Chlorophyll is the substance responsible for giving green plants their color. It harnesses the sun’s energy during photosynthesis and is responsible for a variety of metabolic functions, including perspiration and growth. Interestingly, the chlorophyll molecule is chemically similar to human blood, except that its central atom is magnesium, whereas in human blood, the central molecule is iron. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Historically, chlorophyll was used to treat gastrointestinal problems and to promote the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. It has also been used to combat bad breath and reduce the strength of odors associated with urine, feces and infected wounds. There is some preliminary evidence that chlorophyll may detoxify substances that could cause cancer.
Because chlorophyll is not considered an essential nutrient, there are no guidelines regarding recommended daily allowance. However, some practitioners recommend 100mg of a chlorophyll capsule or tablet taken 2-3 times a day to fight odors.
chlorophyll is available in a wide variety of forms, from fresh cut herb to tablets, extracts (both fluid and dry), tinctures and infusions.
Since chlorophyll is not an essential nutrient, dietary allowances have yet to be established. However, it is known that individuals who do not get enough green foods in their diet may lack a necessary amount of chlorophyll. As of this writing, there are no known side-effects or drug interactions with chlorophyll.
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Structured water (H3O2) can be considered a fourth state of water between liquid and solid. It has the hexagonal structure of ice; however, missing a critical bond, it behaves more like a gel than a solid, but retains some of its crystalline structure.
In the past five years of my clinical practice, I have seen an astonishing upsurge in the chronic use of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications for the gastrointestinal issue diagnosed by allopathic medicine as GERD. It is not uncommon to encounter patients taking these prescriptions for five-plus years.
Working with chronically ill patients entails acknowledging the reality that not all patients will survive their diagnosis. Chinese medicine and acupuncture play a crucial role in palliative and end-of-life care, addressing medication and disease side effects, alleviating pain associated with death, reducing anxiety and stress, and helping patients find peace during the dying process.
