Nutritional food supplements for a healthy diet

Herbal Tinctures

Hippocrates said: “Let your medicine be your food and food be your medicine.” Herbs are foods, but for 6,000 years of human history, until the chemical and pharmaceutical revolution of the last century, they were also the most widely used and accepted medicinal remedies - the “orthodox medicine”! For a generation or so this has largely been forgotten, but now people are beginning to rediscover the health benefits of herbs. This is to be welcomed.

Our products

We supply a wide range of high quality organic single and mixed tinctures.

To assure you of the quality of our single tinctures we state:

• whether fresh or dried herb is used
• the herb/liquid ratio
• the alcohol proportion
• and the country of origin.

In addition, we are privileged to be able to list some practitioner-formulated herbal extracts. These are specially formulated by Brian V Lamb, MCPP, Scotland’s leading Medical Herbalist, for use by his own patients in his own clinics. Now he is making them available to Chlorella World customers.

Herbal Tinctures as Nutritional Supplements

A wide range of traditional herbal tinctures are used as nutritional supplements. We do not make medicinal claims for any of the herbs or tinctures that we sell but provide you with their historical and traditional uses.

This page provides answers to the following questions:

• How should I take tinctures?
• How are tinctures made?
• How do tinctures work?
• Can I use them in a hand or foot bath?
• What precautions need to be taken?
• The historical and traditional uses for the tinctures we sell
• Information about our Practitioner Formulated herbal extracts, by Scotland’s leading Medical Herbalist

How should I take tinctures?

Liquid herbal extracts or herbal tinctures are an easy and effective way of taking herbs, especially in combination formulae. You can take 15-20 drops in a small glass of water, whereas taking a comparative 4 capsules of dried herbs really requires you to drink a pint of water to avoid digestive upsets.

When taking herbal tinctures always start by taking small doses and adjust to suit your own requirements. After taking the herbal tinctures for a period it is always a good idea to stop taking the tincture for a week or two to monitor the effect and adjust the dosage.

Traditional herbal tinctures are usually diluted in water or fruit juice, although they can be taken neat and held in the mouth before swallowing. The amount of liquid to dissolve the herbal tincture in is not critical.

If you use warm to hot, but not boiling, water to dilute the tincture, the alcohol will evaporate off.

The amount of tincture to take is usually 15 to 25 drops, dissolved in water, two or three times a day.

Many people find that they can safely increase the dosage to a teaspoon volume rather than drops. There are some herbal tinctures, such as Wormwood, that should only be taken in small doses and for short periods

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How are Herbal Tinctures made?

Herbal tinctures are made by steeping herbs in liquid.

Usually the liquid is water and alcohol. The alcohol extracts all the volatile ingredients that would be lost or simply not extracted by other processes, such as boiling in water. Extracting the natural ingredients of the herbs and placing them into a liquid makes an herbal tincture. Thus the herbs are very easy to take and the dosage can be easily adjusted to individual requirements.

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How do Herbal Tinctures work?

Traditional herbal tinctures begin to be absorbed as soon as they enter the mouth, whereas capsules and tablets are digested in the stomach. Stored in dark glass bottles, herbal tinctures should last a good five years without losing any of their qualities.

As herbal tinctures are very convenient to take and easy to combine together, herbalists can easily tailor a mix designed for an individual’s unique requirements. This is important since herbal tinctures that may prove helpful for one individual, may have little or no effect on another.

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Can I use Herbal Tinctures in Hand & Foot Baths?

A very safe and effective way of “taking” herbs is by using hand baths and foot baths. You can use an herbal infusion for this but you can also simply add a teaspoon or two of tincture. Start with the bath hot but comfortable and soak your hands or feet for 20 minutes or until the water cools. The nutrients from the herbs are readily absorbed into the blood stream through the hands and feet, bypassing the digestive system.

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Caution when using Herbal Tinctures

Herbs have been used as medicines for hundreds of years. In order to provide their benefits they therefore have powerful active compounds within them. As they are medicines they must be treated in the same way as other drugs; one must consider interactions with other medicines and their potential to cause side-effects. They may not be suitable for everyone.

Always be careful of taking any herb supplements, (whether as tinctures, liquid extracts, tablets or capsules), if you are taking other medications. It is always advisable to consult your professional health advisor before starting to take herbal supplements, as they might affect the way the prescribed dose of medication works. Never take a supplement of any kind if you are pregnant without first consulting your medical practitioner or antenatal clinic.

Our Herbal Tinctures

• All 100ml single tinctures £12.95 (unless otherwise stated)
• All organically certified by the Soil Association
• Manufactured in the UK (unless otherwise stated)
• Packed in 100 ml dropper bottles
• Under the title we state: the herb used, ratio of herb to liquid, the proportion of alcohol and country of origin of the herb
• The alcohol used is from beet by natural fermentation. If you wish to remove the alcohol add a little hot water or other liquid and it will evaporate

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Traditional Uses for our Herbal Tinctures

(Please note: A wide range of traditional herbal tinctures are used as nutritional supplements. We do not make medicinal claims for any of the herbs or tinctures but provide you with their historical and traditional uses).

Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus
(Dried Fruit; 1:5; 75%; Croatia)
Strengthens capillaries, veins, arteries & improves circulation. Traditionally used for eyes, cold hands and feet, night blindness and varicose veins. Strengthens the immune system. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/bilberry-000225.htm

Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa
(Dried Root; 1:5; 60%; USA)
Used by Native Americans to relieve menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause. It is still used for menstrual and menopausal symptoms, including PMS/PMT. May help reduce the inflammation of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/black-cohosh-000226.html

Caisse Formula
(Burdock Root, Fresh 21 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
(Sheep’s Sorrel Herb, Fresh 16 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
(Slippery Elm Bark, Dried 4 parts; 1:7; 25% USA)
(Rhubarb Root, Fresh 1 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
Essiac Formula was derived from an ancient Ojibwa remedy, by Rene Caisse. The herbal formula is an excellent detoxifier and blood cleanser to support any health regime. Click here for more information.

Caisse Formula with Red Clover
(Burdock Root, Fresh 21 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
(Sheep’s Sorrel Herb, Fresh 16 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
(Red Clover Flower, Dried 8 parts; 1:5; 25% Croatia)
(Slippery Elm Bark, Dried 4 parts; 1:7; 25% USA)
(Rhubarb Root, Fresh 1 parts; 1:2; 25% UK)
This has all the medicinal benefit of Caisse Formula, with the addition of Red Clover. It is believed that Rene Caisse sometimes added Red Clover to her Essiac formula when in season. Click here for more information.

Cilantro (Coriander Leaf), Coriandrum sativum.
(Dried leaf; 1:3; 45%; Egypt)
Cilantro is prized for its detoxifying properties. A recent protocol suggest its use in conjunction with chlorella for enhanced removal of mercury, particularly following dental removal of amalgam fillings.

Dandelion Root Taraxacum officinale
Dried Root; 1:5; 25%; Croatia)
Traditionally dandelion roots and leaves have been used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and stomach upset. Today, dandelion roots are usually used as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant, whilst dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to stimulate the flow of urine. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm

Dandelion Whole Plant Taraxacum officinale
(Whole plant, fresh; 1:2; 25%; UK)
Traditionally dandelion roots and leaves have been used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. Today, dandelion roots are usually used as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant, whilst dandelion leaves are used as a diuretic to stimulate the flow of urine. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm

Devil’s Claw Root, Harpagophytum procumbens
(Dried root; 1:5; 70%; South Africa)
The people of the Kalahari Desert have used devil's claw root for millennia to treat pain, complications of pregnancy and in topical ointments for sores, boils, and other skin problems. Today, devil's claw is used for degenerative joint diseases, low back pain and as an appetite stimulant and digestive tonic. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/devils-claw-000237.htm

Please see our News Page for recent publicity regarding Devil’s Claw

Echinacea Purpurea
(Fl. plant, fresh; 1:1.33; 66% UK)
For over 400 years Native Americans may have used echinacea to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all." Echinacea has been used throughout history too for scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Also used for prostate problems. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm

Echinacea Purpurea & 25% Golden Seal
This is a very popular combination, especially in the autumn as the cold and ‘flu season approaches. Goldenseal is a perennial herb in the buttercup family, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as a multi-purpose remedy. It boosts the medicinal effects of Echinacea.

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium
(Fl. tops, fresh; 1:1.33; 66% UK)
We only sell Feverfew made from fresh herbs. Feverfew loses its potency rapidly after harvesting. Only fresh herb, or tinctures prepared from freshly picked herb should be used. Tablets, capsules, or tinctures made from the dried herb are unlikely to prove satisfactory.

Feverfew is one of the most documented natural treatments for prevention of migraine. Do not take during a migraine attack. A member of the sunflower family, Feverfew has been used for centuries in European folk medicine as a remedy for headaches, arthritis, and fevers. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-000243.htm

Ginkgo Biloba
(Dried leaf; 1:5; 25%; China)
Traditionally used to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years lend support to these traditional uses. May be effective in treating decreased blood flow to the brain, particularly in elderly individuals. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm

Ginseng, Panax Ginseng
(Dried root; 1:5; 45%; China)
Called the king of herbs, Ginseng is regarded as an adaptogen. This means that it strengthens and normalizes body functions, helping the body deal with various forms of stress. Ginseng may shorten recovery from illness or surgery, especially for elderly people. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/asian-ginseng-000249.htm

Golden Seal Root, Hydrastis canadensis
(Dried herb; 1:5; 60% USA)
Goldenseal was originally introduced to early American settlers by Native American tribes, who used it primarily for skin problems and as a wash for sore eyes. Goldenseal is a perennial herb in the buttercup family, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as a multi-purpose remedy. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/goldenseal-000252.htm

Gotu Kola, Hydrocotyle asiatica
(Dried herb; 1:5; 70% Sri Lanka)
Gotu Kola was traditionally used for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia to heal wounds, improve mental clarity and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. It has also been called one of the "miracle elixirs of life". For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gotu-kola-000253.htm

Hawthorn, Crataegus oxycantha
(Dried Fruit; 1:5; 45%; Bulgaria)
Traditionally Hawthorn has been used for circulatory disorders and to strengthen the heart muscles. It is used for most heart and vascular conditions including both high and low blood pressure. Also used as an antiseptic and for insomnia. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hawthorn-000256.htm

Horsechestnut Seed, Aesculus hippocastanum
(Fresh; 1:1.33; 66%; France origin and maufacture)
Horse chestnut seed extract has been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency. This condition is associated with varicose veins, ankle swelling and pain, itching and heaviness in the legs. Venous insufficiency also causes nighttime leg cramps. Horse chestnut is also beneficial in haemorrhoid treatment. For more information http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aesculus+hippocastanum

Lemon Balm, Melissa Officinalis
(Tops, fresh; 1:1.33; 66%; UK)
Lemon Balm has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and appetite and ease digestive discomfort. Many professional herbalists suggest Lemon Balm is beneficial for Alzheimer's and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lemon-balm-000261.htm

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
(Dried seed; 1:5; 25%; Hungary)
Milk Thistle has been used as an herbal remedy for various ailments since Greco-Roman times, particularly liver problems and improving the flow of bile. There have been several scientific studies on the protective properties of silymarin and other active substances in milk thistle. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/milk-thistle-000266.htm

Oats (Avena sativa)
(Tops, fresh; 1:0.67; 51%; UK)
Traditionally used by herbalists for nervous exhaustion, "weakness of the nerves" and insomnia. Oat tinctures are also used to help with withdrawal from tobacco, alcohol and other addictions. For more information http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h272.htm

Plantain, Plantago major
(Fresh herb; 1:2; 25%; UK)
The leaves are astringent, demulcent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic and refrigerant. Internally, used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever. They are used externally in treating skin inflammation, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings etc... For more information http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Plantago+major

Poke Root, Phytolacca americana
(Root, fresh; 1:2; 33%; UK)
Traditionally used amongst Native Americans for surface worts and skin eruptions. Stimulates metabolism and the lymphatic system and is used for inflammatory and respiratory problems. For more information http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h371.htm

Red Clover,Trifolium pratense
(Red Clover Flower, Dried; 1:5; 25% Croatia)
Red Clover blossom is traditionally used as a blood purifier and for a wide array of conditions such as the menopause, mastitis, bronchitis, joint disorders, jaundice, spasmodic coughing, asthma, allergies and skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/red-clover-000270.htm

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
(Rosemary leaf, Fresh; 1:2; 70% Croatia)
Traditionally, rosemary has been used by herbalists to improve memory, relieve muscle pain, and support the circulatory and nervous systems. It is also believed to relieve menstrual cramps, increase urine flow and reduce kidney pain. It is also known to have antimicrobial properties. For more information http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/rosemary-000271.htm

Sheep Sorrel
(Flowering herb, fresh; 1:2; 25% UK)
Sheep Sorrel is traditionally used for inflammation, diarrhoea and fever. A tea made from the stem and leaves can act as a diuretic and it is also used as a vermifuge, as the plant allegedly contains compounds toxic to intestinal parasites. It is also a major ingredient in the essiac formula. For more information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex_acetosella

St Johns Wort, Hypericum perforatum
(Fl. Tops, fresh; 1:1.33; 66%; UK)
St Johns Wort is best known as “nature’s prozac” but was traditionally used for various 'nervous conditions.' St. John's Wort has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and is used for cold sores and to help heal wounds and burns. Interacts with many medications. For more information http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/

Walnut Hulls, Juglans Regia
(Leaf/Hull, fresh; 1:1.33; 66%; UK)
Traditionally use to treat ringworm, worms, fungal and parasitic infections, constipation, rectal burning, piles, mouth sores, herpes, warts, acne and other skin conditions. Can also be used topically on the skin to aid many skin conditions. For more information http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Juglans+regia

Wormwood, Artemisia absinthum
(Fl. herb, fresh; 1:2; 45%; UK)
Traditionally wormwood is used for all complaints of the digestive system, such as constipation and indigestion. Also beneficial with ailments concerning the liver and gall bladder. Expels worms. Use small quantities for short periods. For more information http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h312.htm

Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus
(Root, fresh; 1:2; 45%; UK)
Herbalists consider Yellow Dock an astringent and blood purifier. It is among the best blood builders, being rich in digestible plant iron. Also traditionally used to benefit the skin, liver, digestive & lymphatic systems. For more information http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h314.htm

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Practitioner Formulated Herbal Preparations

The products on this page have been specially formulated for Chlorella World by Brian V Lamb, MCPP, and prepared under his supervision for use by his own patients in or through his own clinic.

What we are able to say about the herbal products we sell is very limited. We are not medically qualified and cannot make any claims for them.

We are starting with just three of Brian’s formulas. We hope to expand the range in the future if these prove popular.

We welcome feedback on all our products and would be grateful for comments and suggestions regarding the herbal preparations we do and do not provide. Please join our discussion forum.

Ojibwa Complex 300ml

This is based on the traditional Ojibwa Indian herbal remedy that Rene Caisse adopted and called Essiac™, her name spelt backwards. It was used for generations before Rene Caisse, but her worthy work brought it to more mainstream public attention. Essiac is now a registered trademark, so the name cannot be used for any other similar product.

For more information on Rene Caisse’s formula click here.

This formulation is based on Brian Lamb’s own research into Rene Caisse’s method of preparing the four herbs in her formula.

Ojibwa contains essential sugars and other phytonutrients believed to uphold normal cell-to-cell communication.

Only high quality wildcrafted herbs are used, with the famous healing water from Pannanich Wells and grain alcohol.

Contains: water, alcohol fermented from sugar beet, Burdock root, Sheeps Sorrel herb, Slippery Elm bark, Turkey Rhubarb root.

Suggested serving: 5ml twice daily, although this may safely be increased to 8ml three times a day by adults.

Cilantro & Yellow Dock Complex 100ml

A formula to assist internal detoxification.

A synergistic elixir of cleansing botanicals, empowered by extraction with water from the healing wells of Pannanich on Scotland’s Royal Deeside.

Ingredients: aqua, alcohol (grain-free produced from beet by natural fermentation), Coriandrum sativum (Cilantro, Coriander Leaf), Rumex crispus (Yellow Dock),Taraxacum officianalis (Dandelion), Calluna vulgaris (Heather), Alpina officinarum (Galangal)

Cilantro has been shown in recent research to help remove mercury deposits, and it is frequently taken with Chlorella to aid heavy metal detoxification.

Graviola Elixir 57ml

Graviola (Annona muricata) is a small evergreen tree from the Amazon Rainforest. The fruit and the leaves of graviola are used in traditional medicine for their sedative properties and for immune, circulatory and lymphatic support.

There have been several research studies which show graviola to have anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties in laboratory tests done in test tubes.

However, as there have been no studies involving humans or animals we do not know if graviola has the same effect if ingested as a supplement.

Ingredients: Spring water, alcohol from sugar beet, Annona muricata (Graviola herb)

Cautions in Use

• Do not take if pregnant.
• Do not take in combination with a Co Q10 supplement.
• Consult with your medical practitioner if taking vasodilating or antihypertensive drugs
• Keep out of the reach of children.

After using Graviola for a month it is best to stop taking it for a few days before resuming use.

Brian V. Lamb, MCPP Medical Herbalist

Brian V. Lamb, MCPP is Scotland’s most experienced Medical Herbalist, with 25 years in practice.

Traditional Herbal Medicine, as practised by Brian Lamb and his daughter Sophia in their Thurso Clinic, offers you all the benefits of skilled diagnosis and time-proven plant-based remedies, many of which of which are increasingly validated by clinical trials.

Brian V. Lamb trained at the College of Phytotherapy in Sussex, receiving an education in orthodox medical science and spent five years studying plant medicine. During the last 25 years he has gained expert knowledge in the use of medicinal herbs in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Through a special interest in skin diseases, Brian Lamb became an international formulator of skin care and cosmetics products based on herbal extracts. He contributed a chapter in “Advanced Professional Skin Care” by the renowned dermatologist, Peter Pugliese, MD.

Brian Lamb formulates herbal nutritional supplements for the UK and USA consumer market and lectures extensively across the United States on weight management and the prevention of diabetes.

Brian Lamb was a consultant to the owners of Scotland’s most famous source of healing water, Pannanich Wells, now known as Deeside Water, and wrote a Technical Brief validating, in scientific terms, the existence and definition of healing waters. This is the water Brian Lamb uses in his herbal preparations.

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