Chlorophyll
Synopsis
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, essential for photosynthesis, the process by which sunlight is converted into energy. Structurally similar to hemoglobin in human blood, chlorophyll is often referred to as "plant blood" and is highly valued in natural medicine for its detoxifying, oxygenating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The most common supplemental forms are chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyllin, a water-soluble, semi-synthetic derivative.
Key constituents and actions:
- Chlorophyll a & b – natural fat-soluble pigments involved in photosynthesis
- Chlorophyllin – a stable, water-soluble form often used in supplements for detox and deodorizing
- Rich in magnesium, which sits at the core of its molecular structure
- Acts as a free radical scavenger and cellular protector
Health benefits of chlorophyll include:
- Detoxification support, especially for heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides
- Enhancing wound healing and reducing body odor (internal deodorant)
- Promoting red blood cell production and oxygen transport due to its structural similarity to hemoglobin
- Supporting gut health by reducing bad bacteria and inflammation
- Alkalizing the body and reducing systemic acidity
- Mild immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects
Common uses:
- Liquid chlorophyll supplements – often taken in water as a daily tonic
- Capsules or tablets, sometimes blended with other greens like spirulina or barley grass
- Found in green leafy vegetables, including spinach, parsley, wheatgrass, and alfalfa
Historical Use:
While chlorophyll as a chemical was identified in the early 19th century, green plants have been used in healing traditions for millennia. In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, chlorophyll-rich herbs like wheatgrass, nettle, and moringa were used to purify the blood, cool inflammation, and promote vitality.
Chlorophyll gained prominence in Western natural medicine in the mid-20th century, when it was promoted for its use in wound healing, deodorizing, and cleansing the blood. It became a popular component in detox programs and green food supplements.
Today, chlorophyll is widely used in functional nutrition and natural detox protocols, prized for its ability to support liver function, improve digestion, and enhance overall vitality and oxygenation in the body.
Uses: Health Conditions
Body Odor (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Body Systems
Spleen (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Hypothalamus (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Parotids (Salivary Glands) (Traditional)