Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is known as Gehun, Kanak in Ayurveda calls it is Godhuma. Wheatgrass juice is rich in essential minerals and nutrients that improve liver function and boost immunity. Wheatgrass is known to minimize fatigue, improve sleep and increase strength naturally. It is also used to manage weight as it improves digestion. Wheatgrass juice also works as a blood purifier and supports healthy skin. Thus, it should be taken as the first meal of the day in order to explore its maximum benefits[2-4]. Wheatgrass may lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, people with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels monitored while taking wheatgrass
What are the synonyms of Wheatgrass?
Triticum aestivum, Gehun, Godhi, bahudugdha, godhuma, godumai, godumbaiyarisi, godumalu[1].
What is the source of Wheatgrass?
Plant Based
Benefits of Wheatgrass
1. Asthma
Asthma is a condition which leads to obstructed or swollen airways due to the production of sputum (mucus). This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main Doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha Dosha in the lungs causing an obstruction in the respiratory passage. Wheatgrass prevents the obstruction in the respiratory passage and helps manage Asthma due to its Vata balancing property[17].
2. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Due to the imbalance of Vata Dosha, the intestines also become dry which leads to drying up of the Mala (stool), which further aggravates constipation. Wheatgrass helps provides oiliness to the intestines which results in easy passage of stool, thereby managing Constipation due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties[17].
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs either due to bad eating habits or lack of physical activity.
It is a condition in which indigestion leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of excessive fat. This leads to an imbalance of Meda Dhatu resulting in obesity. Wheatgrass helps in the management of Obesity by digesting Ama due to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It also helps to improve metabolism which prevents further prevent Obesity[17].
4. Flatulence
Flatulence is a condition of accumulation of gas which causes discomfort in the abdomen or intestines. It is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and an aggravated Vata dosha result in Mand agni (low digestive fire). This leads to poor digestion and ultimately gas formation or flatulence. Wheatgrass helps maintain good digestion and prevents Flatulence in the management of Flatulence due to its Vata and Pitta balancing properties[17].
Asthma is a condition which leads to obstructed or swollen airways due to the production of sputum (mucus). This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. According to Ayurveda, the main Doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated Vata combines with deranged Kapha Dosha in the lungs causing an obstruction in the respiratory passage. Wheatgrass prevents the obstruction in the respiratory passage and helps manage Asthma due to its Vata balancing property[17].
2. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Due to the imbalance of Vata Dosha, the intestines also become dry which leads to drying up of the Mala (stool), which further aggravates constipation. Wheatgrass helps provides oiliness to the intestines which results in easy passage of stool, thereby managing Constipation due to its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties[17].
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition that occurs either due to bad eating habits or lack of physical activity.
It is a condition in which indigestion leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of excessive fat. This leads to an imbalance of Meda Dhatu resulting in obesity. Wheatgrass helps in the management of Obesity by digesting Ama due to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It also helps to improve metabolism which prevents further prevent Obesity[17].
4. Flatulence
Flatulence is a condition of accumulation of gas which causes discomfort in the abdomen or intestines. It is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and an aggravated Vata dosha result in Mand agni (low digestive fire). This leads to poor digestion and ultimately gas formation or flatulence. Wheatgrass helps maintain good digestion and prevents Flatulence in the management of Flatulence due to its Vata and Pitta balancing properties[17].
Precautions when using Wheatgrass
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
It is advisable to take Wheatgrass on an empty stomach in the morning[16].
Allergy
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass is not recommended for patients who are hypersensitive to allergies. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Wheagrass[7].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Wheatgrass during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Wheatgrass during breastfeeding[7][4].
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass may interact with Warfarin so it is not recommended for patients taking Warfarin[7][4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Wheatgrass during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Wheatgrass during pregnancy[7][4].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Headaches
2. Nausea
3. Throat swelling[7][4].
2. Nausea
3. Throat swelling[7][4].
Recommended Dosage of Wheatgrass
- Wheatgrass Powder - 2-3 gm twice a day.
- Wheatgrass Juice - 30 ml of juice twice a day[16].
How to use Wheatgrass
1. Wheatgrass Powder
a. Take 2-3 gm of Wheat grass powder.
b. Mix it in a glass of water.
c. Drink the mixture half an hour before taking meals.
d. Repeat regularly to get relief from constipation.
2. Wheatgrass Juice
a. Take 30 ml of fresh Wheatgrass juice.
b. Drink it half an hour before taking meals to maintain good digestion.
c. You can add some honey to fresh Wheatgrass juice to enhance the taste.
a. Take 2-3 gm of Wheat grass powder.
b. Mix it in a glass of water.
c. Drink the mixture half an hour before taking meals.
d. Repeat regularly to get relief from constipation.
2. Wheatgrass Juice
a. Take 30 ml of fresh Wheatgrass juice.
b. Drink it half an hour before taking meals to maintain good digestion.
c. You can add some honey to fresh Wheatgrass juice to enhance the taste.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass juice is recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach, especially to avoid nausea.
Modern Science View
Generally 30-110 ml of Wheatgrass can be taken daily.
Modern Science View
It is generally recommended to consume Wheatgrass in the form of juice as it contains indigestible cellulose which cannot be digested by humans.
Modern Science View
You can eat half an hour after drinking Wheatgrass juice.
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass is considered a superfood as it provides a number of nutrients and very few calories.
Modern Science View
Yes, taking Wheatgrass on an empty stomach helps get incorporated into the blood in a short duration of time, giving a natural glow to the skin and an instant burst of energy.
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass powder is rich in nutrients, minerals and antioxidants.These antioxidants fight against free radicals and prevent various diseases and infections.
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass is a vegetable harvested prior to the formation of the flower head.
Modern Science View
Green Blood Therapy is the use of Wheatgrass juice to cure various diseases. Green blood refers to the high chlorophyll content i.e., 70 % of total chemical constituents in Wheatgrass.
Modern Science View
Yes, Wheatgrass contains iron and might be helpful during pregnancy[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Wheatgrass contains vitamin K that helps in preventing cellular damage of the lungs[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Wheatgrass contains Vitamin A. It provides glow to the outer skin and protects it from disease. It also helps in improving eyesight and cures black spots. It is also considered to be essential for growth and development[12].
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass pills are an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals. They are a rich source of vitamin C, K, chlorophyll, calcium and fiber.
Modern Science View
You can prepare Wheatgrass juice by the following method-
1. Cut and crush fresh Wheatgrass.
2. After crushing, wrap the Wheatgrass in a cloth and strain it to take out the juice.
3. Straining can also be done with a plastic strainer or electric juicer[12].
1. Cut and crush fresh Wheatgrass.
2. After crushing, wrap the Wheatgrass in a cloth and strain it to take out the juice.
3. Straining can also be done with a plastic strainer or electric juicer[12].
Modern Science View
Wheatgrass is mostly available as extract, tablets and mixed juice. All these forms of Wheatgrass are considered to be of high medicinal value[13].
Modern Science View
Leaves of raw Wheatgrass are not easy to digest, so they are crushed and squeezed to prepare a juice which can then be consumed.
Modern Science View
Yes, Wheatgrass juice can be mixed with any other juice, except citrus juices[16].
Modern Science View
Yes, Wheatgrass powder can be added to regular food, especially for children[16].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Roshan K,Rathore KS,Bharkatiya M, et al.Therapeutic potential of triticum aestivum linn. (wheat grass or green blood therapy) in the treatment and prevention of chronic and acute diseases: an overview.2016;4(2):19-27.
- Padalia S, Drabu S, Indira R, et al. Multitude potential of Wheatgrass Juice (Green Blood): An overview. Chronicles of Young Scientists. 2010;1(2):23-28.
- Sowjanya DK, Hariprasath K, Nalini GR.Wheat Grass Juice- Triticum aestivum Linn’ aTherapeutic Tool in Pharmaceutical Research, an Overview. Ijppr Human.2015;3(3):112-121.
- Oh HS, Cho W, Tak SB, et al. Triticum aestivum ethanolic extract improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed a choline-deficient or high fat diet.Journal of the science of Food and Agriculture.2018;99(5).
- Borah M, Sarma P, Das S. A Study of the protective effect of Triticum aestivum L. in an experimental animal model of chronic fatigue syndrome.Pharmacognosy research.2014;6(4):285-291.
- Kumar NS, Murali M, Nair AM, et al.Green blood therapy of Wheatgrass – Nature’s finest Medicine – A Literature Review.IOSR- Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences.2016;11(2):57-64.
- Shah K, Sheth D, Tirgar P, et al.Anti-ulcer activity of Triticum Aestivum on ethanol induced mucosal damage (cytoprotective activity) in Wistar.Pharmacologyonline.2011.2: 929-935.
- Shah K, Sheth D, Tirgar P, et al.Anti-inflammatory activity of Triticum Aestivum on Carrageenan induced paw edema in wistar rats.Pharmacologyonline.2010;2:745-751.
- Mohan Y, Jesuthankaraj GN, Thangavelu NR.Antidiabetic and Antioxidant properties of Triticum aestivum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Advances in pharmacological sciences.2013;(2013):1-9.
- Tirgar PR, Shah KV, Desai TR, et al.Investigation into therapeutic role of Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) grass in Busulfan induced thrombocytopenia.International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Life Sciences.2011;1(1):85-97.
- Mujoriya R.A study on wheatgrass and its nutritional value.Food Science and quality management.2011;2:1-8.
- Rana S,Kamboj JK, GandhI V.Living life the natural way- Wheatgrass and Health.Functional foods in Health and disease.2011;1(11):444-456.
- Chauhan M.A Pilot study on wheatgrass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases.International Journal of Chemical Studies.2014;2(4):27-34.
- Afroz RD, Nurunnabi AS, Khan I, et al.Effect of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) juice on HIgh Density lipoprotein (HDL)level in experimentally induced dyslipidaemic male long evans rats.Delta Med Col J.2015;3(1):18-24.
- Sareen M, Baghla P, Dhaka P et.al.Wheat Grass-A Wonder Herb.Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy.2014:5(1).
- Mujoriya R, Bodla RB. A study on wheat grass and its Nutritional value. Food Science and Quality Management. 2011;2:1-9.
- Chauhan M. A pilot study on wheat grass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2014; 2(4): 27-34.
- Mayo Clinic. Nutrition and healthy eating.
- Aate J, Urade P, Potey L, Kosalge S. A Review: Wheat Grass and its Health Benefits. IJPPR.
- WebMD. Internet.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.