As an herbal supplement, wheat grass is one that is widely celebrated for its excellent nutritional value. Commonly used for home remedies and natural cures, it is widely used in naturopathy as it helps to promote excellent health while naturally strengthening the immune system. Before using wheat grass, or any other herb, it is helpful to understand how it is prepared, its common uses and to be aware of any important precautions that may accompany its use.
Scientific Name
Wheat grass is a part of the Poaceae family of herbs and the scientific name for it is Triticum aestivum. The leaf is the part of the plant that is used. It is also sometimes referred to as wheatgrass powder, depending upon its preparation.
Wheat Grass Description
An annual grass, wheat grass is a plant that can grow as large as four feet tall. It has leaves that are narrow and flat, which can grow up to 15 inches in length. Most plants feature between two and five flowers, which are usually distanced from the plants stem. Wheat grass is one of the perennial wild grasses that grows in cool and temperate regions. Although no one is quite sure where it originated, many believe that was first grown within the Fertile Crescent region. This herb is one of the best sources for chlorophyll, which is produced in plants as the sun excites and charges the electrons located in the chloroplast cells of the plant. In dried forms, it contains three times the amount of protein that beef does, making it a valuable natural nutrient.
Wheat Grass Typical Preparations
Wheat grass can be found in a variety of different preparations. Many people grow it themselves and glean its benefits by juicing it. It can also be purchased as pre-made juice in most health food and whole food stores, as well as found in dried, tablet, and capsule form.
Common Uses of Wheat Grass
There are a variety of different uses for wheat grass. The following is a list of the most common ones:
- Anti Aging – The vitamins and amino acids in the wheat grass helps to slow down the aging process.
- Blood formation – Wheat grass is known to help promote the formation of blood, enhancing the platelet count, the white blood cell count and even the red blood cell count.
- Nourishment to the Skin – The nutritional supplements that are found in this herb help in keeping skin healthy and can treat various skin disorders.
- Healing – The properties associated with this herb also increase the ability of the body to soothe inflammation and to heal wounds.
- Digestion– When using wheat grass, many people find that it helps with the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins.
- Detoxification – Wheat grass is known to help the body eliminate harmful carcinogens, heavy metals and various other toxins within the body by helping to purify the liver.
This herb is also commonly used in home remedies for the following:
- Bronchitis
- Anemia
- Cystitis
- Cold
- Infection
- Colitis
- Gout
- Constipation
- Fevers
- Cough
Wheat Grass Precautions
Since wheat grass is known to help eliminate toxins from the body, it can cause some nausea and other symptoms of detoxification, such as mild headaches or diarrhea. Not enough about this herb is known when it comes to how it affects pregnant women, so women who are breast-feeding or pregnant should avoid using it unless they approve its use with their doctor. In some cases, allergic reaction may occur, although this is very rare.
Wheat grass is helpful as both a nutritional herb and as a medicinal herb. Those who prefer home remedies and natural cures to synthetic drugs, celebrate wheat grass as an effective alternative to these treatments. Its use should always be combined with a lifestyle of holistic health, which focuses on quality living through maintaining a healthy diet, daily exercise and activities that support positive mental attitudes.
