SWISSE
Ingredient Glossary
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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GLOBE ARTICHOKE
Cynara cardunculusOverview
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.
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MILK THISTLE
Silybum marianumOverview
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.
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TURMERIC
Curcuma longaOverview
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SAFFRON
Crocus sativusOverview
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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VALERIAN
Valeriana OfficinalisOverview
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.
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HOPS
Humulus LupulusOverview
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.
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PASSIONFLOWER
Passiflora IncarnataOverview
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.