Wheatgrass Juice

Species Name: Triticum aestivum

Wheatgrass is the early, young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. Wheatgrass grows naturally in temperate regions throughout Europe and the United States. Those interested in making their own juice can grow wheatgrass indoors by putting wheat seeds in water and then harvesting the leaves.

Wheatgrass juice is very high in green chlorophyll. It is a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants, including:

  • Vitamins A, E, and B-12
  • Calcium
  • Selenium
  • Magnesium
  • Iron

What is Wheatgrass juice? Wheatgrass juice is a dark green liquid that is expressed from young wheat grass. Wheatgrass is often available in health food stores as fresh produce, fresh juice, frozen juice, and powdered wheatgrass concentrate that can be rehydrated into juice. In juice bars, wheatgrass is available singularly, or mixed with other fruit and vegetable juices.

It is important to note that fresh wheatgrass juice is volatile and will oxidize quickly. It must be consumed rapidly or somehow protected from oxidation. One of the ways to protect the juice is to flash freeze it.

Wheatgrass Juice Preparation:

You must have a juicer capable of juicing at low speed (not over 50rpm) as a high speed setting will oxidize the grass and the grass fibers will bind. Do not use a blender for the same reason. Generally wheatgrass juice on its own is an acquired taste. If you haven’t acquired that taste yet, try wheatgrass mixed with other vegetables or fruit.

Here are two mixed juice recipes you can make at home.

Fresh Green Juice Recipe:

  • 3 stalks celery
  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 5 fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
  • 3-inch round wheatgrass
  • Water - as needed

Cut celery and cucumber into small chunks for your juicer. Juice all ingredients and dilute with water for texture and taste.

Fresh Applegrass Recipe:

  • 3 medium apples
  • 3-inch round wheatgrass
  • Water - as needed

Chop apples to size for your juicer. Juice wheatgrass and apple, dilute with water as needed for texture and taste.

Home Remedies Using Wheatgrass Juice:

Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice:

Wheatgrass was first used in the Western world in the 1930s when Charles F. Schnabel, an agricultural chemist, conducted experiments with young grasses when he tried to nurse dying hens back to health.

The hens recovered, producing eggs at a higher rate than healthy hens. In the 1940s, after several more experiments, Schnabel's powdered grass went on sale in major drug stores throughout the United States and Canada.

Wheatgrass juice is believed to offer many health benefits, including:

  • Increased sense of physical and mental well-being
  • Increased energy and better sleep
  • Stronger immune system
  • Cellular Detoxification
  • Inflammation Reduction
  • Reduced Appetite Cravings
  • Increased Mental Clarity
  • Steadier nerves
  • Improved eyesight and night vision

Wheatgrass juice contains high levels of chlorophyll. The benefits are extensive if taken consistently in sufficient amounts. Here are just some of the therapeutic effects for chlorophyll consumption:

  • Alleviates blood sugar problems
  • Detoxifies and cleanses
  • Improves bowel functions
  • Improves breast milk production
  • Increases blood count
  • Kills bacteria in wounds and speeds up healing
  • Relieves gastric ulcers
  • Reduces or eliminates body odors
  • Relieves respiratory troubles like asthma and sinuses
  • Reduces inflammation and pain
  • Soothes hemorrhoids

Gargling with wheatgrass juice can relieve a sore throat, and draw toxins from teeth and gums.

Research on wheatgrass juice includes the 2002 study that included the addition of 3 oz. fresh wheatgrass juice vs. 3oz. placebo juice in addition to standard medical treatment to control ulcerative colitis symptoms was studied. Results showed patients who drank wheatgrass had less diarrhea, pain and rectal bleeding than those who drank the placebo.

Side Effects of Wheatgrass Juice:

Wheatgrass juice side effects can include headaches, nausea, or an allergic reaction with hives or throat swelling. Wheatgrass can be contaminated by bacteria, molds, or other soil constituents, which can add to the possible side effects.

Teeth discoloration can occur (green teeth) with prolonged use.