All herbal and nutritional supplements and therapeutic modalities included in the WCH Detox & Wellbeing study and Companion Guide. You can find out more about the study, the detox protocols and any of the glossary items listed below, on the free monthly Detox Support Workshops (Zoom). You will also find recordings of past workshops.

Please ensure you seek medical advice before using any protocol, or item referred on this page.

• Herbal and nutritional supplements
• Therapeutic modalities

nutritional / herbal SUPPLEMENTS

5-ALA – an amino acid synthesised in the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells and our bodies, has been found to be linked to glucose metabolism, meaning that when there is too much glucose intake in situations of poor diets, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, it goes down. Supplementation has been found to reduce glucose levels, leading to better outcomes in glucose management.

5-Deazaflavin – a naturally occurring subtype of vitamin B2, it has been shown to improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, promote mitochondrial function and to activate sirtuin genes which are linked to longevity. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Alpha-lipoic acid – a naturally occurring fatty acid derived from caprylic acid, it is highly antioxidant and is beneficial for conditions that involve oxidative stress. It is helpful, for instance in managing blood pressure and blood sugar control and weight loss, autoimmune diseases, neuropathic pain, improving burning, pain and numbness and even helping with stroke management. It is naturally present in red meat, beets, carrots, spinach and broccoli.

Anamu – a perennial flowering plant native to Central and South America, the Southern United States and parts of Africa, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. With a wide range of uses in teas, creams and powders, it has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is high in sulphur compounds, giving it a garlic odour. Used for stamina, mental clarity and pain relief, as well as rheumatism, arthritis, cancer, malaria, coughs, cold and influenza.

Artemisia Annua, or sweet wormwood – a type of mugwort used throughout Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat fevers, inflammation, headaches, bleeding and malaria. It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial and antiviral. It was subject to a ban in the EU in 2019, just before the coronavirus crisis. Subsequent studies showed it inhibits SARS-CoV-2.

Binaurial beats – an auditory adjustment created by playing a different tone in each ear through headsets, for instance, 520Hz in one and 530Hz in the other, that when processed by the brain influences brainwaves. This allows the induction of states that promote deep sleep and healing, meditation, creative flow, relaxation, concentration and high-level information processing.

Bromelain – extracted from pineapples, bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, which means it digests cellular debris around the body, helping the immune system to clean up. It is thus anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer in its activity.

Cascara Sagrada – a dried bark from a tree native to western North America, it has been used for centuries as a laxative, similar to aloe vera and Senna.

Cerosee, or bitter melon – a fruiting vine widely used in Asia and Africa, and later brought to Central America and the Caribbean, it has been used for centuries in food and as a tea to treat high blood sugar levels and diabetes, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, colds and fevers, ulcers and skin ailments. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-dementia, high in vitamins and minerals, decongests and detoxifies, and can also help with high cholesterol.

Chlorella – a freshwater algae with high chlorophyll levels, giving it the characteristic dark green colour, in common use as a dietary supplement due to it high levels of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. It has been used in the Far East since ancient times, and in contemporary use is highly valued as a detoxifier, able to carry heavy metals and pesticides out of the body, as well as reducing cholesterol levels. It is immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic.

Colostrum – the first rich, yellow milk produced by humans and any other mammal when the young are born and start to feed, it is incredibly rich in immunoglobulins, antibodies and antioxidants, immune compounds that instruct the nascent immune system how to behave, as well as boost it and protect the newborn from infections at a time it has not yet developed its own defences. It has been shown to help in musculoskeletal repair and growth and promotes wound healing and helps regenerate a damaged gut.

Coenzyme Q10 – a natural, antioxidant, fat-soluble compound forming part of the cellular energy cycle and supportive of immune function, it is present in small amounts in meats, seafoods, seeds and some vegetables. Present in all our cell membranes, it is reduced dramatically by consumption of statins and needs supplementing in this instance. Other conditions linked to low CoQ10 levels are neurodegenerative diseases, fibromylagia, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure.

Curcumin – extracted from the turmeric rhizome, it is a leading anti-inflammatory that has been used for over 6,000 years in ancient Egypt and Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda. Studies show it is highly effective for calming inflammation in numerous ailments and chronic conditions, and also has various mechanisms of anti-cancer activity. It is best absorbed with back pepper or black pepper extract, piperine.

Detoxamine – a medically-designed heavy metal chelating suppository, it works overnight and relies on EDTA, which provides the chelating action to remove metals from the body, for instance in acute poisoning, but also for chronic, ongoing heavy metal toxicity that is unfortunately common in these times. Studies have also flagged its antioxidant capacity in atherosclerosis and plaque removal, protecting from further cardiac damage. It is accompanied by minerals and vitamins as it can also reduce these.

Diatomaceous earth – the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, that have formed over millennia into a sedimentary rock high in silica. As a food-grade supplement it kills parasites and viruses and cleans the blood, removing heavy metals also. Silica is essential for health and is an anti-aging element, being found in bones, tendons, the aorta, liver and kidneys.

DMSA – a heavy metal chelator also used for acute and chronic exposure in use since the 1950s. This can improve cognitive functions and energy levels as the heavy metals can cause neurological impairment and impair energy production in the mitochondria. Like EDTA it can also pull other necessary metals and vitamins out of the body, so is accompanied by other supplements.

Emeramide – an antioxidant and fat soluble heavy metal chelator which uses sulphur to attract and bind to the metals, rendering them inert and non-toxic. This complex is then removed from the body through the bowel. Studies have shown it to be nontoxic.

Goldenrod – a native North American perennial wildflower that is edible, it has been used to heal wounds of the skin and to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat, colds, flu, urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, diabetes, and arthritis and also has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also found in Europe, Asia and North Africa and has been used for centuries both externally and internally for the conditions above.

Gomijokyo / Kanpo – kanpo herbal medicine is the 6th century derivative of traditional Chinese medicine adapted to Japanese culture and traditions. The remedies are designed for certain conditions and normally consist of a number of herbs and other extracts which have been used for thousands of years to heal different conditions. It was swept aside by the advent of Western medicine, but was revived in the 1950s, notably by Keisastu Otsuka, who encouraged new research and modern clinical trials. There are more than 220 kanpo formulas today, and 150 of them are covered by Japanese national health insurance.

Hydrangea, or Hortensia – a common garden flowering shrub, the roots are used for kidneys, bladder infections and enlarged prostates. Is has anti-photoaging affects and counters autoimmune conditions and malaria. It has been consumed traditionally in the form of teas and herbal medicine in the Far East.

Hydroxychloroquine – a medical drug in use for over 75 years with a high safety profile, it was developed to kill the malaria parasite. It is known in African countries as the ‘Sunday pill’, as it is taken preventatively to avoid getting malaria on Sundays, by some people for decades on end. It is also effective against viruses and other germs. It has further use in rheumatology and has been one of the mainstays of rheumatological practice all around the world to deal with painful and stiff joints.

Ivermectin – a compounded off-patent medical drug that was developed from avermectin, a soil bacterium, it is a powerful antiviral and antiparasitic, used widely for over 40 years in the treatment of many tropical ailments, as well as scabies. It has been further shown in studies to have many pathways to arresting certain cancers, and the inventor, Satoshi Omura, was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery in 2015. It has scientifically-proven use in combating the SARS-CoV-2 infection, but this was concealed to allow the Emergency Use Authorisation for other drugs like mRNA injections, so that they could be sold at profit for manufacturers.

L-Carnitine – an amino acid naturally produced in the brain, liver and kidneys, which helps the body convert fat to energy by transporting fat into the mitochondria. It is found in animal foods only, like beef, fish and chicken, causing potential deficiency in vegans and vegetarians. It enhances brain function, prevents muscle damage and regulates blood sugar.

L-Glutathione – a vital intracellular antioxidant, the body’s most important one, made from amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Some researchers posit that our longevity may be dependent on maintaining the levels high, and our immune systems certainly depend upon it. N-acetyl cysteine is a known precursor, often supplemented to raise levels. It can also be boosted with milk thistle, whey protein, sulphur foods like brassicas, and grass-fed liver, beans, lentils and asparagus.

L-Ornithine – a non-proteinic amino acid made in the body and used in supplements to boost athletic performance, reducing fatigue and boosting sleep and wound healing, it is crucial for many aspects of human metabolism, including excreting ammonia through urea to get rid of excess proteins. It is found in small amounts in high-protein foods, mainly animal products, but also seeds, nuts and fermented soy.

Lactoferrin – a protein present in mammalian milk, particularly in the first milk, colostrum, it is a key element to support the lactating young, as it sequesters and destroys bacteria and viruses that have managed to infiltrate the infant, plus helping with iron delivery, thereby aiding survival and giving the young immune system a helping hand. Emerging research even points at the role it plays in brain development. In adults it can help with bacterial, viral and fungal overload, regulate the gut, improve iron levels, calm inflammation, improve acne and skin health, lower fat accumulation, and support bone health.

Lugol’s iodine – a traditional apothecary’s iodine compound in liquid form developed by a French physician in 1827 to fight tuberculosis. Most often used to disinfect wounds, support thyroid function and as a stain in medical imagery. Found in seafood and seaweed, iodine is needed in every cell in the body and is not just used by the thyroid gland, it is vital for the immune system, hormones, and has the interesting quality of being an antioxidant as well as oxidant which makes it also a powerful anticancer agent.

Lumbrokinase – a proteolytic enzyme extracted from worms, it is particularly efficient at dissolving fibrin, which makes it an excellent tool for dissolving blood clots and improving microcirculation. Studied in China for many years for cardiovascular disease, it is also an excellent help for dissolving biofilms as it is also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, with anti-tumour and wound healing properties. It is now being studied in relation to bone repair and remodelling.

Marshmallow – a perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, it grows in marshy damp places. It has been used for healing and medicine since time immemorial, calming coughs and colds, stimulating the immune system and soothing the digestive tract. It is also used externally for boils, styes, burns and bites. There are still recipes for real marshmallows using this versatile plant!

Melatonin – a hormone that is a critical part of the sleep-wake cycle and is produced in the pineal gland in the brain, it is also a powerful antioxidant and has anticancer activity. A popular supplement to help with jet lag, and to help with disturbed sleep in the US, its use is more heavily regulated in other countries. Other researched uses include supporting eye and cognitive health, helping with acid reflux, migraines and tinnitus.

Milk thistle – a common tall thistle with purple flowers seen in meadows throughout Europe, it is an ancient herbal remedy for liver support. It increases an important liver antioxidant, glutathione, by 40%, making it one of the most popular remedies for decongesting the liver and improving its functions, along with dandelion and artichoke.

Moringa – an extraordinary tree native to India, Pakistan and Nepal, and some parts of Africa, nearly every part of it can be used for medicinal purposes and has been done so for millenia. It is high in protein, antioxidants, especially Vitamins A, and C, flavonoids and phytonutrients like quercetin, and the seeds are rich in a healing oil. It therefore combats oxidative stress and inflammation and is used to balance hormones, fight ageing, improve digestive health, balance blood sugar levels, nourish the skin, protect brain health and is even used for water purification.

Mucuna Pruriens – a climbing tropical shrub, whose beans contain high amounts of levodopa, the precursor to our neurotransmitter dopamine. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it is supportive of Parkinson’s, neural health and arthritis, and is also anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. It has also been shown to be a natural anti-venom in other studies.

Mullein – a flowering mountain plant, mullein has been used for centuries to accompany coughs and colds, serving to loosen mucus, and also to treat asthma and other lung-related conditions. It may also be used for diarrhoea, ear infections, bursitis, arthritis, burns and infections used both externally and internally in the form of teas, creams, drops and poultices.

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) – a compound found in high-protein foods like fish, meat, eggs, beans, seeds and sprouts, it is an important precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s main natural antioxidants. Used traditionally in medicine for decades to support chronic congested lungs in cystic fibrosis, in nutrition it is used to support detoxification and immune function due to the antioxidant capacities. For this reason more recent uses include mental health conditions that feature high oxidative stress, and insulin sensitivity.

Nattokinase – an extract of the Japanese highly fermented soybean dish ‘natto’, it is a proteolytic enzyme, cleaning up cellular debris like bromelain and lumbrokinase, and has special affinity for the circulatory system, where it further has reparative action on the blood vessel walls, helping restore the circulatory system and lower blood pressure.

Neem – an ancient remedy from Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda, made from the leaves of the neem tree, it has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and anti parasitic properties and is used traditionally in many powders, creams and as an oil for topical and internal consumption. Commonly used as an insecticide, including for malaria-carrying mosquito bites, the oil is also anti-inflammatory and has antioxidant vitamins and compounds that support skin health.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NAD – a type of co-factor in many metabolic pathways, including energy production in the mitochondria, DNA repair, cellular longevity and immune function. Strongly linked to anti-aging, it is shown to support mental clarity, focus and memory, athletic performance, vision, skin ageing, and circadian rhythms. The precursors can be obtained through diet, including B-vitamins and various forms of nicotinamide, in protein-rich foods like dairy products and yeast.

Noni – a fruit from a semi-tropical tree, it has been shown to have a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and has been in use for at least 2000 years. It is beneficial for a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including reducing pain in arthritic joints, lowering blood pressure and triglycrerides, and even reducing pain in cancerous tumours, as well as having anti parasitic action.

OxyPower – a herbal formula and oxygenator that supports lung function and increases oxygen carrying in red blood cells, it is used to combat fatigue, hypoxia and blood flow. It is also used as an antibacterial and is available in a liquid, also for use in inhalers. It also contains sea buckthorn and rhodiola, also used for lung and circulatory support, among others.

P3-OM – a live proteolytic, probiotic strain of lactobacillus rhamnosis GG, used to support digestion, gut flora, muscle building and immune response. Lactobacillus rhamnosis naturally produces anti-bacterial agents that restore equilibrium to the gut flora, reducing pathogenic overgrowths, restoring the integrity of the gut walls, and allaying diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and antibiotic-related diarrhoea.

Paratrex – a digestive cleanse and immune boosting supplement that combines wormwood, diatomaceous earth, neem and cloves, it is used to bring the gut flora back into equilibrium by blocking overgrowth of harmful organisms. We all carry parasites that we pick up from food we eat, from water, soil and pets, and a regular parasite detox is a cornerstone of good health.

Quercetin – a flavonoid extracted from various plants, it is found in high amounts in red onions, apple, and blueberries, especially the peels, citrus fruits, green tea and parsley. It is a proven zinc ionophore remedy, carrying zinc across cell membranes into the nucleus and thus is excellent immune support. It also has proven efficacy in combatting viruses and microbes and allergenic compounds. It regulates the immune system, lowers inflammation and is used for a wide range of disorders, including respiratory viruses, heart and venous health, cataracts, allergies, inflammation of the reproductive system, skins disorders and more.

Serrapeptase – a proteolytic enzyme researched for it’s powerful debris-clearing, inflammation-reducing, pain-dampening response since the 1980s. It is the treatment of choice in Japan, it kills bacteria and curbs inflammation in a wide range of ailments, including arthritis, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, respiratory infections, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibrocystic breast disease.

Slippery Elm – a common herbal digestive remedy from North America, this tree bark extract, rich in mucilaginous, jelly-like fibres, is excellent for soothing the gut lining when there is inflammation and different digestive issues. Diverticulitis, acidity, and irritable bowel conditions all benefit from this supplement, as well as skin conditions like psoriasis, due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial factors in contains, for which is is also applied externally as a poultice.

Sorrel – a delicious, perennial lemony herb, commonly consumed in Europe even in the middle ages, and was eaten in salads, soups and sauces. Very high in vitamins and minerals, one variety is a main ingredient in the cancer-fighting Essiac tea, and it is also used to combat sinus infections, applied directly to cold and canker sores, and the exceptional potassium levels help with blood pressure. Like spinach and rhubarb it is high in oxalates, hence the use as a condiment rather than a main dish.

Spirulina – a blue-green algae that grows in warm, alkaline lakes in Africa and Central and South America, and equivalent in many ways to another super-food algae, chlorella, it is now even used in aid programmes to supplement in areas with high levels of malnourishment. It was used for centuries by the Aztecs in Mexico, and is argued by some to be the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. It helps detox heavy metals, helps fight overgrowth of the yeast candida, is used in HIV management, fights cancer cells, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure, lowering chances of strokes. It is neuro-protective and also helps manage blood sugar and weight.

Supercharged C60 – a type of carbon, with 60 carbon atoms, that is known as a sponge for attracting free radicals and thus works as a potent antioxidant. It has been in use for many years to detox, boost the immune system and work against the signs of ageing. This particular supercharged format multiples by 10 the free-radical scavenging potential, supporting the synthesis of functional immune cells, hormones and mitochondrial function.

Symprove – a probiotic drink that has been developed over 15 years, by a UK farmer to help his animals, with live fermented foods to achieve the most natural, absorbable form of probiotic ‘friendly bacteria’ delivery to the gut. It worked so well he developed a human-friendly version. By presenting in a liquid form, substantially more probiotic organisms reach the intestines, sidestepping the digestive process.

Taurine – a sulphuric amino acid found in high amounts in the brain, retina, heart and reproductive organs, it is found in high protein foods like meat, fish and dairy. Made by the body except under conditions of high stress and illness, It is important for reducing inflammation in the cardiovascular system, mitigating symptoms of metabolic syndrome like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and excess body weight. It has also been linked to increased strength and endurance, ameliorating periodontal disease and even reducing Parkinson’s tremors.

Taxifolin, or dihydroquercetin – a potent flavonoid and antioxidant extracted from milk thistle, and the barks of Douglas fir, French maritime pine, Siberian larch, the Himalayan cedar and Roxburgh pine. It is also present in rice boiled with adzuki beans and vinegars aged in cherry wood casks. It has been studied in the treatment of coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral infarction and sequelae. It is restorative of normal fat profiles and excretion, supporting the liver, and also is an anti proliferative in cancer cell lines.

Thuja – a native North American tree that has been used for many decades in homeopathy and herbalism, it has potent antiviral action and stimulates the immune system to produce immune cells and activate white blood cells. It was used in the 16th century as a treatment against scurvy, and is commonly used for acute and chronic infections of the respiratory tract. High in essential oils and flavonoids, it also increases antibody response and acts as a strong deterrent to acute cold and influenza infections.

Uva Ursi – an evergreen plant used for hundreds of years before the advent of antibiotics, it is used in capsules, tinctures, ointments and teas to combat urinary tract-related problems, including kidney infections, urinary incontinence, water retention, painful urination and bedwetting. It is used for short term treatments.

Wild garlic – a bulb that is commonly seen in spring time in European woods, and is often seen along with the famous bluebells. It has small star-shaped white flowers and broad, long leaves that have been appreciated for both culinary and healing purposes for centuries. Traditionally used for high blood pressure, heart attacks, cholesterols and strokes, it is antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It is also high in minerals and vitamins.

Zeolite – a natural microporous rock of volcanic origin, found in certain mountains in many countries, it contains high natural levels of trace minerals, up to 34. It acts as an antioxidant and also as a heavy metal binder to expel these from the organism, and is many times more powerful than the commonly used charcoal.

Therapeutic modalities

Infrared sauna – a sauna that instead of heat uses infrared light, a frequency of light in the solar spectrum that is extremely healing as it penetrates deep into the body without requiring high heat levels. The benefits include improved heart health, blood pressure reduction, soothing painful and injured muscles and joints, reducing oxidative stress and detoxifying from heavy metals and other.

Negative ion therapy – a remedy that seeks to emulate the negative, health-promoting ions found naturally in forests, near waterfalls, in rain, on beaches, or after rainfall. Studies going back a hundred years show the negative ions are a way to relieve stress, boost energy, and increase oxygen levels in the brain. When the concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air is not less than 1000-1500 ions per cubic centimeter, air is considered to be fresh, and this is often not the case in offices and highly urban spaces.

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy, or PEMF – a therapy that is used to stimulate cell repair and improve circulation. It is used to speed up the repair of fractures and also improve depression. It is shown to help cells absorb nutrients and release toxins by stimulating the appropriate channels that work through natural electrical pulses. It is approved by NASA and has been in use in Europe for decades.