Also known as:

Triticum aestivum, Wheatgrass (Wheat Grass), and Common Wheat.

Introduction:

Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted shoots of grains of wheat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used interchangeably with barley grass. The tender young shoots of freshly sprouted barley or wheat seeds were used to treat diseases of the "spleen," or poor digestion, but also "stagnation of the liver," conditions characterized by an inability to respond to the emotional environment, usually depression after chronic anger or disappointment. Wheat grass is grown by soaking the seeds in clean water for 6-12 hours until they sprout and grow shoots approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long. Barley grass provides a broader ranger of nutrients, but wheat grass has a superior content of antioxidants and organic phosphates. Wheatgrass sprouting seeds themselves are a wonderful addition to any diet. As above, soak the seeds for 6-12 hours, rinse the water out, and dry thoroughly. This should be repeated at least 3 times, but may be repeated more if you want your seeds to get larger. Make sure they are very dry the last round of soak/rinse as they will keep better in the refrigerator the dryer to the touch that they are.

Constituents:

Quercetin, rutin, organic phosphates.

Parts Used:

The dried unjointed leaf. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, wheat grass may be "massed" or fermented before drying.

Typical Preparations:

A level tablespoon (3-4 grams) of powder added to teas, smoothies, or cereals, daily. Sometimes found in encapsulations.

Summary:

Wheat sprouts contain a very high level of organic phosphates and a powerful cocktail of antioxidant molecules. According to research recently published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, the antioxidant activity of catalase and peroxidase appears very strong. Addition of a small amount of wheat grass powder to food is known to prevent cataracts in aging dogs, and may have a similar effect in people. Wheatgrass juice has been called by some the "ultimate blood purifier", and according to available research data, this may very well be true.

Precautions:

Like barley grass, wheat grass may reduce lactation in nursing mothers.

 This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For educational purposes only.