Wheat Grass Powder
Also known as- Triticum aestivum.
Introduction
Wheat grass is the freshly sprouted shoots of grains of wheat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used interchangeably with barley grass. The tender young shoots of freshly sprouted barley or wheat seeds were used to treat diseases of the "spleen," or poor digestion, but also "stagnation of the liver," conditions characterized by an inability to respond to the emotional environment, usually depression after chronic anger or disappointment.
Wheat grass is grown by soaking the seeds in clean water until they sprout and grow shoots approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long. Barley grass provides a broader ranger of nutrients, but wheat grass has a superior content of antioxidants and organic phosphates.
Constituents
Quercetin, rutin, organic phosphates.
Parts Used
The dried shoots, powdered. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, wheat grass may be "massed" or fermented before drying.
Typical Preparations
A level tablespoon (3-4 grams) of powder added to teas, smoothies, or cereals, daily. Sometimes found in encapsulations.
Summary
Wheat sprouts contain a very high level of organic phosphates and a powerful cocktail of antioxidant molecules. According to research recently published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, the antioxidant activity of catalase and peroxidase appears very strong. Addition of a small amount of wheat grass powder to food is known to prevent cataracts in aging dogs, and may have a similar effect in people.
Precautions
Like barley grass, wheat grass may reduce lactation in nursing mothers.
