Swedish medicinal plants - composition, utilization, contraindications

The Swedish herbal blend, known since the 18th century, was widely used across Europe. It consisted of seven different herbs combined with aloe in alcohol and a fermented Theriac mixture. The latter, already known in Greece during the first century AD, was older. In recent times, the blend regained popularity thanks to Austrian herbalist Maria Treben in the 1980s. Today, dry blends for self-preparation are preferred, and the composition has been modified by various manufacturers.

The initial Swedish herbal formulation included aloe vera alongside extracts of ash, saffron, rhubarb, camphor, senna, Alexandrian senna, and charcoal. The remainder of this article will explore the properties of these ingredients, as substantiated by contemporary scientific literature.

Ingredients such as aloe, angelica, milk thistle, camphor, rowan, rhubarb, and saffron are thoroughly described in ancient Iranian medical texts. Aloe is renowned for its soothing effects on gastrointestinal discomfort and wound healing. Research on rodents indicates it may improve health in diabetes, regulate oxidative stress, and lower lipid levels. Angelica affects the cardiovascular system, relaxes blood vessels, and may slow skin aging. Milk thistle supports liver function, protects the skin from sun damage, and alleviates chemotherapy side effects. Camphor reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while rowan improves liver function. Rhubarb extract aids the pancreas, saffron protects the digestive and nervous systems, and senna stimulates intestinal peristalsis.

As with all pharmaceutical preparations, phytotherapy also requires strict adherence to safety measures. The commercial production of Swedish herb blends for medicinal purposes carries certain risks, which is why it is now recommended to prepare them on a smaller scale by specialists who customize the composition for specific patient conditions [20]. Due to the complex composition and diverse mechanisms of action of these herbs, predicting all possible effects is challenging. For instance, reports of liver damage caused by excessive consumption of aloe-based products serve as a cautionary example [21]. It is worth noting that the range of substances in Swedish herb mixtures is extensive, as is their impact on the human body. Therefore, they should not be used without consulting a physician or phytotherapy specialist. This text discusses only some of the extracts found in these blends. Current research confirms their health benefits, though the composition of these preparations can be adjusted as needed. These herbs have been used for nearly 300 years, and scientists continue to study their properties. Before starting herbal supplementation, it is important to remember that each substance may produce different side effects in different individuals.