Medicinal Uses For Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a young wheat plant commonly found in the temperate regions of Europe and the United States. You can grow it indoors or outdoors by sprouting wheat grains in water for seven to 10 days. Apart from being a great source of vitamins A, B, C and E; calcium; magnesium; potassium; and iron, wheatgrass also contains high concentrations of chlorophyll and natural enzymes. In fact, wheatgrass consists of 70 percent chlorophyll, which may account for its purported health benefits. Talk to a doctor before using wheatgrass for medicinal purposes.

Detoxification

Raw wheatgrass juice contains natural enzymes that may help detoxify the body by neutralizing toxins and carcinogens in the body, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Cooked wheatgrass may not provide the same benefits, as heat may destroy the useful enzymes. Some components of wheatgrass may also possess antioxidant properties that stabilize the oxygen free radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes of the body.

Infections

The American Cancer Society states that wheatgrass juice may help treat the common cold, diarrhea, bronchitis, and mouth and throat infections. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove this claim, the large amounts of vitamins and minerals present in wheatgrass may help promote the proper functioning of the immune system and, in turn, help prevent infections.

Ulcerative Colitis

A study published in the April 2002 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" states that wheatgrass juice can significantly reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including rectal bleeding. The antioxidants and the vitamins in wheatgrass may also help reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.

Red Blood Cell Formation

The chlorophyll in wheatgrass is similar to hemoglobin and may stimulate the production of red blood cells, according to a student paper published by Vanderbilt University. The increased red blood cell formation may also help treat anemia that can lead to fatigue due to deceased oxygen supply to the body tissues and organs. Wheatgrass can also increase energy levels in people with chronic fatigue by improving the oxygenation of the body tissues, says Linda Page, author of the book "Healthy Healing's Detoxification."

A study published in the July 2004 issue of "Indian Pediatrics" states that 100 ml of wheatgrass juice per day reduced the requirement for blood transfusion in 50 percent of beta-thalassemia patients. However, results of a relatively recent study published in the April 2009 issue of the "Indian Journal of Pediatrics" revealed that wheatgrass juice may not provide any benefits to beta-thalassemia patients undergoing blood transfusion.

Other Benefits

According to the American Cancer Society, wheatgrass is also used to treat cystitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis pain, chronic skin diseases and constipation in folk medicine. It may also help improve digestion and prevent graying of hair. However, there is no scientific data to prove any of these claims.