Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris)

Botanical Description

Common Names: Chlorella, Green Algae, Freshwater Algae
Scientific Name: Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Family: Chlorellaceae
Plant Type: Single-celled freshwater microalgae
Habitat: Grown in freshwater ponds under controlled conditions; not native to the UK or Isle of Man, but widely used as a nutritional supplement

Appearance:

Microscopic, spherical green cells (invisible to the naked eye)
Deep green color due to high chlorophyll content
Harvested as powder, tablets, or extract

Constituents (Whole Alga)

Protein: ~50–60% by weight (complete amino acid profile)
Chlorophyll: Supports detoxification and oxygenation
Vitamins: B-complex (especially B12 in some strains), C, E, K
Minerals: Iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium
Nucleic acids: RNA and DNA (supports cellular regeneration)
Omega-3 fatty acids: Including ALA
Polysaccharides & peptides: Immune modulating
Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF): Promotes tissue repair and growth

Parts Used

Whole organism (no separate parts):
The entire algal cell is used, typically cracked-cell wall to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Forms:

Powder (for mixing with feed)
Tablets or capsules
Liquid extracts (less common in veterinary applications)

Equine Use (Horses)

Benefits:

Detoxification support: Binds heavy metals and supports liver function
Immune booster: Through polysaccharides and chlorophyll
Nutritional supplement: High-protein, mineral-rich
Digestive health: Prebiotic effect, supports gut flora
Skin and coat health due to essential fatty acids and B vitamins

How to Use:

Powdered form: mixed into feed, adjusted per size and need
Often included in detox blends or post-medication recovery mixes

⚠ Cautions:

May cause mild digestive upset when first introduced (start slowly)
Not suitable for horses with sensitive iodine metabolism (due to potential contamination with sea-sourced algae)
Ensure chlorella is from trusted, clean water sources

Canine Use (Dogs)

Benefits:

Immune system support (especially after illness or vaccination)
Heavy metal detox and gut flora support
Rich in protein, iron, and B12, useful for older or vegetarian-fed dogs
Supports oral hygiene, breath freshness, and skin/coat condition

How to Use:

Powder sprinkled on food:
Available in pet-safe tablet form as well

⚠ Cautions:

May cause greenish stool (normal due to chlorophyll)
Avoid in dogs with autoimmune disease unless advised by a vet (due to immune-stimulating properties)
Introduce slowly to avoid flatulence or mild nausea

UK & Isle of Man Folklore

While Chlorella itself has no traditional UK or Isle of Man folklore due to its modern discovery and non-native status, it fits into broader folk themes of “green healing,” cleansing, and earth-based vitality:

In Isle of Man tradition, sea greens and lake plants were respected for their restorative and purifying powers, believed to carry “the breath of Manannán mac Lir,” the sea god.
Though not specifically named, green powders and decoctions were used in folk healing to “clear the blood” or “cool the liver,” and chlorella echoes this theme in modern holistic health.
In modern herbal folklore, chlorella is associated with rebirth, clarity, and cleansing, fitting into springtime renewal rituals or detox periods akin to Imbolc and Beltane themes.

Summary

Feature	Details
Main Uses	Detoxification, immune support, nutritional boost
Parts Used	Entire algal organism
Equine Use	Liver support, immune modulation, protein & mineral source
Canine Use	Gut and skin health, detox, post-illness recovery
Folklore	No direct ties, but aligns with green cleansing traditions

Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica) Clay various