Spirit of curiosity and pioneering
From its early beginnings, Heel has been driven by a spirit of curiosity and pioneering innovation. Established in Berlin in 1936, its founder Dr. Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg was a creative and inquisitive thinker. A physician and homeopath, he not only developed new medicines using purely natural substances. He also pioneered a therapeutic approach based on using those natural medicines to help the body activate its autoregulating mechanisms.
But Reckeweg wasn’t satisfied with just seeing that his medicines and therapies worked – he wanted to know why they did. Scientific research into natural medicine became an integral part of what Heel is about. Thanks to this research-driven focus and innovations in the development of products and therapeutic solutions, Heel has continued to grow and thrive: The company moved to Baden-Baden in southern Germany in 1954 and became part of DELTON in 1977.
Since then we have been on a steady path of growth and internationalization. From our headquarters in Baden-Baden (Germany), we cooperate with subsidiaries and distribution partners around the world. Our founder was convinced that natural medicine has a vital role to play in healthcare. His vision paved the way for one modern medicine – and we at Heel will continue to stay at the forefront of these developments.
-
1936
Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH is founded
in Berlin/Germany, by Dr. Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg. Reckeweg is a medical doctor and pioneer: He is never satisfied with existing therapies, but is always looking for something better to treat his patients. His vision: „One day I will build the bridge between homeopathy and conventional medicine.“ He names the company HEEL, an acronym for HERBA EST EX LUCE – The medicinal plant draws its power from the sunlight. -
1937
Product portfolio grows, first medicines in tablet form
Many new medicines are developed during the early years, some of which are still among Heel‘s most successful products. These include Angin-Heel®, Gripp-Heel® , Traumeel®, Husteel® and Klimakt-Heel®. The first medicines in tablet form, Diarrheel® and Engystol®, are also launched.
-
1946
A new beginning for Heel in Triberg
After World War II, both the Reckeweg family and Heel find a new home in Triberg in the Black Forest. Valuable formulas as well as homeopathic mother tinctures are rescued from the ruins of Berlin. Reckeweg re-establishes his private practice and the company is revived. -
1948
Reckeweg develops an innovative therapeutic concept
Reckeweg develops the concept of Homotoxicology, published in MMW. Reckeweg H-H. Austauschwirkung, Homotoxine und Krankheitsabschnitte an den Geweben der drei Keimblätter. 1952; (12): 549-556. The goal of Homotoxicology is to use the body‘s own ability to regulate itself. Many concept aspects can be validated today by current cutting-edge science. -
1954
Heel relocates to Baden-Baden
Due to the inconvenient geographical location of Triberg, the company relocates to Baden-Baden. After the complicated relocation is completed, manufacturing recommences with 15 employees. -
1957
Heel-Symposia in Baden-Baden continue to grow
1948: Reckeweg holds the first Heel-Symposium at the Hotel Adler in Triberg. Over the years, the symposium becomes an established event for specialists. The number of attendees grows continuously – from around 60 participants in 1957, to 500 physicians a few years later. -
1959
First "Injeel" ampoule medicines
Injeels (Injection remedies Heel) generally refer to a series of single-constituent homeopathic potencies in ampoules for injection. -
1963
New company headquarters open in Baden-Baden
Continuous growth makes it necessary to find a new and roomier location for the company. A property in Baden-Baden is bought in 1961 and Heel moves into its new headquarters in 1963. Friedrich Doerper, Reckeweg‘s son-in-law, joins the company. -
1965
First veterinary medicines
In 1965, the first Heel products were offered for the treatment in veterinary medicine. The start of Heel Vet: Animal health designed by nature. -
1968
"German Medical Journal" features Traumeel®
The "Deutsches Medizin Journal" (German Medical Journal) is the first general medical journal to run a feature on Traumeel® and how it works. The article entitled "Using Traumeel® ointment in the orthopedic clinic" reports on a clinical study and the therapeutic success of Traumeel®. -
1969
Zeel® becomes the first homeopathically manufactured arthrosis medicine available
The market launch of Zeel® is a milestone in the treatment of arthrosis with natural medicine. -
1977
The family-owned company is acquired by DELTON, a German company based in Bad Homburg.
-
1986
Scientific publication on the efficacy of Gripp-Heel® and Engystol®
The "Arzneimittelforschung" (Drug Research) magazine publishes an article entitled "The influence of homeopathic products on the phagocytic capability of granulocytes" with study results from Heel's Gripp-Heel® and Engystol® medicines. The effect was studied through in-vitro tests and in controlled single-blind trials. -
1989
Clinical study demonstrates efficacy of Traumeel® ointment
The first double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with Traumeel® yields impressive results: Compared to placebo, Traumeel® leads to a significant improvement in joint mobility and pain after acute ankle sprain compared to placebo. -
1998
Double-blind, randomized clinical study with Vertigoheel®
An article published in the American Medical Association Journal "Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery" compares in a study the effect of betahistine with that of the multi-component medicine Vertigoheel®. The study shows that Vertiogheel® is as effective as a standard therapy. -
2002
Heel workforce passes the 1,000 mark
A committed staff is the key to success. The hiring of the 1,000th employee is not only a sign of Heel’s constant growth, but also of Heel's appeal as an employer. -
2003
Launch of Neurexan®
Launch of Neurexan® for the treatment of sleep disorders and stress-related nervous agitation. Neurexan® rapidly gains a significant market share, becoming one of the most successful Heel medicines. It is currently the top natural medicine in the stress and sleep segment in Germany. -
2006
Traumeel sales exceed 8 million package units/year
In 2006, more than 8 million package units/year of Traumeel® are sold for the first time. Traumeel® is successful in 50 markets worldwide and has become popular among top athletes and Olympic teams. -
2008
Manufacturing capacity in Baden-Baden expands
Heel builds a 1,800 m² extension onto its existing manufacturing plant in Baden-Baden, creating its own production facility for plant-based mother tinctures and substantially expanding its overall manufacturing capacity.
Heel natural medicines are manufactured according to current pharmaceutical standards and fulfil the highest quality requirements. -
2009
Record number of 100 million ampoules is manufactured
Heel becomes the global market leader for homeopathically manufactured ampoules. -
2011
75th anniversary
75 years Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH. -
2012
TAASS Study
The Traumeel® in Acute Ankle Sprain Study (TAASS) confirms that Traumeel® (ointment and gel) is as effective as diclofenac gel for treating pain and restoring function in acute ankle sprain. -
2015
MOZArT trial presented at EULAR, Rome
Clinical data released at the 2015 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) congress show that Heel‘s Traumeel® and Zeel® T have a statistically significant effect on osteoathritis knee pain after only three injections, lasting to the last point measured at 99 days. The effect of this treatment is comparable with other intra-articular treatments with a good safety profile.
The MOZArT trial is the first double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injections of Traumee® and Zeel® T compared with placebo.