 

    Key benefits

    • Relieves tiredness and fatigue 
    • Supports cognitive function  

    Fun fact

    Magnesium is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions in the body. 

  • GLOBE ARTICHOKE

    GLOBE ARTICHOKE

    Cynara cardunculus

    Overview

    Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), also known as French artichoke and green artichoke is a vegetable that grows thistle-like flowers.  

    Key benefits

    • Relieves symptoms of indigestion 
    • Assists with healthy digestion   

    Fun fact

    Globe artichoke is seasonally available from late autumn to late spring in Australia.  

  • MILK THISTLE

    MILK THISTLE

    Silybum marianum

    Overview

    Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a powerful detoxifying herb that helps to restore and regenerate the integrity of liver cells.  

    Key benefits

    • Supports natural liver cleansing  
    • Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to maintain gallbladder health 

    Fun fact

    Milk thistle gets its name from the milky-white liquid that is extracted from the leaves when crushed.  

  • TURMERIC

    TURMERIC

    Curcuma longa

    Overview

    Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family and contains an active ingredient called curcumin.  

    Key benefits

    • Relieves inflammation 
    • Supports joint mobility  

    Fun fact

    Turmeric stains can ruin an outfit. Try mixing 1 tbsp of liquid dish washing detergent, 1 tbsp of white vinegar and ½ litre of cold water. Apply to the stain, sponge and repeat.  

  • GRAPE SEED

    GRAPE SEED

    Overview

    Grape seed is an extract made from the crushed seeds of grape plants, it’s a popular beauty antioxidant naturally rich in polyphenols.  

    Key benefits

    • Helps protect against the effects of free radicals in the body  
    • A rich source of proanthocyanidins 

    Fun fact

    Grape seeds are pressed to remove the oil and then dried and ground to become an extract for wellness uses.  

  • SPIRULINA

    SPIRULINA

    Overview

    Spirulina is categorised as a superfood and is a blue-green algae rich in nutrients.  

    Key benefits

    • Source of chlorophyll, iron, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 

    Fun fact

    Spirulina is a common source of protein for those adopting a vegan diet.  

  • POTASSIUM

    POTASSIUM

    Overview

    Potassium is an essential mineral found naturally in many fruits and meat and is needed for the proper functioning of all cells and tissues. 

    Fun fact

    Potassium is an important electrolyte alongside sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. You can find it in bananas, watermelon, orange and coconut water.   

  • ECHINACEA

    ECHINACEA

    Overview

    Also known as the ‘purple coneflower’, echinacea is a herb that’s native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the USA. 

    Key benefits

    • Supports a healthy immune system Traditionally used in western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of mild respiratory tract infections 

    Fun fact

    Echinacea is a member of the daisy family, cute. 

  • CHLOROPHYLL

    CHLOROPHYLL

    Overview

    Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring pigment and is considered nature’s “greatest superfood”. 

    Key benefits

    •  Natural source of antioxidants 

    Fun fact

    Chlorophyll plays a vital role in photosynthesis, it absorbs red and blue light from sunlight and is the reason leaves are green.  

  • ROSEHIP OIL

    ROSEHIP OIL

    Overview

    Rosehip oil is made using the fruit and seeds of the rose plant (rosa canina rose bush) and is different to rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals. 

    Key benefits

    • Packed with vitamins and antioxidants  
    • Protects skin moisture barrier 
    • Helps with skin hydration  

    Fun fact

    Hips are the small fruit seeds that sit behind the flower and are left over once the rose has blossomed and lost its petals. 

  • OMEGA-3

    OMEGA-3

    Overview

    Omega-3 is essential group of fats consisting of 3 types: ALA, EPA and DHA. 

    Key benefits

    • Supports healthy eyesight 
    • Maintains healthy brain function 

    Fun fact

    While omega-3 fats are essential for health, the body can’t make them from scratch, so must get them from food.

  • ASHWAGANDHA

    ASHWAGANDHA

    Overview

    Once of the most widely used Ayurvedic herbs, ashwagandha functions as an adaptogen (a natural substance which helps the body adapt to stress). 

    Key benefits

    • Traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine to calm nerves and induce sleep  
    • Contains antioxidants which could improve cognitive functions. 
    • Traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to improve memory and cognition&

    Fun fact

    Ashwagandha’s name is Sanskrit for the ‘smell of the horse’, and refers to its unique smell and ability to increase strength and vitality. 

  • SAFFRON

    SAFFRON

    Crocus sativus

    Overview

    Saffron (Crocus sativus) comes from the Crocus sativus flower and is renowned for its flavour, colour and fragrance. 

    Key benefits

    • Helps calm nerves 
    • Helps body adapt to stress 

    Fun fact

    Saffron per ounce is worth more than gold. Why? Saffron can only be harvested by hand and as each flower produces just three stigmas, large quantities are needed to harvest a usable amount.  

  • LEMON BALM

    LEMON BALM

    Overview

    With mint-looking leaves and a pleasant citrus aroma, Lemon Balm is the unsung hero of sleep support, used traditionally for a myriad of health benefits.

    Key benefits

    Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

    • Reduce sleeplessness
    • Decrease nervous tension

    Fun fact

    Lemon Balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia.

  • SAGE

    SAGE

    Overview

    A perennial, evergreen shrub, Sage has a multitude of uses including being an herbal supplement used traditionally for various health benefits.

    Key benefits

    Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

    • Improve digestive weakness
    • Heal wounds

    Fun fact

    Burning dried sage is called ‘smudging’ and has ancient roots as a ritual for energy clearing of a space.

  • CALCIFEDIOL

    CALCIFEDIOL

    Overview

    Calcifediol (also known as Ampli-D) is a potent form of vitamin D that aids calcium absorption in the gut, benefiting the Musculoskeletal area.

    Key benefits

    • Supports muscle and healthy immune system function 
    • Supports healthy bones and teeth

    Fun fact

    Vitamin D is often referred to has the happy vitamin, because you need it to encourage serotonin production and release.

  • CINNAMON

    CINNAMON

    Overview

    A common spice used world-wide, cinnamon has outstanding experience delivering health benefits.

    Key benefits

    Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to: 

    • Relieve menstruation pain
    • Strengthen kidneys

    Fun fact

    Cinnamon is full of antioxidants, we’ve sprinkled this key ingredient in our Collagen Balance Powder.

  • HYDROLISED COLLAGEN

    HYDROLISED COLLAGEN

    Overview

    Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and can be found in a variety of animal foods.

    Key benefits

    • Helps enhance skin elasticity
    • Helps improve skin hydration

    Fun fact

    Collagen can also be found in soy which contains amino acids that help make collagen when ingested.

  • HYALURONIC ACID

    HYALURONIC ACID

    Overview

    Hyaluronic Acis is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (carbohydrate) which is found throughout the body’s skin and connective tissue.

    Key benefits

    • Visibly increases skin hydration
    • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

    Fun fact

    Hyaluronic acid products can come in many forms, we’ve put this powerful ingredient in a serum, powder, tablet and even gummies!

  • ASTRAGALUS

    ASTRAGALUS

    Overview

    Astragalus is an adaptogenic herb known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects, historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    Key benefits

    • Supports immune system health
    • Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to promote body tissue regeneration

    Fun fact

    It’s the root of the Astragalus that is used for health care purposes and not the pretty flowers the plant produces.

  • APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

    APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

    Overview

    Apple Cider Vinegar (AVC) is made from fermented apple juice and is traditionally used as a digestive aid.

    Key benefits

    • Supports energy levels
    • Helps digestion

    Fun fact

    In ancient Greece Hippocrates prescribed apple cider vinegar mixed with honey for a variety of ills, including coughs and colds.

  • ANDROGRAPHIS

    ANDROGRAPHIS

    Overview

    An adaptogenic herb, it's the root extract of Andrographis that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.

    Key benefits

    Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to:

    • Relieve coughs
    • Reduce symptoms of the common cold

    Fun fact

    Andrographis is also known as ‘The King of Bitters’ due to its intensely bitter tasting leaves.

  • GLYCOLIC ACID

    GLYCOLIC ACID

    Overview

    Glycolic Acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care as a chemical exfoliant.

    Key benefits

    • Improves appearance of skin tone, texture and clarity

    Fun fact

    AHA’s (like Gycolic Acid) are a group of acids that occur naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk.

  • THEANINE

    THEANINE

    Overview

    L-theanine is an organic compound found commonly in plants and used predominantly to help with stress, anxiety and sleep.

    Key benefits

    • Supports healthy stress response in the body
    • Helps mind relaxation

    Fun fact

    The most common form of L-theanine is found abundantly in green tea.

  • SULFUR

    SULFUR

    Overview

    Sulfur is a chemical commonly known for its antifungal, antibacterials and blemish removing properties.

    Key benefits

    • Improves the appearance of blemishes
    • Visibly reduces blemish size and redness

    Fun fact

    You’ll find this unique ingredient in our Swisse Beauty Blemish Remedy.

  • BIOTIN

    BIOTIN

    Overview

    Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is one of the essential B vitamins commonly supplemented to support skin, nail and hair health.

    Key benefits

    • Supports skin and hair health

    Fun fact

    Biotin can be found in some meats, egg, seeds, nut and fish.

  • FOLIC ACID

    FOLIC ACID

    Overview

    Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, used in supplements and fortified foods particularly for its importance in pregnancy and fetal development.

    Key benefits

    • Supports a healthy pregnancy
    • Supports cardiovascular system health

    Fun fact

    Folic acid plays a big role in the development of a baby’s neural tube, a structure which exists in the first few weeks of pregnancy and will eventually form into the baby’s brain, spinal cord and the bones that enclose them.

  • SELENIUM

    SELENIUM

    Overview

    Selenium is an essential mineral that in the body, acts as a component of selenoproteins which are involved in major functions of the body such as thyroid metabolism and immune system function.

    Key benefits

    • Supports a healthy immune system function

    Fun fact

    You’ll find Selenium in Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and oats.

  • VITAMIN E

    VITAMIN E

    Overview

    There are eight plant-derived molecules that make up Vitamin E, an essential antioxidant. Vitamin E's main role as an antioxidant is to prevent the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

    Key benefits

    • Helps reduce free radical damage to body cells

    Fun fact

    You’ll find vitamin E in cooking oils, seeds and nuts, certain fish, vegetables and fruit.

  • VALERIAN

    VALERIAN

    Valeriana Officinalis

    Overview

    Valerian is a herb native to Europe and Asia. An extract is made from the root of the valerian plant which has been used traditionally for insomnia.

    Key benefits

    • Helps mind relaxation
    • Maintain healthy sleeping patterns

    Fun fact

    Native to Europe and Asia, this flowering grasslands plant can grow to 1.5 metres in summer and bears sweetly-smelling pink or white flowers.

  • HOPS

    HOPS

    Humulus Lupulus

    Overview

    Hops is a plant commonly used for brewing because of its aromatic characteristics, however it has also been traditionally used as a soothing agent.

    Key benefits

    Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

    • Reduce sleeplessness
    • Relax the nervous system

    Fun fact

    Hops are green, cone-shaped flowers that are traditionally grown in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • PASSIONFLOWER

    PASSIONFLOWER

    Passiflora Incarnata

    Overview

    Passionflower has traditionally been used for its calming properties and as a sleep aid. It contains a range of flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

    Key benefits

    • Promotes a healthy sleep pattern
    • Relieves sleeplessness

    Fun fact

    Passionflower is a climbing vine with white/purple flowers.

  • KRILL OIL

    KRILL OIL

    Overview

    Krill oil is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

    Key benefits

    • Maintains general health and wellbeing

    Fun fact

    Krill Oil is a supplement that supports joints, bones and cardiovascular need states.

  • EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

    EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

    Overview

    Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, which is native to North America. It has a high content of omega-6 fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

    Key benefits

    • Maintains skin health and integrity

    Fun fact

    Evening primrose has yellow flowers which bloom in the evening after sunset.

  • CALCIUM

    CALCIUM

    Overview

    Calcium is an essential mineral commonly found in dairy products and some bony fish, legumes and nuts.

    Key benefits

    • Maintains bone and teeth health
    • Supports neuromuscular health

    Fun fact

    In the body, calcium is stored in the bones and teeth.