Both the basic formulas are very similar in their herb contents. They differ in the amount of active substances in their formulas and obviously in the supporting thermal effect (cooling vs. warming).

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Common names: Black root, Knit bone, Boneset, Consound, Bruise wort. Comfrey was the main equipment of the Greek and Roman “war bonesetters” (it brings the flesh to grow).

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In the Middle Ages, comfrey was commonly used to cure bone fractures, which gave rise to its common name. Grated roots were used in the same way as plaster today.  The root mash sets as quickly as plaster.  For thousands of years it was used for fractures, bruises, sores, scratches … it was passed on that if an animal cut to pieces was boiled with comfrey, it would jump out of the kettle and run away. In the past, comfrey baths were also popular before marriage to restore the hymen returning so the “virginity”. 

Its major importance consists in its external application. It is used in the form of a compress for bruises, venous inflammations, chronic diseases, gout and varicose veins. It helps bone fracture union as well as healing of wounds, swellings, ulcers and haemorrhages. Comfrey encourages the healing tissue production, however it should not be used for deep wounds as it accelerates the surface healing before the wound is able to heal inside, which can cause abscess formation. In herbalism it is widely recommended for open varicosities and crural ulcers. It is also used as tincture or in the form of healing oils.

The root is more effective.
Effective substances:
Allantoin, asparagine, laziocarpine, methylpyrinine, essential oils, tannins, a number of other alkaloids.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used to:

• Improve blood circulation

• Stimulate regeneration

• Speed up healing of swellings

• Soothe aching joints and ligaments

• Stimulate broken bone regeneration

Common names: Aesculus castanea, Hippocastanum vulgare, Common horse chestnut, Buckeye, Bark bongay, Konker tree, Spanish chestnut

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Horse chestnut is a tall tree originally coming from the Balkans. In Hungary the tree is very aptly called the bokrétafa = bunch tree. It was imported to our region in the 18th century. It was first described as a herb by Matthioli in the 16th century. In 1615 a French traveller brought it from Istanbul and planted it in Paris. During the subsequent 100 years it spread over the whole of Europe. Californian Indians threw crushed chestnut fruits in lakes and rivers to intoxicate fish which could then be more easily fished. In 1896 there was a reference to its healing effect for haemorrhoids.

The parts used are the seeds (chestnuts), flowers and young leaves.

Effective substances:
Aescin, quercetin, kaempherol and others.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Varicose veins

• It strengthens vein walls and regulates venous tone during chronic venous insufficiency

• Cramps and so called “heavy legs”

• Speeds up bruise absorption

• Aching joints

• Improves circulation in blood vessels eliminating blood coagulation and preventing thrombus formation

Interesting facts:

• It has its name “Horse” chestnut as Turks used the seeds as a tonic for their draught horses and for the horse dyspnoea.  

• Alternatively, its name may have come from our ancestors to whom the fruit resembled a horse ́s eye.

• Goats and pigs love the Horse chestnuts, most probably for their bitter taste.

• According to ancient legends, the horse chestnuts should always be kept in our pockets to protect us from evil. They are effective in evil prevention until they lose their shine.

• During World War II, Horse chestnut was used as a source of starch.

• Several mammals can degrade the Horse chestnut toxins and eat them absolutely safely.

• The Horse chestnut flower is a symbol of Kiev, the Ukraine ́s capital.

Common names: Black root, Knit bone, Boneset, Consound, Bruise wort. Comfrey was the main equipment of the Greek and Roman “war bonesetters” (it brings the flesh to grow).

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In the Middle Ages, comfrey was commonly used to cure bone fractures, which gave rise to its common name. Grated roots were used in the same way as plaster today.  The root mash sets as quickly as plaster.  For thousands of years it was used for fractures, bruises, sores, scratches … it was passed on that if an animal cut to pieces was boiled with comfrey, it would jump out of the kettle and run away. In the past, comfrey baths were also popular before marriage to restore the hymen returning so the “virginity”. 

Its major importance consists in its external application. It is used in the form of a compress for bruises, venous inflammations, chronic diseases, gout and varicose veins. It helps bone fracture union as well as healing of wounds, swellings, ulcers and haemorrhages. Comfrey encourages the healing tissue production, however it should not be used for deep wounds as it accelerates the surface healing before the wound is able to heal inside, which can cause abscess formation. In herbalism it is widely recommended for open varicosities and crural ulcers. It is also used as tincture or in the form of healing oils.  

The root is more effective.

Effective substances:
Allantoin, asparagine, laziocarpine, methylpyrinine, essential oils, tannins, a number of other alkaloids.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used to:

• improve blood circulation

• stimulate regeneration 

• speed up healing of swellings

• soothe aching joints and ligaments

• stimulate broken bone regeneration

Common names: Hackmatack, Horse savin, Gorst, Aiten It is spread anywhere in Europe and Asia. Its European occurrence is nearly cosmopolitan.

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It can be found from lowlands up to mountain regions (Monte Rosa 3700 m a.s.l.). The Juniper’s healing glory originated in the Middle Ages when the Arabs made an unusual Juniper jam, presented in some older pharmacopoeias until now. For a long time, Juniper was associated with ritual purge and burnt in temples as a part of regular purging rituals. Several pharmacopoeias remained preserved on Egyptian papyruses coming from 1550 B.C.

Internally it is used for urinary tract inflammations, flatulence and dyspepsia (digestive disorder – fermentation and putrefaction processes prevail in the intestines). It improves metabolism in joints which, together with its diuretic properties, predetermines it for the treatment of joint rheumatism. The part used is the berry (galbulus).

Effective substances:
Essential oil is rich in monoterpenes – above all the terpinol.

In SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Rheumatic pains

• Muscle pains

• Speeds up convalescence

• Arthritis and gout

• Chronic rheumatism

Interesting facts:

• Juniper berries were used as a medicine in many cultures for a long time.

• The berries are effective as a strong disinfectant of the urinary tract when eaten.

• Native American Indians used them as a herbal medicine for the urinary tract infections.

• Western tribes blended the Juniperus communis berries with the Barbery root (Berberis) to make herbal tea for diabetes treatment.

• The indigenous American inhabitants use the juniper as contraception for women.

• Even at the beginning of the 20th century, Juniper berries were used in home-made beer production.

• The Juniper berries were employed in the preparation of spirit – in Poland and Slovakia, above all in the White Carpathians region, where the popular gin was made.

• Juniper essential oil has excellent cleansing properties, helping the urinary tract diseases; it cleanses blood, is antiseptic for the air passages, soothes muscle and rheumatic pains and encourages perspiration.

Common names: Arnica, Leopard's bane, Mountain arnica, Mountain tobacco, Wolf's bane.

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Arnica is an ancient herb – tincture from its flowers was always appreciated. The range of its use was very large – from bruises and rheumatism to stroke treatment. Picking of Arnica has destroyed many original sites.  Arnica is poisonous. It is used internally only in homoeopathy. 

It increases perspiration and has antibacterial effects. It causes reabsorption of internal bleeding in bruises and sprains (haemorhages). It soothes inflammations and relieves cramps. Suitable especially for external use. It provides astringent effects.

Parts used:
Flower; sporadically the root

Effective substances:
Essential oils, flavonoides (sesquiterpene lactones – helenin) and bitter substances.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Bruises

• Haemorrhages and bruises

• Antirheumatic effects

• Treatment of injuries

• Dislocation

• Swollen fractures

• Venous insufficiency

Parts used: essential oil is obtained from needles, buds and resin. Active substances: pinene, terpinen, amber acid, salicylic acid, etc.

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In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Rheumatic pains

• It promotes blood circulation in the limbs • Tendon inflammation

• Strong healing and antiseptic effects

• Accelerates healing of various injuries

Common names: Scotch pine, Riga pine and Norway pine. Essential oil contains terebinthine essential oil. It includes pinenes (approx. 15%). The essential oil is effective for arthritis and for rheumatic pains.

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In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Rheumatic pains

• It promotes blood circulation in the limbs

• Tendon inflammation

• Strong healing and antiseptic effects

• Accelerates healing of various injuries

It is effective for rheumatic and muscular fatigue pains. It promotes the blood supply and cleanses the complexion improving blood circulation. In its effects it is very similar to the Scots pine. Both of them belong to very important ingredients of the formula.

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In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Rheumatic pains

• It promotes blood circulation in the limbs

• Tendon inflammation

• Strong healing and antiseptic effects

• Accelerates healing of various injuries

Rosemary comes from the Mediterranean (often growing right
on the shore - hence probably its Latin name ros = dew, i.e. “dew
of the sea”). Rosemary has been used since the ancient times
as a spice, healing herb and incense. 

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It aids blood circulation, removes feeling of cold in the limbs and helps for so called “old man´s heart”. It tones veins and nerve system having overall strengthening effects, therefore being well proven for convalescence and in geriatrics. Rosemary is excellent for external application.
A strong decoction is used for the cleansing of mostly oily complexion, washing eczema, for wounds and bruises.  It is very popular in aromatherapy. Rub rosemary oil (two drops of pure natural essential oil in two to three table spoons of virgin oil) or tincture into the skin to
aid its circulation and release stiff and bruised muscles and joints.

Rosemary essential oil has significant position in the Equine Ointment formula. It is used to soothe rheumatic pains. It is also a very strong antioxidant. The essential oil is obtained
from flowering tops and leaves.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Soothing rheumatic pains

• Strong antioxidant

• Eases swellings

• Reduces pain in rheumatism and gout and aids blood circulation

Interesting facts: 

• With a reputation for strengthening the memory, it became the symbol of fidelity
  for lovers. 

• It was also believed to be suitable for purifying the air in sick chambers thanks
  to its essential oils which were released during its burning. 

• From Mattioli´s herbal we learn that rosemary wood was used to make lutes.

• Oil from Rosemary was the first obtained essential oil.

• Rosemary has very pleasant, sharp fragrance and nice flowers.  Therefore, it is no wonder that in the ancient times it was praised as a symbol of love, marriage, death and eternity.
  It was used to make incenses, wreaths and for ornamental purposes, such as boy´s
  hats, wedding flowers or banquet tables.

Common names: Curled mint or Balm mint

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Parts used are leaves or stalks. Mint contains essential oil with high content of menthol; then there are bitter substances, tannins and flavonoids.

The essential oil has mild effects for spasm relief. Menthol is cooling and eases pain. Externally Mint is used for tension-type headaches or swellings where it cools, promotes blood circulation and refreshes.

Ginkgo, whose origin is believed to date back 200 million years, became probably extinct from the wild hundreds of years ago, however, it was well preserved in the gardens of temples in the Orient.

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This deciduous coniferous tree with separate female and male trees was brought to Europe in 1730 becoming a popular decorative tree. The interest in its medicinal use has increased dramatically in the West since the 80s. The leaves are used for varicose veins haemorrhoids and lower limbs ulcers. In the traditional Chinese medicine it is used to reduce swellings in damp environment.

Used parts:
Leaves

Effective substances:
Gingkolides, polyphenols (biflavons)

The SwiBalm formula is used to:

• Increase venous tone (improves transfer of active substances to the desirable sites)

Its medicinal effects were first mentioned in the era more than 2000 years ago. It was used as a basic herb for different allergies.

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Used parts:
Root, rarely also leaves and stem.

Effective substances:
Alkaloids - baicalein and wogonin

In the SwiBalm formula it is used to reduce and minimize the risk of allergic reaction development. In view of the fact that every active substance obtained from plants is a potential allergen, it is necessary to minimize this risk. Although the formula contains 25 herbs, so the risk of allergic reactions is relatively high, there are virtually no such reactions to SwiBalm thanks to Skullcup.

This traditional medicinal herb of native Americans was not brought to Europe until the second half of the 19th century.

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It does not belong to the main active ingredients of the product as its maximum effect is achieved when used internally.

Parts used:
Root, flower and stem

Active substances:
Echinocoside, alkylamides, echinacein and others

In the Equine Ointment formula it is used for:

• Healing minor injuries and burns

• Easing pain

• Eczemas and psoriasis

• Crural ulcers and bedsores (decubitus ulcers)

• Suitable for increased physical strain

Also known as:  Aaron' s rod, Burr marigold, cocklebur, church steeples. Traditional medicinal herb with wide range of effects.

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First reference to the use of Agrimony dates back 120 years BC.   It has been used for wounds since the old Saxons era. In the 15th century it was the most important ingredient of so called “Arquebus Water”, a field medicine for shot wounds. It is good for skin inflammation and ulcers, stops bleeding from wounds.

Part used:
Flowering tips.

Effective substances:
Tannins, terpenes, flavonoids and their derivatives (lutein, apigenin, hyperoside) and high amount of silicic acid

In the SwiBalm formula it is used for:

• Circulation disorders

• Skin inflammations

• Haemorrhages and bruises

• Crural ulcer

Common names: Holigold, Mary bud, Pot marigold, Calendula

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Another traditional and quite common herb which is used in the SwiBalm formula for its soothing and healing effects on the skin. It is used externally for a wide range of skin diseases and inflammations. Some of the herbs used are rather aggressive to the skin, so Marigold is
used to eliminate these side effects.

Common names: Thyme, Garden Thyme, Mother of thyme

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It was already used by the Romans. “Thyme” comes from a Greek word which means courage.

It is used in the SwiBalm formula for its content of thyme essential oil (called the thyme camphor) which has a high amount of thymol and carvacrol. It has
a strong anti-spasmodic effect.

In the past, Bistort was used in herbalism, above all as an antidote for snake bites, but also to stop bleeding. 

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It is a unique herb. Most effects work when used internally. It is used in the SwiBalm especially for its ability to cure ulcers, bruises and relieve pain.

It has been added to the formula for its antioxidant effects. It detoxifies the region, improving thus local metabolism which accelerates tissue regeneration.

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When used internally, it provides effective cure for arteriosclerosis, it increases strength and flexibility of veins and capillaries.

It is used in herbalism above all for its antibiotic properties.

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In the SwiBalm formula it is used, the same as the Lemon tree, to cleanse and stimulate blood circulation. The Grapefruit ́s advantage is its ability to stimulate lymphatic system.

Common names: Common lavender, Spike lavender, Garden lavender Essential oil obtained from Lavender flowers is rich in monoterpenes.

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Active substances are linalol, linal acetate and Terminal-4 ol. Lavender has a considerable antiinflammatory effect. It supplements the herbal composition with its antiinflammatory effects.

It is used in the treatment of rheumatic inflammations or gout attacks. Flowering tips are used.

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The antiinflammatory effect is caused by ursolic acid. This acid also induces increased activity
of the lipoxygenase enzyme (according to French research workers it should prevent
the body from malignant growth).

Common names: Bugberry, Goutberry, Quinsy berry, Stallberry, Stinkshrub

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PThe parts used are the fruit and leaves. It has considerable antirheumatic effects. The main proportion of its effect occurs when used internally.

Common names: Wild chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Pineapple weed, Scented mayweed

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The ancient Greeks called Chamomile the “Earth apple” for its scent; the Anglo-Saxons considered it one of the nine holy herbs given to the Earth by the Woden god.
In the SwiBalm formula, the Chamomile is beneficial in soothing the potential skin itching.

Red hot chilli peppers were brought to the West from India in 1548. The pod is a strong stimulant for the whole body promoting blood circulation, toning the nerve system and stimulating energy.

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However, the healing properties of the peppers are significantly wider. They help treat pains and inflammations locally.

Used parts:
Pod

Active substances:
Capsaicin, carotenoids, saponins.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used especially for its warming effect:

• Muscle pains (myalgia)

• Joint pains (arthritic pains)

• Arthritis

• It has strong anti-inflammatory effects

It has the same effects as cortisone. Capsaicin triggers secretion of pituitary hormone ACTH. ACTH has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects similar to cortisone.

Common names: Cinnamon

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Due to its pungent and warming taste, Cinnamon is suitable for all types of diseases “caused by cold”, from the common cold and chilled stomach to arthritis and rheumatism.

It is used in the formula for its warming properties. The other effects are linked with internal use.

 Common names: Black root, Knit bone, Boneset, Consound, Bruise wort. Comfrey was the main equipment of the Greek and Roman “war bonesetters” (it brings the flesh to grow).

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In the Middle Ages, comfrey was commonly used to cure bone fractures, which gave rise to its common name. Grated roots were used in the same way as plaster today.  The root mash sets as quickly as plaster.  For thousands of years it was used for fractures, bruises, sores, scratches … it was passed on that if an animal cut to pieces was boiled with comfrey, it would jump out of the kettle and run away. In the past, comfrey baths were also popular before marriage to restore the hymen returning so the “virginity”. 

Its major importance consists in its external application. It is used in the form of a compress for bruises, venous inflammations, chronic diseases, gout and varicose veins. It helps bone fracture union as well as healing of wounds, swellings, ulcers and haemorrhages. Comfrey encourages the healing tissue production, however it should not be used for deep wounds as it accelerates the surface healing before the wound is able to heal inside, which can cause abscess formation. In herbalism it is widely recommended for open varicosities and crural ulcers. It is also used as tincture or in the form of healing oils.  

The root is more effective.

Effective substances: allantoin, asparagine, laziocarpine, methylpyrinine, essential oils, tannins, a number of other alkaloids.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used to:

• improve blood circulation

• stimulate regeneration 

• speed up healing of swellings

• soothe aching joints and ligaments

• stimulate broken bone regeneration

Eucalypt, this traditional remedy of the Australian aborigines for fever, was brought to the western world in the 19th century by the director of the Melbourne Botanic Garden whereby the growing of the tree was spread to South Europe and North America. 

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In the traditional medicine of the Australian aborigines leaves were used in packs for any wounds or inflammations. The herb has been used since 1840 for flus and colds, running nose, blocked nose, etc.

The part used is the leaf.

Effective substances:
Essential oil rich in cineole and eucalyptole.

In the SwiBalm formula it is used, the same as Rosemary, to irritate the skin which aids blood supply (this improves absorption of the active substances)

• Healing effects for tissues

• Antiseptic effects

• Mild cooling effect

• It is also used for easing migraines

The Blueberry fruit and leaves are rich in glycosides which show considerable vasoprotective effects.

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They speed up absorption of swellings and improve metabolism in the region accelerating thus regeneration and reparation of tissues.