You've probably seen it on your feed. That deep, forest-green liquid swirling in a glass of ice water, looking like something brewed in a forest rather than a kitchen. People claim it fixes everything from acne to body odor. But honestly? Most people are just overpaying for pre-mixed bottles at high-end grocery stores. Learning how to make chlorophyll water at home is actually stupidly simple, and it saves you a massive amount of money.
It’s just plant pigment. That’s the big "secret." Chlorophyll is the stuff that helps plants turn sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. When we drink it, we’re essentially consuming a concentrated form of that "green energy." It’s not magic, but the science behind why people are obsessed with it is actually pretty interesting.
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Drinking This Stuff?
It started as a TikTok trend, but the fascination with liquid chlorophyll has some roots in actual wellness science. You’ve likely heard it called an "internal deodorant." This isn't just a marketing gimmick. Researchers have looked into chlorophyllin—a semi-synthetic, water-soluble version of chlorophyll—for decades.
A study published in Life Sciences back in the day actually explored how chlorophyllin can bind to certain molecules that cause odors. It doesn't just mask smells; it might actually change how your body processes them. Then there’s the skin aspect. Some dermatologists, like Dr. Whitney Bowe, have mentioned that the antioxidant properties might help with inflammation, though she’s also quick to point out that eating your greens is just as effective.
But let’s be real. Most of us aren't eating five cups of spinach a day. That's why people gravitate toward the water. It’s a shortcut.
The Different Ways to Get It Done
When you look into how to make chlorophyll water, you basically have two paths. You can go the "supplement" route or the "whole food" route.
The supplement route involves buying liquid chlorophyll drops. These are usually sodium copper chlorophyllin. It’s shelf-stable and mixes instantly. The whole food route involves juicing or blending high-chlorophyll greens like parsley or spinach. It’s messier, but it’s the "real deal" in terms of nutrition.
How to Make Chlorophyll Water Using Liquid Drops
This is the method you see in the aesthetic videos. It’s fast. It’s easy. It’s hard to mess up.
First, you need to find a high-quality liquid chlorophyll. Look for brands like NOW Foods or World Organic. You want to make sure the ingredient list is short. Usually, it’s just chlorophyllin, water, and maybe some vegetable glycerin or peppermint oil for flavor.
- Start with about 8 to 12 ounces of cold water. Filtered is better if you’re picky about taste.
- Add the dosage recommended on the bottle. Usually, this is about 15 to 30 drops, or roughly one teaspoon.
- Don’t stir it aggressively. Just let it marble. It looks cool, and it mixes pretty well on its own.
- Add a squeeze of lemon. Honestly, the taste of plain chlorophyll can be a bit... earthy? Like drinking a lawn. Lemon cuts through that "dirt" flavor and makes it actually refreshing.
Pro tip: Use a straw. Seriously. Chlorophyll is a pigment. It’s used to dye fabric. It will absolutely stain your teeth if you drink it every day without being careful. It also stains white countertops, so don't be messy.
The DIY Method: Extracting Chlorophyll from Greens
If you don't trust supplements or just want the freshest version possible, you can make a "chlorophyll concentrate" using herbs. Parsley is the king here. It has one of the highest concentrations of chlorophyll per gram compared to almost any other common grocery store vegetable.
The Parsley "Juice" Technique
Grab a huge bunch of flat-leaf parsley. Wash it well because grit in your drink is gross.
Throw the whole thing—stems and all—into a high-powered blender with a cup of water. Blitz it until it's completely pulverized. Now, you can't just drink this thick green sludge; you need to strain it. Use a nut milk bag or a very fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze out every drop of that dark green liquid.
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What you have now is a potent, raw chlorophyll extract.
You can keep this in a glass jar in the fridge for about 48 hours. When you’re ready for a drink, just pour a tablespoon or two of this extract into a glass of sparkling water. It’s bubbly, green, and feels much more like a craft cocktail than a health supplement.
Why Spinach Isn't Always the Best Choice
While spinach is great, it’s also high in oxalates. For most people, that’s fine. But if you have a history of kidney stones, consuming massive amounts of raw spinach extract might not be the smartest move. Parsley is generally a safer bet for a daily concentrate, plus it has a brighter, cleaner flavor that pairs better with water.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Benefits
There's a lot of hype. Let’s cut through it.
People say it "oxygenates the blood" because the structure of chlorophyll is remarkably similar to hemoglobin. In hemoglobin, the central atom is iron. In chlorophyll, it’s magnesium. It’s a cool "nature is amazing" fact, but your body doesn't just swap out the magnesium for iron the second you swallow it.
It's not a blood transfusion in a glass.
However, the magnesium part is actually a huge benefit that nobody talks about. Most of us are magnesium deficient. Drinking how to make chlorophyll water provides a bioavailable source of magnesium, which can help with muscle relaxation and sleep.
Also, the "weight loss" claims? Take those with a grain of salt. There is some evidence, like a 2014 study in Appetite, suggesting that green plant membranes can suppress intake and enhance satiety. But it's not a fat-burning miracle. It’s just a tool that might help you feel a bit fuller so you don't reach for a bag of chips at 3 PM.
Safety and Side Effects (The Gross Part)
We have to talk about the bathroom.
If you start drinking this, your... uh... "output" is going to change color. It’s going to be green. This is normal. It’s just the pigment passing through you. Don’t panic and call your doctor.
Some people also get a bit of an upset stomach or diarrhea if they start with a full dose. If you're new to this, start small. Use five drops. See how you feel. Work your way up. Your gut microbiome needs a minute to adjust to the influx of concentrated plant matter.
Also, if you're taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (like certain antibiotics or acne meds), be careful. Chlorophyll can technically make you more photosensitive, meaning you might burn faster in the sun. Wear your sunscreen.
Elevating the Flavor: Recipes That Don't Taste Like Grass
If you struggle with the taste, you're not alone. It’s an acquired taste, for sure. But you don't have to suffer through it.
The "Green Mojito" Water:
- 10 oz sparkling water
- 20 drops liquid chlorophyll
- 5 muddled mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- A tiny bit of agave or stevia if you need sweetness
The "Morning Detox" Tonic:
- 8 oz warm (not boiling) water
- 15 drops chlorophyll
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- A pinch of ginger powder
- Squeeze of lemon
The ginger and apple cider vinegar add a "bite" that masks the earthiness of the chlorophyll perfectly. Plus, the warm water is a nice way to wake up your digestive system in the morning.
Storage and Practicality
If you're using the store-bought drops, keep the bottle in a cool, dark place. Some brands recommend refrigeration after opening to keep the "freshness," but check your specific label.
For the DIY parsley extract, the fridge is mandatory. It will spoil fast because it's a raw food product. If you made too much, you can actually freeze the extract in ice cube trays. Pop one "chlorophyll cube" into your water bottle before you head to work. It’ll melt throughout the morning, keeping your water cold and green.
Is It Better Than Just Eating Salad?
Honestly? No.
Eating a big bowl of kale, swiss chard, and broccoli gives you the chlorophyll plus the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are often stripped away in extracts. But we're humans living in a busy world. Sometimes we don't have time for a salad. Sometimes we want a functional beverage that feels like a treat.
How to make chlorophyll water is about supplementation, not replacement. Use it as a boost, not a foundation.
Actionable Steps to Get Started
Don't go out and buy a $50 "cleanse" kit. That's a waste of money. Here is exactly how to start this habit today without the fluff:
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- Pick your path: Buy a $15 bottle of liquid chlorophyllin (check for "sodium copper chlorophyllin" on the label) OR buy two bunches of parsley.
- The 3-Day Test: Start with a half-dose once a day for three days. This prevents the "emergency bathroom run" that some people experience.
- Use a glass container: Plastic can sometimes absorb the smell and color over time. A glass mason jar or a dedicated water bottle is best.
- Time it right: Most people prefer drinking it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning for "energy," but there’s no hard evidence saying you can’t drink it with lunch.
- Watch your teeth: Use a straw or rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking to keep your smile white.
If you stick with it for two weeks, pay attention to your energy levels and your skin. Some people notice a "glow" pretty quickly, likely from the hydration and antioxidant boost. If you don't feel anything? At least you're drinking more water, which is a win in itself.