All plants are living organisms of the kingdom plantae, and they exist in every culture of the world. Of the 350,000 species estimated to be in existence, about 287,655 species have been identified. The existence of plants is essential for the existence of human and animal life. Plants provide oxygen, food, clothing, shelter, and in some cases, medicinal properties. Plants can be placed in several classifications. Trees, shrubs, and grasses make up a large group of plants with a variety of species in each. There are about 10,000 species of grasses worldwide. Although all grasses and plants contribute to the enhancement of the environment, researchers and scientists in the 1940s highlighted the usefulness of wheatgrass, in particular, for the enhancement of human health.
The Role of Wheatgrass in the Green Health Movement
The Green Revolution refers to the research and development of better farming techniques and increased food production for developing countries in the mid 1900s. It began with the transformation of agriculture in the 1940s and is largely attributed to the life work of Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist — an expert in the sciences of soil management and crop production. In what would become a major catalyst for the movement, the Mexican government created an agricultural research station to develop different types of wheat for feeding the rapidly growing population of the country. It was during the time of the Green Revolution that Ann Wigmore began promoting the health philosophy of the Greek physician, Hippocrates, which purports that the body will heal itself if given the right conditions. Wigmore compared this health movement to the ongoing Green Revolution and termed it the “New Green Revolution.” As she wrote in The Wheatgrass Book, Wigmore felt that the emphasis of a revolution should be “on the part of people everywhere, on working with nature to prevent illness before it takes hold.” She did this herself through her research and practice of using wheatgrass and other raw, green foods to promote good health.
Today, populations continue to expand and the world continues to revolutionize. Scientists and manufacturers have developed various synthetic drugs, multi-vitamins, energy drinks, and food supplements. The versatile wheat plant, however, has remained a constant. “Wheat is the king of all grain foods,” states grass expert Dr. Earp-Thomas in Wigmore’s book Why Suffer? It is a world food staple and continues to be used in a variety of forms. Wigmore encouraged using the full power of wheat in the form of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass has played an important role in human health in the past and is part of the green health movement of today. Many claim wheatgrass to be among the best natural resources of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Users claim that this simple plant can rejuvenate your system and help you care for your body.
Wheatgrass: Nature’s Medicine
At times, our lives become extremely busy. It is difficult to remember to consume five servings of vegetables every day. Sometimes, even if we do remember, it is just as much of a challenge to actually do so.
Although national nutritional guidelines recommend choosing a variety of food sources to meet nutritional standards, according to Wigmore and other cereal grass supporters, one powerful supplement can enhance good body nutrition. They claim that wheatgrass is that single supplement, and the excitement and discussion about wheatgrass in the health world has helped it secure that position. It is used as a nutritional supplement, an energy booster, a blood cleanser, and a natural healing aid. Supporters of wheatgrass believe that using wheatgrass in conjunction with a diet high in quality foods is all that is needed to maintain good body nutrition.
Chlorophyll: the working agent in wheatgrass
Chlorophyll became the highlight of the 1940s as an important and effective drug. In a report prepared by Dr. Benjamin Gruskin of Temple University and published by the American Journal of Surgery (1940), an estimated 1,200 patients mentioned in the report were treated with chlorophyll. The ailments ranged from ulcers and skin and gum problems to deep internal infections.
Since that time, a number of researchers have successfully treated ailments with chlorophyll extracts. Despite these events of the 1940s, chlorophyll did not evolve with modern medicine. Though scientists did attempt to create a chlorophyll tablet, it was synthetic and did not work like the original chlorophyll extracts. Its use also resulted in side effects such as nausea and anemia. For all medicinal purposes, this tablet was abandoned and health ailments were treated with more conventional drugs.
Today, chlorophyll, in the form of wheatgrass, can once again take its place in the medical world. Through the work of Wigmore and others, chlorophyll has made a comeback. A large body of information, reports, and success stories attest to the rising power of chlorophyll in wheatgrass as nature’s medicine.
Unleashing the power of the grain
The versatile wheat grain was the staff of life and the staple of many diets in the Western world during the Middle Ages. The dried grain was gathered from the wild and provided optimal nourishment as a basic food. It was ground into flour, made into flat cakes and breads, and cooked into porridges. It sustained people in years past as a nourishing grain, and it continues to sustain people today as a healing herb. When the grain is dried, it provides high nutrition as a basic food, containing vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and protein. The healing power, however, is released when the dried grain begins to germinate. Germination takes place when a plant emerges from a seed and begins to grow.
Germinated wheat sprouts are an economical and effective tonic to improve general health. The seeds become living food the moment germination takes place. Valuable enzymes are activated at this point. Once eaten, these enzymes become catalysts that perform a variety of functions in the body.
As humans, we need oxygen to survive. Our cells also need oxygen to survive. The oxygen-rich chlorophyll in wheatgrass delivers nutrients to the body’s tissue through the blood and helps dispose of bodily wastes. High oxygen levels of chlorophyll in wheatgrass attest to wheatgrass benefits. Many accounts have reported the cleansing detoxifying power of the oxygen-rich wheatgrass. Other components working with chlorophyll help contribute to the healing benefits. Wheatgrass, with its multiple components, offers a number of therapeutic benefits.
Wheatgrass versus conventional medicine
Wheatgrass has been used to treat a number of ailments from cuts and bruises and mouth, eye, and nose infections to hemorrhoids and bronchitis. Some have even claimed that wheatgrass healed their cancer and other deadly diseases, though this is not supported by medical evidence. It is doubtful, however, that wheatgrass will be evaluated and approved as a valuable medicine by the FDA — mainly because it is not a drug. Natural products and herbal supplements are considered dietary supplements and are not regulated under the same set of rules as conventional medicines. There is also the challenge of establishing enough scientific data to prove the value and safety of wheatgrass. Such research is costly and time-consuming and often not supported for natural products.
Many physicians, however, are accepting the positive benefits of alternative medicines — including wheatgrass — and using them in integrative therapy programs along with conventional medicines. While modern medicine depends on chemistry and surgery to correct physical health conditions, wheatgrass therapy aims to rejuvenate the body by nourishing the cells to a state where healing can occur. Physicians are discovering that this physical rejuvenation can have a tremendous effect on the mind and soul as well, promoting overall well-being.
Origin of conventional medicine
Modern medicine did not originate in the laboratory. Early written documents record the use of poultices and herbs as healing aids. Many conventional medicines are actually synthetic replicas of botanical substances. It was Hippocrates, in 400 B.C., who prescribed the leaves and bark of the willow tree for the relief of pain and fever. The antibiotic penicillin is derived from mold. Hippocrates did not believe in the use of drugs for healing, but he did believe that the body could heal itself through natural means. The scientific basis for medicine was formed shortly after by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who studied medicine from childhood. Aristotle’s observations were based on the biology of humans and animals. Later, another Greek physician, Pedanius Dioscorides, began working with medicinal plants and drugs from animal and mineral sources. Aelius Galenus, a Roman physician, also began studying the human body and made several medical observations based on his studies.
Medicine in the Middle Ages, the period of time between the 5th century and 15th century, focused on combining multiple ingredients for use in treating a variety of ailments. The Arabs made major contributions during this time period through their recordings of crude drug preparations. In the 1600s, the Apothecaries of London was formed and prepared and sold medicines; this lead to the importing of medicinal drugs. In the 1800s, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first association of pharmacists, was formed. The development of drugs continued with a greater focus on standardization and chemistry, which continued through to the 21st century.
Though pharmaceutical companies dominate the medical scene today, alternative medicine is not a new or emerging theory. Modern medicine originated in nature and only began to be produced in the laboratory during the 19th century with the emergence of the modern drug industry.
Health care expenses are climbing with conventional practices
In a comprehensive study published by Life Extension Magazine, conventional medicine is reported by the Nutrition Institute of America as the No. 1 cause of death (783,936 people per year) in the United States, followed by heart disease and then cancer. The institute came to this conclusion based on the findings of a group of researchers headed by health and nutrition expert Dr. Gary Null. According to the researchers’ report “Death by Medicine,” “Something is wrong when regulatory agencies pretend that vitamins are dangerous, yet ignore published statistics showing that government-sanctioned medicine is the real hazard.” The causes of injuries and death through conventional medicine practices include the following:
• Latrogenic injuries, which are injuries resulting from medical treatment or advice and include error in diagnosis
• Drug iatrogenesis, which are adverse effects of prescription drugs, including errors in dosage
• Drug company errors in drug compositions and/or instructions
• Unnecessary surgical procedures, X-rays, and hospitalization, including caesarean sections and screening for breast cancer
• Bedsores
• Malnutrition in nursing homes
• Drug pollution in our water supply
Through his paper, “Error in Medicine” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (1994), Dr. Lucian Leape, professor of health policy at Harvard University, hoped to encourage medical practitioners to face these issues and deal with them in an effective manner, but injuries and deaths continued to happen. Meanwhile, U.S. health care expenditures continue to climb. Advocates of natural medicine propose that instead of spending more money in an attempt to correct such issues with conventional drugs and other medical technology, a more effective plan for controlling disease would include the following:
• Examining stress and how it negatively affects the immune system and other body systems
• Correcting the excessive intake of calories and insufficiency of exercise
• Addressing the problem of the continual consumption of highly processed foods grown in nutritionally depleted soils
• Better addressing the issue of environmental toxins
Applying wheatgrass instead of over-the-counter drugs
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have become a major part of the American health care system, with products ranging from acne treatments and cough suppressants to weight control systems. OTC drugs are medicines that can be purchased by the consumer without a prescription. In many recent incidences, some of these drugs, although deemed “safe” by the FDA, have been surfacing with some very “unsafe” features. Children’s liquid Tylenol was recalled in early 2010 because bacteria had contaminated the raw materials, according to an April 2010 report from the FDA. There were also reports of metal particles found in the product. Many other cough medicines and suppressants contain drugs such as dextromethorphan (DXM), which has hospitalized babies and enticed drug abuse by teenagers. Other products also contain potentially hazardous chemicals and contaminants. According to Wigmore and other natural health advocates, wheatgrass is a safer solution to addressing common body ailments. Wheatgrass has been known to address the same health ailments that consumers have been looking for relief from in OTC drugs. Wheatgrass has reportedly treated the common cold, headaches, fever, acne, and weight problems without harmful side effects.
Health Uses of Wheatgrass
There is nothing new about wheatgrass and healing. These two words have been linked together since the days of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Wheatgrass was highly esteemed as a medicinal plant. Since that time, many have explored the healing benefits of wheatgrass.
Cancer prevention
There are more than 100 types of cancers that can develop in the body, and they all begin with the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. These cells can quickly spread and invade other tissues, causing chaos and destruction in the body’s organs. According to the National Center for Health Statistics’ 2006 report, cancer ranks second as the leading cause of death in the United States with a mortality rate of about 23 percent. Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer in both men and women, followed by prostate and colon cancer in men and breast and colon cancer in women.
Clinical studies have revealed the importance of a strong immune system for the prevention of the development of cancer. In fact, the stronger the immune system, the less likely the body is to develop cancer. Although regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate rest are known to strengthening the immune system, they cannot effectively improve the system if a vibrant, nutritionally balanced diet is not in place.
The human body must deal with a multitude of factors in its daily performance. One of its greatest challenges when fighting disease is eradicating free radicals that are formed during the natural process of metabolism. Free radicals are unbalanced molecules that can damage healthy cells by altering them and causing them to malfunction. Damage from free radicals is believed to be the chief cause of cancer development. The greatest weapon the body has against free radicals is antioxidants. These antioxidants confront the dangerous oxidation effects of free radicals and attempt to balance their electric charge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a diet that is high in antioxidants can decrease the risk of developing various forms of cancer and heart disease. Although a series of 1990s studies by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have questioned the value of beta-carotene (vitamin A) as a cancer preventative, antioxidants such as vitamins E and C are highly recommended for the diet. Many wheat products, especially wheat germ oil taken from the germ of the wheat kernel, are high in vitamin E. Vitamin C and E can be found in broccoli, oranges, sunflower seeds, and — of course — wheatgrass.
Dr. Chiu-nan Lai of the University of Texas Cancer Center determined through the administration of the Ames Bacterial Mutagenicity Test — a test for determining whether a chemical is mutagenic and potentially cancer-causing — that chlorophyll, an active ingredient in wheat sprout extracts, nullified the metabolic activity of a number of carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. Along with chlorophyll, the many other antioxidants in wheatgrass can significantly strengthen the immune system, enabling it to effectively ward off the development of cancer. Wheatgrass is noted as a natural prophylactic (preventive measure) in a 1992 antimutagenic study conducted by a team of Warsaw scientists. In this study, wheatgrass extract was shown to significantly reduce cell mutation in cancerous rats. Antimutagenic refers to an agent that hinders mutations or changes to a cell’s DNA structure.
Cancer treatment
Just as a strong immune system is of utmost importance in the prevention of cancer, it is also essential for ridding the body of unwanted cancer cells. The results of several experiments are largely inconclusive, leading researchers to continue their investigations into the potential benefits of antioxidants. Recently, however, the relationship between nutrition and cancer has been recognized in a greater way by organizations such as the CDC and the NCI. An unhealthy diet consisting of processed, high-fat, high-sodium, and low-fiber foods is believed to contribute to the increasing number of cancer cases in the United States. Cells thrive on oxygen. An unhealthy diet can weigh down the entire body, congest organs, and starve cells of needed oxygen. On the other hand, a nutritionally balanced diet, consisting of foods containing high levels of vitamins D and E and plenty of enzymes and antioxidants, can cleanse the system. Such a diet, according to the CDC, opens passageways for the clear transport of oxygen, considerably lowering the risk of a carcinoma, or malignant tumor.
Wheatgrass has been used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers, including prostate cancer. There is no conclusive evidence, but many physicians and cancer patients attest to these treatments based on the positive experiences that they have had. Dr. Mahnaz Badamchian of the George Washington University Medical Center demonstrated how barley grass extract directly hindered the malignant growth of three different human prostate cancer cells. The extract also inhibited human breast and melanoma (skin) cancer cells in vivo (tests conducted within a cell or an organism) as well as in vitro (tests done in a controlled environment outside of the organism, such as a test tube). Human prostate and melanoma cancers were later grafted, or surgically transplanted, onto mice, and these mice later developed cancerous tumors. The tumors were significantly reduced by treatments of barley extract. Barley, a cereal grass, has similar properties to wheatgrass. Because some health practitioners suggest that wheatgrass might be helpful in the treatment of prostate cancer, it might be safe to conclude that cereal grasses have anti-cancer properties. It can be beneficial, therefore, to include wheatgrass in your prostate cancer remedies. The following are other examples of wheatgrass and cancer research:
• American biochemist and researcher Dr. Ernst Krebs, Jr., pointed out the anti-cancer benefits of vitamin B17 (laetrile) found in wheatgrass and other whole foods. In a few studies, laetrile has demonstrated the ability to selectively destroy mutant cells in the body.
• In 1984, Dr. Arthur Robinson of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine reported in the Hippocrates Newsletter that a living foods diet, including wheatgrass, decreased the effect of cancerous wounds in mice by about 75 percent.
• In 2001, a double-blind test conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health studied 180 individuals in Quidong, China. These individuals were treated with a daily one-ounce dose of wheatgrass and experienced an increase in the induction period (time for contracting a disease after exposure to infecting agent) from 20 to 40 years. The province of Quidong experiences the highest rate of liver cancer in the world.
• In a 2002 study of ulcerative colitis patients, those consuming three ounces of wheatgrass juice daily for one month, along with standard medical care, reported a decrease in pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to cancer if left untreated.
• In 2005, a rye extract, similar in makeup to wheatgrass, was demonstrated to strongly inhibit cancer growth by 55 percent to 89 percent in five different cancer cell lines using as little as 0.1 percent of the extract.
• Dr. Virginia Livingston-Wheeler determined that abscisic acid (related to vitamin A) was an effective treatment for cancer and used it as a prime supplement in cancer treatments. Abscisic acid is a plant hormone found in wheatgrass.
• In a two-year study of organ cancer patients in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute in India, wheatgrass juice was concluded to be an effective natural alternative for blood transfusions after iron levels in the blood increased as well as the performance status (time period between transfusions) in patients tested.
• In a 1999 issue of Harvard Health Letter, researchers emphasized the first line of defense in the prevention of cancer is a consumption of more deep-green pigmented foods.
• Studies at the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, reveal that individuals eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet can decrease their chance of developing colon and rectal cancer by 10 percent, and when adding five servings of greens to this diet, risk is decreased by 40 percent. Studies also showed that a diet devoid of these greens increased the risk of developing breast and skin cancer by 25 percent.
In studies conducted as early as Dr. Charles Schnabel’s work, the production of the growth hormones in laboratory animals was stimulated by cereal grasses. It is strongly suspected that human growth hormones work in a similar fashion. Hormones are chemical substances produced in the body to regulate the activity of cells or organs. Growth hormones stimulate the production of growth factors (natural substances that promote cell growth), such as the insulin growth factor (IGF). These growth hormones affect the development of each cell in the body. IGF must remain balanced to decrease the risk of developing cancer. These hormones, also responsible for growth in children, can lead to the regeneration of damaged tissues and organs throughout life. Multiple studies have revealed an increased risk of cancer with an increase in IGF. Observations have also revealed that the nutritive properties in cereal grasses can stimulate the production of hormones and inhibit the growth of many cancer cells.
Although many have reported successful treatment of cancer through the consumption of wheatgrass and other cereal grasses, this book does not intend to use these observances as a claim that wheatgrass cures cancer. It simply wishes to emphasize how wheatgrass works within the body, supplying it with all the necessary nutrients it needs to effectively deal with sickness and disease and, eventually, heal itself. Individuals, such as Eydie Mae Hunsberger, former guest of the Hippocrates Health Institute, have attested to such in her book How I Conquered Cancer Naturally. According to the American Cancer Society, however, there exist no clinical trials in scientific literature to support such claims.
Chemotherapy
According to Australian physician Dr. Chris Reynolds, patients undergoing chemotherapy have greatly benefited from wheatgrass treatments. In a 2007 study, several patients consuming wheatgrass while receiving chemotherapy did not require extra hospitalization from side effects caused by the chemotherapy. In fact, common side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, and mouth ulcers, were practically nonexistent.
Myelotoxicity, a potentially life-threatening bone marrow disease caused by chemotherapy, showed significant restriction with wheatgrass treatments. Wheatgrass juice cleansed the blood while regenerating damaged tissues. It is claimed that wheatgrass treatments also decrease the likelihood of contracting hematological toxicity, related to chemotherapy treatments in breast cancer patients. Hematological toxicity is a blood disorder, such as anemia, that can be potentially life threatening. In a 2007 pilot study conducted by Dr. Getta Fried and colleagues at the Rambam Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute, wheatgrass was studied as an alternative treatment for the disease based on its effective treatment of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and thalassemia, which is an inherited blood disorder where the patient has difficulty producing hemoglobin or produces defective hemoglobin. Additionally, the study revealed that wheatgrass juice taken during chemotherapy can reduce the chemotherapy dosage and need for granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GCSF) support. GCSF is a hormone used to help the blood marrow produce stem cells and white blood cells.
Blood pressure stabilization
According to the American Heart Association, more than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is symptomless in its early stages and many individuals are not aware of the fact that they have a potentially life-threatening disease. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and the heart, if left untreated. It can also lead to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, or other serious health ailments.
Blood pressure rises when the arterioles constrict or tighten. High doses of adrenaline and other hormones cause this tightening to occur. Increased blood volume can also occur when the body retains excessive salt and fluids. These conditions challenge the heart to work harder to pump the blood through the narrowed arteries.
The risk of high blood pressure increases as the body ages due to the reduced elasticity of the arteries. Those with a family history of the disease also have a higher risk. Individuals with family histories including diabetes, obesity, and certain other disorders also have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Other possible causes of the condition include excessive alcohol use, smoking, lack of exercise, and stress.
Diet plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. Often, a high-fat, high-sodium diet is the culprit to the development of the disease. Converting to a low-sodium, high-fiber diet will do much to help stabilize blood pressure. Adding wheatgrass to the diet helps because wheatgrass juice stimulates the capillaries and increases the circulation of the blood. With this improved circulation, valuable nutrients can be distributed throughout the body more efficiently. Chlorophyll combined with oxygen is also able to remove foreign matter from the walls of the blood vessels. According to Dr. Theodore M. Rudolph, chiropractor and author of Chlorophyll: Nature’s Green Magic, the chlorophyll in wheatgrass is beneficial, along with other accepted methods of treatment, for high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis).
Several types of medications are generally prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Most of these prescriptions come with adverse side effects such as insomnia, leg cramps, and even impotency, in some cases. Because wheatgrass is a completely natural food, it brings about no harmful side effects. Consumers of wheatgrass report that they have experienced a natural spike in energy equivalent to caffeinated coffee but without the crash that comes along with it. Also, wheatgrass does not raise blood pressure, as many popular energy drinks are known to do. Wheatgrass treatment is a great natural alternative for individuals suffering from high blood pressure.
Pain management
Wheatgrass has been used as a therapeutic treatment, either externally or internally, for centuries. There is no secret concerning its positive and powerful effect on the body’s immune system. Unlike some immune stimulants, such as ginseng, which can often have an adverse effect — including loss of appetite, anxiety, and insomnia — on the body if consumed over long periods, wheatgrass is safe and can be taken indefinitely.
Wheatgrass has practically no negative side effects. Any adverse effects, such as nausea, decrease as the body becomes acclimated to the product. The combination of cost-effectiveness, remarkable efficacy, and accessibility without a prescription should make wheatgrass an essential product for every practicing physician or therapist. Some medical professionals, such as Dr. Keith Block from the Block Medical Center in Evanston, Illinois, have embraced natural healing principals and do incorporate them into their general practices. Dr. Block offers green foods to cancer patients as part of an integrative therapy program — a combination of conventional medical treatments with alternative homeopathy or naturopathy therapies. Other professionals choose not to incorporate wheatgrass and other natural products into their practice. Wheatgrass can often alleviate problems where no suitable pharmaceutical alternative is applicable. Wheatgrass improves the immune system, and advocates claim that this gives the body the ability to heal itself.
Externally, there are several claims that wheatgrass can solve many skin conditions. Applied to the skin, it is claimed to eliminate itching almost immediately. It acts as an anti-inflammatory. It has also been claimed to soothe skin that has been burned and act as a disinfectant. Wheatgrass can be rubbed into the scalp before a shampoo to alleviate itchy, scalp conditions. People have claimed wheatgrass can treat open sores, boils, insect bites, rashes, poison ivy, and athlete’s foot. You can make a poultice (treatment for pain or inflammation) with the grass pulp, and re-apply it to the skin every two hours until pain or itching has subsided. You can also buy ointments containing wheatgrass and/or chlorophyll online and at health food stores for the treatment of a variety of skin ailments.
Wheatgrass has also been used for the treatment of internal pains and has been successfully used for constipation, diarrhea, menstrual discomfort, and even complicated conditions such as peptic ulcers (open sores in the lining of the stomach) and ulcerative colitis (a condition causing inflammation and ulcers in the rectum and large intestine). Of course, outcomes vary from one individual to the next, but many have reported sufficient relief from internal discomforts through wheatgrass treatments.
Chlorophyll, the main ingredient in wheatgrass that promotes healing, also helps soothe pain by keeping the capillaries stimulated and the blood flowing. In the early 1900s, medical and nonmedical people used chlorophyll treatments extensively to treat and alleviate physical discomforts. With the use of antimicrobial products and steroids in recent decades, these treatments have been neglected. Since 1995, however, chlorophyll treatments have come back on the scene. There are a number of successful treatments using a specially formulated wheatgrass extract for both topical and systemic use in numerous medical conditions. Although this treatment is most likely unacceptable to most practicing physicians, it does not nullify the success of the treatments. Clinical observations are supported by both formal clinical trials and anecdotal evidence from a number of sources.
With the increasing body of knowledge concerning wheatgrass and wheatgrass treatments available today, advocates feel that health practitioners or laypersons can help their patients or family and friends suffering from irritations or painful injuries using wheatgrass. Wheatgrass, in liquid or cream form, is a safe, all-purpose healing agent that can significantly facilitate the work of hands-on health professionals. It significantly boosts the immune system, when taken orally, aiding in disease prevention.
A number of clinical observations of the healing of fractures and the rapid re-growth of skin from wounds and burns suggest that wheatgrass activates growth factors. There are four main areas in which wheatgrass works well:
• As a wound healer
• As a hemolytic (an agent that opens red blood cell and releases hemoglobin)/homeostatic agent (agent that controls balance)
• As an anti-inflammatory
• As a skin and connective tissue softener
There exists, therefore, many clinical uses to which wheatgrass can be applied, particularly as a first-aid cream and topical analgesic. Ointments should be used sparingly as it does not take much to perform the task. For acute conditions, it is best to apply the wheatgrass as soon as possible after the injury has occurred or at the onset of symptoms.
Wheatgrass and pregnancy
A question has arisen pertaining to wheatgrass and its use during pregnancy. Is it safe to consume wheatgrass while pregnant? The answer is not a difficult one, but it is one that does bring about some controversy. Wheatgrass is a high-quality food. Any high-quality food can be beneficial unless you suffer from an allergy involving that particular food. With this in mind, many avid wheatgrass users have concluded that it is safe to consume wheatgrass and other greens during pregnancy; they are an excellent source of folic acid and other important nutrients.
According to the CDC, folic acid deficiency is one the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can cause several serious birth defects, including neural tube defects — incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord — such as spina bifida, the incomplete development of the backbone and spinal cord. Several studies, including a 1996 needs assessment test in Southwestern Virginia, revealed that women of childbearing age needed an increase in folic acid for their own health and the health of their babies. In response to this test, an informational campaign was developed and carried out in 1997, alerting women to the importance of correcting this nutrient deficiency. During this time period, it was established that women who took 0.4 mg daily of folic acid before and during pregnancy would lower the risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by about 50 to 70 percent.
In 1998, it was mandated that “enriched” cereal grain products be fortified with at least 400 mcg of folic acid per 100 grams of cereal grain product. The prior requirement was 140 mcg per 100 grams. The Institute of Medicine advised that women of childbearing age partake of foods from a varied food diet in addition to taking the daily 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid. Recommended foods included enriched grain products, beans, and leafy green vegetables. In 1999, the CDC, along with the National Council on Folic Acid and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, launched a national educational awareness program to alert women of the important role that folic acid played in their health.
Folic acid is vital for the development of DNA and, thus, cell growth and development and the formation of tissues. One of the best sources of this nutrient is dark, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and cereal grasses. One ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice can supply about 8.22 mcg of folic acid to the diet. Dehydrated wheatgrass contains 1,110 mcg of folate per 100 grams compared to the 71 mcg in 100 grams of broccoli and 194.4 mcg in 100 grams of spinach. It goes to work quickly in the system, enhancing immunity as it maintains and cleanses the blood. Also, the naturally occurring digestive enzymes and fiber contained in wheatgrass can be a great help for aiding constipation, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy.
As a side note, women trying to become pregnant can also find wheatgrass beneficial. California biologist Yasuo Hotta is attributed with isolating the P4D1 compound from young cereal grasses. It his studies, Dr. Hotta revealed the ability of P4D1 to “stimulate the production and natural repair of human reproductive sperm cells and DNA,” according to The Wheatgrass Book by Ann Wigmore. This revelation indicates the potential of wheatgrass and other cereal grasses to increase potency and correct reproductive problems in both men and women.
Safety
Wheatgrass during pregnancy is considered by some to be perfectly safe when used moderately and obtained from a safe source. Many users claim it is not likely to cause any interference with pregnancy in women who have already adopted a high-quality diet. Large therapeutic dosages, however, would not be recommended during pregnancy. Dosages of this volume are normally used for treating illnesses and function as a purgative. Purgatives act on the body as a cleanser, usually evacuating the bowels. This would not be advisable during pregnancy, as it may create an unstable environment for the unborn child, possibly leading to miscarriage. Pregnancy is not the time to begin a detoxification program. If you are pregnant and have never consumed wheatgrass, it is best to begin with only a small amount, perhaps about 10 milliliters. This can be slowly increased until a normal dosage of one to two ounces is reached. More than 2 ounces is not recommended during pregnancy.
As an informed individual, you must determine how you will use wheatgrass during pregnancy. One concern that health professionals might have for pregnant women is possible adverse effects caused by mold. Anyone can grow wheatgrass, but not everyone exercises the effort necessary to grow high-quality, nutritious wheatgrass that is mold-free. Also, some wheatgrass manufacturers have higher sanitary regulations than others. These companies watch closely for mold in their product and have a high level of quality control.
Some wheatgrass sold to consumers is not fit for anyone to drink. Because of quality control (or lack of it), most users suggest only drinking wheatgrass you juice yourself while pregnant. If you buy it fresh intending to juice it yourself, buy organic, buy local, and buy from a reputable dealer. Check for mold around the base of the plant. The color of the grass should be bright and healthy-looking, and the plant and soil should smell fresh, not moldy.
Most wheatgrass juice available at specialty grocery stores, juice bars, and health food stores comes from greenhouse growing stations. In these high-density planting operations, water and soil are often recycled and the normal growing process is accelerated. This wheatgrass is not the nutritional equivalent of outdoor-grown wheatgrass and, many times, contains high levels of mold. Many people are allergic to these molds, and they can cause anything from mild nausea to serious physical reactions. Anything that you ingest that creates an allergic reaction is a cause for concern, especially when you are pregnant. So, if you do consume wheatgrass while pregnant, it is suggested that you stay clear of greenhouse wheatgrass. The best way to determine whether you have a good quality juice is to investigate before you drink.
Wheatgrass and your baby
Wheatgrass provides high nutrition, exhibits curative properties, and acts as an energizer. It is essential to consume a healthy diet during pregnancy, and wheatgrass is an easy way to provide your body with all of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and folic acid it needs. As wheatgrass is so readily absorbed into the bloodstream, your baby is sure to get a good supply of these essential nutrients at the crucial time of development. Some claim wheatgrass to be a great prenatal care product that benefits not only you, but also your unborn child.
Wheatgrass might also benefit your child after he or she is born. Breastfeeding mothers who consume wheatgrass might find that their breastfed babies are less irritable and less susceptible to colds and flus. If you have not been consuming wheatgrass all along, be sure to introduce the product into your diet slowly to be certain it is assimilating well in your baby’s system.
Internal Cleansing
In many instances, the body is like a filter — taking in oxygen and nutrients, releasing toxins and wastes. If a filter becomes clogged, it no longer functions. Likewise, the body will not perform if it becomes impaired. Toxins and wastes become stored inside, hindering the absorption of oxygen and nutrients. This malfunctioning of the body can lead to a host of illnesses and diseases. Just as the external parts of the physical body must be cleaned, cleansing of the internal parts is also important. It is essential to keep the body cleansed in order for it to function at its best. Any internal cleansing program should begin with the colon.
Colon cleansing
Colon cleansing is one of the most beneficial forms of detoxification. It is valuable for the treatment of an existing disease as well as the prevention of future illness. Many people do not adequately care for their digestive systems. If the system becomes defective, it can lead to ailments and diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. The colon must function properly to ensure the optimum functioning of all of the body’s other systems. A diet that is high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help eliminate many problems that are related to the colon. In fact, many health advocates claim that overall good health — as well as the degeneration of health — begins in the colon. With this in mind, a high-fiber diet can help with problems, such as heart disease and asthma, that are not directly related to the colon. Unfortunately, many people do not include enough fiber in the diet; consume too many starchy, sugary foods; and do not eliminate waste properly. According to general medical advice, moving the bowel anywhere from once a day to three times a week is normal. According to holistic and other natural health practices, it is essential to eliminate the bowel on a daily basis to prevent disease and maintain good body health. If meal consumption is two to three times per day, bowel elimination should be the same. If elimination is not on a regular daily basis, then the problem needs to be addressed.
The colon is a storage place for waste. As the body absorbs oxygen, nutrients, and water to keep it functioning properly, it also extracts what is not needed from the colon and excretes it from the body. The goal — and challenge — is to prevent a build-up of bacteria and waste in the colon. The created toxins will be absorbed back into the body and will eventually lead to a number of health ailments. The entire body will respond negatively to the effects of a malfunctioning colon. The physical organs that process and transport waste to the colon will especially suffer when the colon is not working well. A healthy colon ensures the optimal performance of the body’s systems.
Natural enemas
Irregular, ineffective bowel movements affect the entire body. The constant dumping of inappropriate foods on the digestive system is one of the main problems of constipation. Because this food is not eliminated in a timely manner, it causes a backup in the system, and this leads to problems with the colon, which will lead to a host of other health problems. An enema is one solution for a blocked bowel. An enema is the process of introducing liquids into the colon or rectum by way of the anus for the purpose of elimination. The liquid introduced by the enema causes an expansion in the lower intestinal track, creating a feeling of urgency to evacuate. Usually, the evacuation of the lower intestinal tract is complete.
Enema treatments vary. Each treatment provides a unique solution, according to the complexity of the problem. The use of different enemas can help treat a variety of diseases. The major benefit enemas offer is the gentle removal of harmful substances in the colon that can cause illness. Enemas are also effective in removing heavy metals and toxins from intestinal walls. They have been used to treat headaches and, when used with a tincture, have provided an effective treatment for parasites. Herbal bowel cleaners have proven useful with chronic constipation problems and coffee enemas have been used to increase bile discharge.
Wheatgrass implants
Wheatgrass implants can be used after an enema for the purpose of cleansing the colon. When a wheatgrass implant is placed in the colon, it helps to stimulate the muscles of the colon wall. This process helps to loosen old fecal matter that might have built up in the walls of the colon. The magnesium in the wheatgrass is very helpful in drawing impurities out of the colon wall. Wheatgrass inserted into the rectum for about 20 minutes before being expelled can be very helpful in the case of illness, serious or otherwise, as it stimulates a fast evacuation of the lower bowel. The removal of toxins from the colon is essential to its optimal health. In addition to the removal of toxins, a wheatgrass implant can introduce many important nutrients into the body.
A wheatgrass implant can be used to immediately purge the colon, or it can be used as a retention enema. When used as a retention enema, the juice of the wheatgrass should be held or retained in the bowels for about one hour before it is expelled. In most cases, one implant performed per day is sufficient. In cases where an illness is being treated, the implants can be repeated every hour or two for a period of time. Wheatgrass implants are very effective for cleansing the liver and the colon because the nutrients from the wheatgrass are absorbed into the body. When the wheatgrass is retained, it benefits the small intestine as well as the lower bowel.
Using a wheatgrass implant can be uncomfortable at first. A sterilized syringe is filled with one or two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice and then inserted into the rectum. It does not take long for the bowels to move after the insertion. This can be done once or twice more. After a second treatment, dried fecal matter should be successfully removed from the colon. Upon a third treatment of the implant, the wheatgrass juice should be retained in the rectum for about 20 minutes, if possible. In this manner, the juice can thoroughly cleanse the bowels. If the colon has been purged before the retention enema, no toxins should be absorbed back into the body. Enemas and wheatgrass implants are safe procedures to perform. Wheatgrass enemas and implants are effective means for cleansing the colon.
Colon hydrotherapy
Autointoxication is an ancient belief that undigested foods accumulate in the colon causing toxic-producing mucus that, when absorbed into the bloodstream, poison the body.
The cleansing of the colon provides the natural detoxification of the entire body, assisting in the healing of any physical disease. Thorough cleansing of the colon opens the door for optimal health and complete physical balance for a strong immune system. Colon hydrotherapy became popular in America in the early 1900s.
Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colon irrigation, eliminates toxins from the colon by flushing the waste matter out of the colon with water. It is not to be confused with colon cleansing, which involves purchasing products to produce the cleansing. These products can be taken orally or through the rectum. Colon hydrotherapy is faster and more efficient than enemas and colon cleansers and leaves the body feeling clean and purified. An effective colonic will cleanse the colon as well as the intestines, as opposed to an enema, which will only cleanse the rectum and lower portion of the colon. Wheatgrass juice mixed with purified water provides an effective irrigation of the colon. The colon must be brought back to its healthy functioning state to eliminate disease and toxins from the body. A wheatgrass colonic will work toward this end.
Colon hydrotherapy is generally performed by a skilled colon therapist in a professional setting and is perfectly safe. One session generally lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. The treatment involves flushing about 20 gallons of water into the rectum through a rubber tube. The abdomen may be massaged while the water is irrigating the system. Fluids are then flushed out of the body through another tube. Colon hydrotherapy not only removes toxins, it also boosts energy by promoting healthy intestinal bacteria and enhancing the immune system.
When seeking a colon therapist, look for one that has been certified by the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). These therapists use FDA-registered equipment, disposable speculums (rectal nozzles), and filtered water. I-ACT is the worldwide certifying organization for colon hydrotherapists. It works with local municipalities to regulate colon hydrotherapy by establishing standards and guidelines.
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Case Study: The Importance of a Clean Colon |
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Sister Sarah Moss, colon therapist Walking in the Spirit 111-36 130th St. South Ozone Park, NY 11420 Walkingintthespirit2@yahoo.com Phone: 718-529-5470 |
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Sister Sarah Moss began colon therapy in the late 1970s when she discovered she had stomach cancer. She claims a change in diet and regular colon irrigations helped her to overcome this condition. She has since made it her business to enlighten others about the importance of colon health and is instrumental in helping others to overcome health ailments through good nutrition and colon therapy. Good health begins in the colon — so does poor health. Moss believes the underlying issue in practically every health dilemma is an unclean, unhealthy colon. The colon is responsible for completing the job of digestion. If it is not working properly, undigested foods will build up and begin to putrefy in the system. This can cause a number of health problems, ranging from constipation and headaches to obesity and cancer. Parasite infestation, which usually accompanies this unhealthy state of the colon, will rob the body of nutrition and energy. The best way to prevent an unhealthy colon is to maintain a diet of fluids and high fiber foods. Correcting the problem also begins with the diet. Sometimes, however, the condition of the colon is so bad that a diet change is not enough. The individual must undergo a colon cleansing or irrigation to remove old fecal matter, toxins, and mucus that have accumulated along the walls of the colon. Colon irrigation will flush the colon and recondition the bowels. Moss mostly uses chlorophyll in the colon flushes she administers. Chlorophyll is high in oxygen and has been used as a cleansing agent for ages. Recently, she has begun to explore the use of wheatgrass in colon irrigations as an implant as well as taken orally for a body cleanser and deodorizer. Through her research, she realizes that wheatgrass can help fight toxins by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the colon. It can also aid in the treatment of a number of health ailments, such as high blood pressure. Wheatgrass is good for replacing good bacteria in the colon. It also improves digestion and is wonderful for blood disorders. Wheatgrass has a healing effect on the skin when used as a cleanser and is good for purifying the liver. Most importantly, wheatgrass is excellent for constipation; it keeps the bowels flowing, which is necessary to prevent the build up of waste matter and hazardous toxins. Recently, Moss’ clients have reported increased energy with the addition of wheatgrass in the cleansing regimen. Others claim they have a better night’s rest, better control over body odors, and even improvements in hair condition. It can be easy to fill the body with foods that do not profit, but we must remember to use the things that are provided by nature for our use upon the earth. Wheatgrass is one of those natural things that can benefit us tremendously. |
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Blood cleansing
Blood is a vital part of the human body. It is a busy transporter, delivering essential nutrients to various parts of the body and, similarly, removing harmful wastes. Without blood, the human body would simply shut down. The quality of our blood has a great effect on our health and energy levels. Low-quality blood — blood not rich in iron and other necessary nutrients — equals poor health and low stamina. Iron-rich blood delivers more oxygen to the cells, preventing senility, the loss of memory usually associated with old age, and promoting youthfulness and vitality.
Blood is a vital part of human life and, because of this, it needs nurturing. It is beneficial to periodically cleanse the body to keep the blood strengthened. This is usually achieved with a special blood-cleansing fast. The consumption of raw vegetables and green drinks — drinks made with green vegetables — one week prior to the actual fast will provide a good launching pad for the detoxification.
To carry the toxins out of the body with a blood-cleansing fast, you should consume at least eight cups of steam-distilled water every day. Steam-distilled water contains no minerals that can interfere with the detoxing process. You can also use herbal extracts to aid the process. Juices made from lemons, carrots, beets, and leafy greens are beneficial at this time. The chlorophyll in leafy greens strengthens the blood by providing essential nutrients.
Wheatgrass juice is an excellent source of chlorophyll. It enriches the blood by increasing the red blood-cell count. It also helps with circulation and lowers blood pressure by dilating the capillaries and other blood pathways. Wheatgrass can restore the blood’s alkalinity levels through its store of alkaline minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Other active enzymes and compounds found in wheatgrass will cleanse the blood and neutralize toxins in the cells. Enzymes are especially important to the process of blood cleansing. In addition to enzymes, the amino acids and bioflavonoids, a type of antioxidant, in wheatgrass help cleanse the blood and its tissues. Amino acids are absorbed directly into the blood and are effective in neutralizing toxic substances.
Liver cleansing
The largest glandular organ of the body is the liver, weighing about three pounds. The liver has many roles in the functioning of the body. It produces amino acids; urea, a substance in the urine; and substances that break down fats. It maintains an appropriate level of glucose, or simple sugar, in the blood; converts glucose to glycogen, a storage place for carbohydrates; and stores vitamins and minerals. Perhaps its greatest task is filtering harmful substances from the blood.
Because of this tremendous job, the liver is considered the major organ of detoxification in the body. Its health determines the health of all other body organs, as well as the blood. The liver functions as a processing plant. Modern foods — especially meat, fried foods, refined oils, and foods with chemical additives — weaken the liver. Alcohol, tobacco, and environmental pollutants make the liver work harder than it was designed to work. Bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, acts as a carrier for older wastes, including excessive cholesterol. Bile is also necessary for proper digestion and assimilation of fats. A mineral-deficient, low-fiber diet tends to produce solid particles from bile components. These components are called gallstones, and they contribute to the weakening of the liver. To regain health and energy, the liver and gallbladder must be cleansed and kept unobstructed in their work. Wheatgrass juice, with its abundance of rich minerals, can do an effective cleansing job on both the liver and gallbladder. Combined with other juices it can act as a cleanser and toner. The following are good juice combinations:
• Other green drinks made from alfalfa sprouts and greens can be combined with wheatgrass to boost the cleansing process.
• Carrot juice stimulates bile flow because it is rich in beta-carotene.
• The citric acids in lemon juice mix well with the properties in wheatgrass juice and can produce an antiseptic, or disinfectant, action.
• Apple juice performs well as a liver stimulant and bile solvent.
• A wheatgrass and beet juice combination provides a powerful liver flush.
For an effective liver cleanse, you should take juices upon rising in the morning before eating. Sip the juice slowly, in small quantities. The high levels of enzymes and amino acids in the wheatgrass work along with the properties of the other juices as a natural detergent to detoxify the liver.
Lung cleansing
The lungs are very important body organs. Not only do they allow us to breathe, but they also act as a cooling agent for the body. Although the body can survive without food and water for a period of time, it cannot survive without the breath of life. If the lungs become congested with excessive carbon wastes and mucus, they will be hindered in the work they have to perform of inhaling and exhaling oxygen. The intake of oxygen into the body is important because oxygen is needed to destroy body wastes.
Every day the air that we breathe is purified by our lungs, so it is important to keep the lungs clean from a build up of toxins. A build up of toxins or mucus in the lungs also puts a strain on the other body organs, such as the colon and the liver. The recommended method for cleansing the lungs consists of consuming anti-mucus foods and practicing simple breathing exercises. Foods such as garlic, fresh ginger, and onions are very good for cleansing the lungs. Wheatgrass juice is also excellent. Because the chlorophyll in wheatgrass juice is similar to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, it helps in purging harmful toxins and wastes from the lungs. Detoxifying the lungs often result in offensive breath odor, but once the lungs are clean, this odor will pass.
Kidney cleansing
The two bean-shaped organs within the body that are about the size of a fist are called the kidneys. About 200 quarts of blood flow through the kidneys every day. The kidneys cleanse the toxins and wastes from the blood. Excess water, uric acid, urea, and other waste products such as bacterial wastes and pollutants are eliminated through this cleansing process. The kidneys are also important organs for regulating body temperature. The kidneys have the important job of filtering the food and the water that comes into our system. They perform this task through the nephron, the filter in the kidneys. If the workload of the kidneys becomes too extreme, the nephron can become damaged. Sometimes, this is not known until the kidney is severely damaged and unable to function properly. In most cases, a damaged kidney cannot be repaired.
It is important for the cleansing and keeping of the kidney to avoid overly processed foods, excess salt, tobacco, and alcohol. Even coffee, tea, and tap water can negatively affect the kidneys. The recommended procedure for cleansing the kidney is to drink large amounts of green drinks, especially wheatgrass juice, to help the kidneys filter wastes from the body. The chlorophyll in the wheatgrass juice also builds the blood. Other juices that are good for cleansing the kidney include lemon juice, watermelon juice, and beet juice. Sea vegetables, such as kelp and spirulina, are also good for detoxifying and stimulating the kidneys.
Skin cleansing
The skin is the largest body organ. It is also an organ of elimination. Elimination takes place through the pores of the skin. It is important that the pores are not clogged so that the skin can perform its job effectively. When the pores are clogged and the skin is unable to function properly, it affects the other organs of elimination as well.
The body sheds its skin cells periodically. When the skin looks overly dry, it is an indication that it is not performing effectively. The pores need to be opened up, and you can do this by brushing the skin with a natural-bristle body brush in the morning before a shower. Every 27 days or so, the entire surface of the skin is renewed. New skin should look fresh. Heavy detergent soaps and detergents and shampoos can hinder or clog the pores of the skin and create a dry look. The use of natural shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are recommended for keeping the skin clean. You can also rub wheatgrass juice into the scalp and onto the skin to help with the cleansing. Once the wheatgrass juice dries, it can be rinsed off. This treatment should help the pores to open. The wheatgrass juice also will enhance blood circulation and is helpful for treating dandruff.
It is also important to massage the skin periodically. This will help the pores to remain open. By massaging the skin, brushing the skin with a loofah or soft brush, using natural skin products, and eating properly, you will help your skin look radiant and function at its best.
Wheatgrass Therapy
Over the last 20 years, there has been an explosion of information in health and scientific literature supporting the use of natural medicine. Wheatgrass and wheatgrass therapy are often highlighted topics. Wheatgrass therapy embraces the philosophy of the Greek physician, Hippocrates. He taught that it is nature, not the physician, who cures the patient. With the advancement of civilization, it has been easy to look to scientific and technological advances for cures. Wheatgrass therapy is an attempt to get back to nature. According to many, wheatgrass therapy, combined with exercise, proper diet, and less stress, paves the way back to optimal health.
Finding establishments that offer wheatgrass therapy
A number of institutions throughout the country offer wheatgrass therapy as part of their healing plan. The primary object of these centers is to educate individuals on methods and techniques that can lead to enhanced health. Many of these programs are set up so that the visitor is an active participant in the educational process. The hope is that, during the stay, the visitor’s health will increase so dramatically that it will make a lasting impact on his or her overall well-being. Wheatgrass juice is the emphasis of many of these retreats.
Many successful wheatgrass therapy programs are based on the historical work of Ann Wigmore. They adopt a balanced approach for the mind and body and incorporate four major healing components:
• Food. A raw food diet is established. Wheatgrass is used liberally and is considered the most powerful of the raw food group.
• Exercise. Light activities (physical exercise and gardening) designed to stimulate the flow of oxygen into the body are involved in these retreats.
• Education. Active involvement in all aspects of food preparation is expected, with the idea that a nutritional food program can be continued at home.
• Meditation. This is used to purge the mind and develop coping strategies for dealing with stress.
Services such as colon hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage are usually available at these institutions.
Finding a healing facility that meets your specific needs can take some time. Consult with a naturopathic or holistic doctor to obtain recommendations, visit online forums to determine where others have gone, do an online search to determine whether there are affordable centers in your area, and read reviews to determine whether the offered programs meet your expectations. Modern American society puts an emphasis on beautifying the outer man. A healing facility will focus on strengthening the inner person by building the physical body. This is typically done with rest, exercise, fresh air, and a healthy diet.
Retreats and other treats
Many health retreats have been established across the nation. These retreats have adapted the principles of Ann Wigmore and others, and they use a program that cleanses the body from within. A program that incorporates meditation, exercise, rest, and wholesome life foods helps the body to rejuvenate and recover from illness and disease. Every year, individuals make goals for themselves; for example, many promise they will eat right and exercise in order to get healthy. Many times, just like a New Year’s Day resolution, these resolutions are made firmly and sincerely, but before the month is out, the resolution is broken. Many times all the individual needs is a support group to help him or her accomplish the health goals. A trip to a health retreat can be just what you need to accomplish what the mind has set out to do. Being in an environment with like-minded individuals to offer and support and encouragement will help you in a great way to accomplish your goals. The following are a few highly esteemed raw food retreats:
• Optimum Health Institute — Lemon Grove, California/Cedar Creek, Texas; www.optimumhealth.org
• Hippocrates Health Institute —West Palm Beach, Florida;www.hippocratesinst.org
• Creative Health Institute — Union City, Michigan;www.creativehealthinstitute.com
• Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute — Rincón, Puerto Rico;www.annwigmore.org
• Living Foods Institute — Atlanta, Georgia;www.livingfoodsinstitute.com
• The Ann Wigmore Foundation — San Fidel, New Mexico;www.wigmore.org
• The UK Centre for Living Foods — Ludlow, England;www.livingfoods.co.uk
The Hippocrates Institute originated in Boston, but it is now located in Florida. The Ann Wigmore Foundation also came out of Boston, but it has now moved to a desert location in New Mexico. All of the above facilities have been greatly influenced by the historic work of Wigmore and many of them strive to maintain the original program she began in the 1950s. They offer a retreat package of one to three weeks and encourage guests to become immersed in a lifestyle that will outlast the time of their stay.
What to expect at a retreat
Many other health institutes that promote a program in wheatgrass therapy are based on the teachings of Wigmore. She has created a legacy that will continue to live on for people who desire a healthier lifestyle. Usually a healing center is set in a beautiful location where the guest can be in tune with nature. Sometimes, this location is in the mountains or near a lake or a river. The atmosphere is usually serene and welcoming so that visitors relax enough to participate wholeheartedly in the holistic experience. When guests arrive at the compound, their vitals are taken — they might be weighed, given a blood test, and have their blood pressure measured. This allows the instructors to know how the guest will fit into the program. In some facilities, this information helps the center create a customized plan for the guest. Many facilities also set aside a time for an introduction or orientation the first night so that guest can get to know one another.
Some facilities might have oxygen therapy programs, gyms, and other recreational activities such as tennis and golf. Guests are also given opportunities to explore personal hobbies or indulge in new activities, such as crafts or music and drama. The centers teach a variety of classes on many topics, including how to grow wheatgrass, how to sprout, how to relax, or how to cope with stress.
Creating an at-home wheatgrass therapy program
Although most people enjoy a change of environment from time to time, some strongly feel that “there is no place like home.” Or, perhaps, you would like to embark upon a program in wheatgrass therapy, but the time and resources necessary for attending a retreat are not possible at the moment. Fortunately, with a little ingenuity, you can establish a wheatgrass therapy program in your own home. There is an ample amount of literature available that can guide you in this endeavor. Consult with a naturopath or holistic doctor experienced in wheatgrass therapy to help you develop a plan. Having a desire to begin is the most important factor.
Programs such as the Ann Wigmore Home Study Program (http://chidiet.com) can get you started. This example is a comprehensive course that teaches you how to adopt a living foods diet. It will walk you through the steps needed for a life-transforming experience. It will show you how to prepare raw foods, incorporate exercise into a busy schedule, and deal with stress. The current price for the complete guide, developed by Jim Carey, costs $695. You can also purchase The Ann Wigmore Collection of ten DVDs for about $150. You can also use the information found online and in books to put together your own therapy program. This would be the least expensive way to get started on a health rejuvenation plan.
Home exercises for the colon
Squatting is an important exercise for strengthening the colon. The way people normally sit tends to close the colon, hindering proper elimination. By squatting on an elevated level or platform, the colon can open up and a more complete evacuation can be obtained. Squatting also strengthens the abdominal muscles. This is important to protect the body from hemorrhoids and hernias. Placing your feet up on the toilet bowl and squatting over the toilet bowl is one way to practice squatting while eliminating.
You can also practice the abdominal lift by placing your hands over your knees and bending over slightly. Blow out and hold your breath while you are doing this exercise. Pull in your stomach muscles. Relax while trying to push the stomach back out. Hold your breath and try to increase the area of your stomach (make it bigger). Then stand and relax by taking slow, deep breaths. Begin the abdominal lift again. This should be done ten times to build and strengthen the colon and abdominal muscles. It is best to practice the abdominal lift upon rising in the morning or retiring for the night. This exercise should never be done on a full stomach. The abdominal lift is good for massaging and toning all the internal eliminating and digestive organs.
Deep breathing
Breathing, when done properly, helps to eliminate toxins from the body. It is important to use the lungs in their full capacity when breathing so that the cleansing process can take place. Short, shallow breaths will not do the job. When breathing is done properly, it adds oxygen to the blood. Oxygen-rich blood is important for cleansing and eliminating toxins from the body.
It only takes about ten minutes per day to do deep breathing exercises. You should sit where you are comfortable, using good posture with a relaxed body. Breathe deeply through the nostrils, filling the lungs with as much air as possible. The abdomen should expand. Do not try to hold your breath, but release the air that you have inhaled out of your system slowly and completely. Exhaling should be done through the mouth. Deep breathing might initially cause light-headedness. Begin slowly and build up until you are able to complete the deep breathing exercises ten to 15 times in one sitting.
Wheatgrass as a Natural Energizer
Long-lasting fatigue is abnormal and is largely the result of poor diet. Life can be quite challenging, to say the least. Each day, you deal with situations that zap your energy — energy that cannot be replenished by a nutritionally imbalanced diet. Although a certain amount of fatigue after a long day of work is expected, a good night’s rest should leave you feeling refreshed and energized. When you wake feeling as if you had never slept, there is a problem. Your body is not getting what it needs from your diet. Or, perhaps it is getting too many things that it does not need.
Wheatgrass can help your body restore itself to a high energy level in two ways: first, by removing toxins and wastes from your cells, blood, tissues, and organs, and second, by fulfilling nutritional deficiencies. Wheatgrass and wholesome, raw foods added to your diet will supply you with enough energy to tackle the most challenging of days. Wheatgrass will also help to release excess mineral deposits, proteins, and fats that are trapped in your body organs causing sluggishness and slothfulness.
An adult can easily function on six hours of sleep, as long as that sleep is deep and undisturbed. During sleep, the body’s goal is to balance and re-energize its cells. This is virtually impossible if the body is overloaded with food, especially heavy, poor-quality food consumed late in the evening before bed. The more out-of-balance your cells are, the more out-of-balance your body is, and the more rest it requires.
Wheatgrass is light and clean and will nourish and cleanse the body. After a few days of drinking wheatgrass while avoiding heavy, clogging foods, your body will be refreshed and you can truly enjoy a good night’s rest.
How wheatgrass gives energy
The starch of the wheat grain contains stored energy. When this energy is transformed to simple sugar, it becomes a quick source of energy. One of the greatest benefits of wheatgrass juice is that it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, rapidly sending energy throughout the body.
The stress of everyday living can certainly place a great load on the body. Add an acidic diet, and it is no wonder people have difficulty keeping their eyes open during the day. The acid in their diet attacks the red blood cells. The cells cannot withstand this attack for long, so they will eventually die. Death of the red blood cells causes a weakness in the body. It becomes feeble and sluggish. Correcting this problem entails restoring the acid-alkaline (pH) balance of the blood. If the body is healthy, it can overcome an acid-alkaline imbalance for a time by excreting acids through the skin, lungs, and kidneys. The body will also pull alkaline minerals, such as calcium, from the bones to correct this imbalance; although, this can create another set of problems. An unhealthy body will have difficulty correcting the pH imbalance in itself. Correction through the diet is necessary by eliminating acidic foods and consuming more alkaline, mineral-rich foods.
Wheatgrass is one of the most alkaline foods available. It is also easily absorbed into the bloodstream, so its alkaline minerals immediately go to work neutralizing acids. When the acids are neutralized, the red blood cells can get back to their important work of delivering oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. When the cells receive the needed energy from the oxygen, the body becomes energized again. Although many health professionals report that the immune system is the body’s first line of defense against illness and disease, in actuality, the pH balance of the blood is the body’s first and major line of defense.
The Future of Wheatgrass
Although there are documented studies on the use of wheatgrass as a medical aid, they are few and far between and have not been accepted as scientific evidence or proof that wheatgrass is anything more than a nutritious food. As studies continue concerning wheatgrass and medicine, we look forward to any evidence or results that might determine the future potential of this super food.