We believe the better you understand the ingredients in your Natural Health Products, the easier it is to choose the right product for your health need.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. It is provided as a resource only by Swiss Herbal Remedies Ltd. It is important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications. Any questions or concerns about this information should be directed to Swiss Herbal Remedies Ltd. by calling 1-800-268-9879 or by e-mail info@swissherbal.ca. 

 

References: Health Canada NHPD, Advanced Human Nutrition, University of Maryland Medical Center.

 

VITAMINS
	Body Parts Affected	Augmenting Nutrients	Food Source	Therapeutic Applications
A / Beta Carotene Fat soluble	Eyes, skin, teeth, bones	B complex, choline, Vitamins C, D, E, F, calcium, phosphorous, zinc	dark coloured fruits and green leafy vegetables, milk, milk products, fish liver oil	Helps maintain healthy eyesight, skin membranes and immune function, helps in development and maintenance of night vision, teeth, bone growth and skin. A factor in the maintenance of good health.
B Complex Water soluble	Entire body	Vitamins C,E, Calcium, phosphorus	brewer’s yeast, liver, whole grains	Helps the body to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
B1 (Vitamin) Water soluble	Entire body	B complex, Vitamins B2, C, E, folic acid, niacin, manganese, sulphur	brewer’s yeast, brown rice, fish, meat, nuts, organ meats, poultry, wheat germ	Helps maintain good health. Helps maintain normal growth. Helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, fats. Factor in maintenance of good health.
B12 (Vitamin) Water soluble	Blood, entire body	B complex, Vitamin B6, C, choline, inositol, potassium, sodium	cheese, fish, milk, milk products, organ meats	Factor in maintenance of good health, helps in metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, helps to form red blood cells.
Biotin Water soluble	Entire body	B12, folic acid, C, pantothenic acid, B complex, sulphur	legumes, organ meats, bean sprouts, egg yolk	A factor in the maintenance of good health.Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. For products providing daily doses of biotin at or above the Adequate Intake (AI) (adjusted for the life stage groups) - helps to prevent biotin deficiency
C (Vitamin) Water soluble	Entire body	all vitamins & minerals, bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium	citrus fruits, cantaloupe, green peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, brussel sprouts, green onions, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, spinach	Helps body to metabolize fats, proteins, helps in connective tissue formation, helps in would healing, an antioxidant for maintenance of good health.
D (Vitamin) Fat soluble	Bones, teeth, entire body	Vitamins A, C, choline calcium, phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids	egg yolks, organ meats, bone meal, sunlight, fish liver oils, flesh of fatty fish, fortified milk	A factor in the maintenance of good health. It helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth and helps in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus.
E (Vitamin) Fat soluble	Entire body	Vitamins A, B complex, B1, C, Inositol, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids	dark green vegetables, eggs, liver, organ meats, wheat germ, vegetable oils, desiccated liver, grains, nuts, fruits	Antioxidant, promotes good health.
Folic Acid Water soluble	Entire body, blood	B complex, Vitamins B12, C, biotin, pantothenic acid	brewer’s yeast, fish, legumes, orgain meats, soybens, wheat germ, lecithin, enriched grains, dark leafy vegetables, whole grain breads	A factor in the maintenance of good health, helps body to metabolize proteins, helps to form red blood cells.
K (Vitamin) Fat soluble	Entire body, bones	Calcium	dark green leafy vegetables, brussel sprouts, cabbage, plant oils	Helps in the maintenance of bones. Helps to prevent vitamin K deficiency.
Niacin (Niacinamide) Water soluble	Entire body	B complex, Vitamins B12, B2, C, phosphorus	brewer’s yeast, seafood, lean meats, milk, milk products, poultry, desiccated liver, whole grain breads	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps normal growth and development. Helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Pantothenic Acid Water soluble	Entire body	B complex, Vitamins B6, B12, C, biotin, folic acid	brewer’s yeast, legumes, organ meats, salmon, wheat germ, whole grains, chicken, beef, potatoes, oats, cereals, tomato products, egg yolk, broccoli	A factor in the maintenance of good health, helps the body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and helps in tissue formation.

 

MINERALS
	Body Parts Affected	Augmenting Nutrients	Food Source	Therapeutic Applications
Calcium	Bones, teeth, entire body	Vitamins A,C,D, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, unsaturated fatty acids	milk, cheese, yogurt, bone meal, dolomite, calcium set tofu, bok choy, kale, broccoli	Helps in the maintenance of bones and teeth. A factor in maintenance of good health.
Chromium	Entire body	none	brewer’s yeast, clams, corn oil, whole grain cereals, meats, poultry, fish	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Provides support for healthy glucose metabolism, helps body metabolize carbohydrates and fats.
Copper	Blood, entire body	iron, zinc	legumes, nuts, organ meats, seafood, raisins, bone meal, cocoa products, nuts, wheat bran cereals	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps to produce and repair red blood cells and connective tissue. Help to form red blood cells.
Iodine	Thyroid gland, entire body	none	seafood, kelp, salt (iodized)	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps in the normal function of the thyroid gland.
Iron	Blood, entire body	Vitamins B12, C, folic acid, calcium, copper, phosphorus	eggs, fish, organ meats, poultry, wheat germ, desiccated liver, dried apricots, spinach	A factor in maintenance of good health. Helps to form red blood cells and helps in their proper function.
Magnesium	Bones, teeth, muscle, entire body	Vitamins B6, C,D, calcium, phosphorus	bran, honey, green vegetables, nuts, seafood, spinach, bone meal, kelp, green leafy vegetables, unpolished grains, meat, starches, milk	A factor in maintenance of good health. Helps body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps in development and maintenance of bones, teeth, tissue formation. Helps to maintain proper muscle function.
Manganese	Bones, entire body	none	bananas, bran, celery, cereals, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, nuts, pineapples, whole grains, tea, whole grains	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps in the development and maintenance of bones.
Molybdenum	Entire body	none	Soybeans, lentils, oats, bread, organ meats, legumes, cereals, grains, nuts	A factor in the maintenance of good health, helps body to metabolize proteins.
Phosphorous	Entire body	Vitamins A,C, calcium, iron, manganese, unsaturated fatty acids	eggs, fish, grains, meat, poultry, yellow cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream, peas	A factor in the maintenance of good health. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Potassium	Entire body	Vitamin B6, sodium	dates, figs, peaches, tomato juice, peanuts, raisins, seafood	A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Selenium	Entire body	Vitamins C, A, E	grains, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, organ meats, seafood	A factor in the maintenance of good health. An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health.
Silica	Nails, hair, skin	none	whole-cereal grains, root vegetables	For healthy nails, hair and skin.
Vanadium	Entire body	none	cereals, canned fruit juices, fish sticks, vegetables, mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley	A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Zinc	Connective tissue, skin, immune system	Vitamin A, calcium copper, phosphorus	brewer’s yeast, liver, seafood, soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, red meats	A factor in the maintenance of good health, helps in connective tissue formation, helps body to metabolize proteins, fats and carbohydrates, helps to maintain healthy skin, helps to maintain immune function.

 

HERBS
	Source / Medicinal Ingredient	Suggested Use
Alfalfa Medicago sativa	Aerial parts vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes	Traditionally used as a nutritive tonic.
Aloe Vera Aloe Vera	Leaf gel, dried leaf latex polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, aloin	Oral: Traditionally used as a laxative, vermifuge. Leaf gel: Traditionally used to treat minor burns, cuts to assist wound healing. Helps to promote healing of minor wounds (cuts, burns) and minor skin irritations.
Andrographis Andrographis paniculata	Leaf Diterpene lactones, andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide	Prophylaxis and symptomatic treatment of upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and pharyngotonsilitis, lower urinary tract infections and acute diarrhea.
Artichoke Cynara cardunculus	Leaf caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin glycosides	Used to help relieve digestive disturbances, such as dyspepsia, to help increase bile flow.
Bacopa monnieri Bacopa monnieri	Whole plant alkaloids, saponins, sterols	Helps to improve cognitive function and to enhance memory and learning abilities.
Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus	Fruit anthocyanosides	Traditionally used as an astringent to help relieve diarrhea. Source of antioxidants for maintenance of good health.
Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa L	Root, rhizome triterpenoids	Helps relieve menopausal symptoms & premenstrual symptoms. Traditionally used to relax skeletal muscle and ease nervous tension.
Borage Oil Borago officinalis L.	Seed oil essential fatty acids	Source of essential fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid for the maintenance of good health.
Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula	Bark 1,9-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives	Mild laxative action and normalizes gastric function.
Burdock Arctium lappa L.	Dried root extract	Traditionally used as a diuretic to induce sweating. Helps remove accumulated waste products via kidneys, skin and mucous membranes. Helps to alleviate pain associated with rheumatism.
Cascara Sagrada Cascara sagrada	Aged bark hydroxianthracene derivative (HAD), free anthraquinone	Traditionally used as a laxative.
Cat's Claw Uncaria tomentosa	Bark proanthocyanidins, alkaloids, phytochemicals	Acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation.
Cayenne Capsicum frutescens	Fruit capsaicin, carotenoids, capsicidins	Oral: Traditionally used as a digestive aid and to help support peripheral circulation. Topical: Traditionally used as a rubefacient/counterirritant to help relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and/or muscle and joint pain. Used for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and pain of tendons and ligaments; used to relieve cutaneous pain associated with conditions such as post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale F.H.	Leaves & Roots sesquiterpene, triterpenes, phenolic acids, carotenoids	Leaf: Used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic. Root: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a diuretic, to help treat digestive disturbances (dyspepsia), increase bile flow (cholagogue) and stimulate appetite as an alterative to help relieve dermatological conditions such as eczema.
Devil`s Claw Harpagophytum procumbens	Secondary root tubers harpogoside, beta sitosterol	Traditionally used as a bitter to help stimulate appetite and relieve digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia. Also used to help relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia / Purpurea / Pallida	Root, aerial parts echinacosides, polysaccharides, phytosterols	Echinacea angustifolia: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and to help relieve sore throats. Echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida: Used in Herbal Medicine to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract. Supportive therapy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. common colds). Helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) Oenothera bennis	Seed oil gamma-linolenic acid, mixed tocopherols	Source of essential fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid for the maintenance of good health.
Fennel Seed Foeniculum vulgare	Seeds & Oil antioxidant	Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as an expectorant to help relieve coughs associated with colds, to help relieve digestive disturbances including bloating and flatulence and to help relieve the pain associated with menstruation.
Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum	Seeds flavonoids, saponin, vitamins	Oral: Traditionally used to help stimulate the appetite, as a digestive tonic to aid digestion, to relieve dyspepsia and gastritis, mild laxative, expectorant to help relieve catarrh of the upper respiratory passages and to promote milk production/secretion. Topical: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help heal minor skin wounds, burns, irritations and local inflammations.
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium	Leaves, aerial parts sesquiterpene lactones	Leaf: Clinically shown to help reduce the severity and/or frequency of migraine headaches and associated nausea and vomiting when taken as a prophylactic. Aerial parts: Traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of colds. Traditionally used to aid digestion. Used in western herbalism to help prevent migraine headaches.
Flax Seed Linum usitatissimum	Seed & Seed Oil alphalinoleic acid	Bruised, cracked, ground, milled seed or seed oil: Source of essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids for the maintenance of good health. Whole, bruised, cracked, ground or milled seed: Bulk-forming laxative. Promotes bowel movement by increasing bulk volume and water content. Gentle relief of occasional constipation (irregularity).
Garcinia cambogia Garcinia cambogia	Fruit hydroxycitric acid	Helps suppress appetite and inhibit the production of unwanted fat (promotes fat oxidation).
Garlic Allium sativum	Bulb, distilled oil from bulb alliin, allinase, allicin, vitamins	Traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions. Used to help reduce elevated blood lipid levels/ hyperlipidaemia in adults and to help maintain cardiovascular health in adults.
Ginger Zingiber officinale	Rhizome phenylalkylketones	Helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, postoperative nausea and seasickness. Traditionally used to relieve digestive upset/disturbances (lack of appetite, nausea, digestive spasms, indigestion, dyspepsia, flatulent colic), expectorant, anti-tussive to help relive bronchitis, colds and coughs.
Ginkgo Biloba Gingko biloba	Leaves flavoglycosides; quercetin, proanthocyanidins, terpenes	Helps to enhance cognitive function and memory in an aging population and helps to support peripheral circulation.
Ginseng Panax ginseng	Root ginsenosides, glycosides	Helps to improve cognitive function and performance.
Golden seal Hydrastis canadensis L.	Root & Rhizome alkaloids, (hydrastine) fatty acids, volatile oil	Oral: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help alleviate infectious and inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract such as gastritis. Used as a bitter to aid digestion and to increase appetite (stomachic). Also used to help relieve digestive disturbances such as dyspepsia, as a mild laxative. Buccal: Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve mucous membrane inflammations of the mouth.
Grape Seed Vitis vinifera L.	Seed proanthocyanidins	Antioxidant to prevent cell damage.
Green Coffee Coffea arabica	Bean chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid	Helps to reduce the absorption of consumed carbohydrates, decrease the uptake of glucose in the body and regulate blood glucose levels.
Green Tea Camellia sinensis	Leaves polyphenols	Source of antioxidants for maintenance of good health, to be used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity to help in weight management.
Griffonia Simplicifolia Griffonia simplicifolia	Seed 5-HTP (L-5-hydroxytryptophan)	Helps to promote healthy mood balance, relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Helps to reduce the severity and duration of migraine headaches when taken as a prophylactic. To be used with a program of reduced intake of dietary calories and increased physical activity (if possible) to help in weight management by reducing carbohydrate cravings. Used as a sleep aid.
Guggulipid Commiphora mukul	Gum resin essential oil, guggulesterone, oleoresin	Helps lower cholesterol.
Hawthorn Crategus oxyacantha	Berries flavonoid, glycosides, saponins, catechins, tannins, procyanidins, vitexin	Promotes cardiovascular health.
Horsetail Equisetum arvense L.	Herb silicon	For healthy nails, hair and skin. Helps support bone health.
Prune Prunus domestica	Fruit sorbitol and polyphenols	Natural laxative, which helps to cleanse the intestines.
Psyllium Husk Plantago ovata	Husk fiber	Fibre supplement to promote & maintain regularity.
Pumpkin Seed Cucurbita pepo	Seeds linoleic acid, cucurbitacins, zinc	Helps relieve urologic symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Pygeum Bark Pygeum africanum	Bark phytosterols, terpenoids, ferulic esters	Helps maintain healthy prostate & relieve urologic symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Rosehips Fructor rosae canina	Fruit Bioflavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin B complex	Source of vitamin C.
Saw Palmetto Berry Serenoa repens	Berries saponins; phytosterols; fatty acids	Used to help relieve the urologic symptoms (e.g. weak urine flow, incomplete voiding, frequent daytime and night time urination) associated with mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Soy Glycine max	Bean isoflavones	An excellent source of protein & promotes heart health, soy isoflavones – alleviate menopausal symptoms, improve bone metabolism.
Valerian Valeriana officinalis	Root, rhizome valerinic acid, sesquiterpenes, glycoside, essential oil	Traditionally used to relive nervousness (calmative/sedative). Helps to promote sleep.

 

SUPPLEMENTS
	Source / Medicinal Ingredient	Suggested Use
Chondroitin	Calf trachea chondroitin	Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Helps to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
CLA	Safflower oil conjugated linoleic acid	Aids in reducing body fat.
CoQ10 (Co-Enzyme Q10)	Bacteria ubiquinone	Helps to maintain and support cardiovascular health, helps to reduce frequency of migraine headaches and associated nausea and vomiting when taken as prophylactic, an antioxidant.
Digestive Enzymes	Aspergillus oryzae, rhizopus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hordeum distychum, Trichoderma sp., Trichoderma Iongibrachtium Protease, Lipase, Amylase, Lactase, Amyloglucosidase, Sucrase, Maltase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase	Helps improve the digestion of proteins (protease), fats (lipase) & carbohydrates (Amylase, Lactase, Amyloglucosidase, Sucrase, Maltase, Cellulase, Hemicellulase)
Glucosamine	Shrimp, prawn & crab exoskeleton Glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride	Glucosamine sulfate: Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Helps to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Helps to protect against the deterioration of cartilage. A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage and/or joint health. Glucosamine hydrochloride: A factor in maintaining healthy cartilage. Helps to maintain healthy cartilage. A factor in maintaining joint health. Helps to maintain joint health.
Lecithin	Soybean phospholipids	Source of phosphatidylcholine to support healthy liver function.
Lycopene	Tomato carotenoid	Powerful antioxidant to promote prostate health and reduce risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)	Synthetic Methylsulfonylmethane	Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis, helps to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Omega	Oils essential fatty acids	Promotes heart health.
Probiotics	Bacterial culture L.acidophilus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus., Bifidobacterium longum	Helps maintain healthy gastro-intestinal tract. Helps protect against gastro-intestinal tract associated infectious diseases. Helps relieve gastro-intestinal disturbances associated with antibiotic therapy.

 

COFACTORS
	Body Parts Affected	Augmenting Nutrients	Food Source	Therapeutic Applications
Bioflavonoids	Entire body	Vitamin C	citrus fruits	Antioxidant, prevents cell damage.
Choline	Entire body	Vitamins A, B12, B complex, folic acid, inositol, linoleic acid	brewer’s yeast, fish, legumes, organ meats, soybeans, wheat germ, lecithin	A factor in the maintenance of good health.
Inositol	Entire body	B complex, B12, choline, linoleic acid	citrus fruits, brewer’s yeast, meat, milk, nuts, vegetables, whole grains, lecithin	A factor in the maintenance of good health.
MSM Methylsulfonylmethane	Knees, joints	None	synthetic	Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Helps to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.