Wheatgrass Healing Tips

Injuries: Now it's official. Don't use ice

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:57:00 GMT

I wince whenever I see an ice pack applied to an acute injury.

Having observed thousands of rapid recoveries from pulled muscles, ligaments, tendons, massive bruises etc. using wheatgrass extract, it is hard to believe that ice is still used at all. Wheatgrass is just so much more effective. These observations have convinced me that wheatgrass somehow activates the Growth Factors responsible for rapid healing.

Professor Lan Zhou and colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic in the US recently showed that when skeletal muscle is injured (in laboratory mice), remarkably high levels of Insulin Growth Factor -1 (IGF-1) are released from the inflammation that occurs. (IGF-1) is vitally important to the healing process. It follows that inflammation is essential for hastening healing. Therefore, applying ice to reduce inflammation actually slows down the effects of (IGF-1) thus prolonging the healing process.

Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal that published the article (Read abstract offsite) said, “For wounds to heal we need controlled inflammation, not too much, and not too little. It’s been known for a long time that excess anti-inflammatory medication, such as cortisone, slows wound healing. This study goes a long way to telling us why.”

So, instead of slowing healing with ice, it makes sense to speed it up with wheatgrass.

Kind regards,
Dr. Chris Reynolds.
M.B.,B.S.

Diabetic foot ulcers

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:43:00 GMT

Diabetic foot ulcers are common in both Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent diabetes) and can lead to considerable disability.

Because of the absence of suitable treatments, these ulcers tend to recur and often lead to amputation to part of the affected leg or even to the death of the patient. Healing, if it occurs, can take months to years, but many never heal at all.

These ulcers occur mainly due to reduced oxygen reaching the skin (ischemia) causing breakdown of overlying tissue. Also, the nerves controlling the blood supply may be damaged (peripheral neuropathy) which further reduces blood supply. The affected skin then becomes vulnerable to even minor trauma which breaks the skin surface. This is the beginning of an ulcer, and often considerable associated pain and mental stress.

Like leprosy ulcers, diabetic ulcers can respond very well, and often quickly, to wheatgrass therapy as shown by the cases below. Medical research and clinical observation suggest that wheatgrass may contain growth factors that repair the nerves vital to keeping vitally important tiny blood vessels open therefore allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the damaged tissue.

The following patients' ulcers have only been treated every second day with wheatgrass spray and simple gauze dressings. Other than regular diabetic medication, no debridement, antibiotics, sophisticated dressings or other treatments have been used during the wheatgrass treatment period shown in the photographs.

Diabetic foot ulcer. Case #1 (Left foot)


Fig. 1. Diabetic forefoot ulcer present 4 months in a 49 yo male. Unresponsive to orthodox treatment. Commenced daily application of Dr Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Spray. Note hematoma (blood clot) bulging upwards from ulcer centre.	Fig. 2. Same patient after 2 days’ application of wheatgrass spray. Note that the hematoma has burst, blood clot resolved and new skin is encroaching on the ulcer surface around its upper and central margins. The remaining ulcer surface is well vascularised and vital.

Fig. 3. Same patient 2 weeks after daily application of wheatgrass spray. New skin has filled about 90% of the ulcer surface and vascularisation is no longer visible. The wound is clean and exudate minimal.	Fig. 4. Same patient 4 weeks after commencement of wheatgrass spray. Ulcer is almost completely filled and exudate is absent.

Fig. 5. Same patient 6 weeks after daily application of wheatgrass spray. Ulcer is completely filled and lesion markedly reduced in size. No exudate.	Fig. 6. Same patient 8 weeks after commencement of wheatgrass spray. Ulcer remains dormant.

Diabetic foot ulcer. Case #1 (Right foot)

Fig. 1. Diabetic forefoot ulcer present 4 months in a 49 yo male. Unresponsive to orthodox treatment. Commenced daily application of Dr Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Spray. Amputation under consideration.

Fig. 2. Same patient. Closer view. Note satellite ulcer (arrow). Daily treatment with wheatgrass spray commenced.

Fig. 3. 2 weeks after daily application of wheatgrass spray. Revascularisation of the ulcer surface is clearly visible and new tissue formation is occurring around the edges. Note that the satellite ulcer has already almost completely healed. (arrow)

Fig. 4. 2 months after commencement of wheatgrass spray. The ulcer is almost completely filled, is no longer protruding above the wound edges and the surface is almost completely dry with early re-epithelialisation occurring. The overall surface area has reduced in size.

Fig. 5. At 4 months, the wound is clean, dry and completely covered with new skin formation.

Click here for more examples of wheatgrass healing diabetic foot ulcers.

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Stress (aphthous) ulcers

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:45:00 GMT

Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) are commonly related to stress.

Stress can suppress the body's immunity by raising levels of naturally produced steroids in the blood. This can result in a number of disorders including mouth or aphthous ulcers. These ulcers are usually quite painful, often multiple and do not respond to orthodox medical treatment. They are not due to infection. (See figure)

Although they usually disappear spontaneously in about 10 days without treatment, they can persist or frequently recur in a percentage of patients. Because wheatgrass is a potent immune stimulant, it can be quite effective first in relieving pain and secondly in reducing the duration and frequency of occurrence of aphthous ulcers. Hold some wheatgrass juice or related product such as Supershots, in your mouth for two or three minutes three times a day if possible. It often works when nothing else does.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Wheatgrass sprout extract contains significantly higher antioxidant levels than fresh juice

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 01:13:00 GMT

Antioxidants are a much discussed topic and there is a formidable amount of information about them on the internet.

Basically, as oxygen is used up by the body’s normal metabolic processes, potentially damaging chemicals called ‘free radicals’ are produced. Environmental chemicals can also increase free radical levels. In turn, the free radicals attack other cells in the body, oxidizing them and causing damage. This oxidizing process is somewhat similar to when the cut surface of an apple turns brown when exposed to the air.

Damage can affect cell membranes, DNA and other cellular structures. This can lead to such untoward developments as:

    * premature ageing
    * cancer
    * arterial damage
    * arthritis
    * cataracts in the eye
    * and some nervous disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidants help to neutralize the adverse effects of free radicals, so our diet needs to contain high enough levels to help prevent or slow these developments. Because wheatgrass is antioxidant-rich, taking it daily is one way of helping your body stay healthy.

Recent Antioxidant Research

In 2006 a group of Indian scientists (Kulkarni et. al. View abstract) performed an important study prompted by the knowledge that “the search is on for plant products with high antioxidant activities”.

Antioxidant levels (phenolic and flavonoid compounds) of water-based (i.e. wheatgrass juice) and alcohol-based extractions of wheatgrass were measured from plants grown under different growing conditions over periods from 6 to 15 days. These conditions included tap water, tap water with nutrients, soil and tap water and soil with nutrients.

These extracts were compared with a commercially available wheatgrass tablet.

The scientists found antioxidant levels were:
1. Highest at the end of the growing period (15 days).
2. Up to 33% higher in alcohol-extracted solutions compared with freshly juiced wheatgrass.
3. Highest in soil with nutrients.
4. Higher than many natural extracts and vegetables.
5. Significantly lower in the wheatgrass tablet compared with both fresh juice and alcohol-extracted solutions.

During the processing of wheatgrass sprout extract used in Dr Wheatgrass products, one of the steps involves alcohol extraction. From what I have observed in patient recovery clinically since 1995, I have no doubt wheatgrass has a very positive effect on the human body and on the skin. The benefits from daily ingestion of wheatgrass can really make a difference to one's health while many have enjoyed healthier skin after regular topical application.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

First aid for everyone

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:43:00 GMT

After eight decades waiting in the wings, the remarkable healing properties of wheatgrass are once again being recognised. During this period, wheatgrass/chlorophyll medical research has developed into a large body of evidence supporting its therapeutic benefits.

Wheatgrass was used clinically by many physicians and surgeons in the 1930's and 40's. Fresh wheatgrass compresses and the juice itself were applied to post-operative wounds, fractures and severe burns with great success.

In 1940, Dr. Benjamin Gruskin in the American Journal of Surgery (view summary) sang the praises of chlorophyll for its ability to clear up foul smelling (human) odors, neutralize streptococcal (bacterial) infections, heal wounds, hasten skin graft healing, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins, heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, (e.g. anal fissure), successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, and cure advanced pyorrhea (gum infection).

I can personally vouch for most of the above as I have achieved similar results in clinical practice. Also, compared with other remedies, wheatgrass is top of the list for injuries at home, school, work and on the playing field. It should be included in every first aid kit.

To quote wheatgrass guru and author of "Wheatgrass - Nature's Finest Medicine" Steve Meyerowitz:

"Wheatgrass is great to have around the house for cuts, bruises, rashes, burns and bangs. Make a bandage from gauze dipped in wheatgrass juice. Even better, re-dip the pulp and put a little under the bandage. If it is a large wound, wrap it in soaked gauze or pulp and protect it with a towel to prevent dripping."

Or, make life even easier. If you have any Dr Wheatgrass topicals on hand - cream, gel, spray or balm - use that instead. I hope you won't need it, but if you do, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Until you use wheatgrass, it is hard to appreciate just how rapidly it reduces swellings, takes the sting out of burns and bites, and heals wounds, frequently without leaving scars.You don't need a prescription - and it works.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Burns. Get better results with wheatgrass

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:42:00 GMT

Some burns are much more severe than others, but I'm talking about first and second degree burns - the ones that don't usually require hospital admission,but may need a number of trips to your GP for initial treatment, analgesics, perhaps antibiotics and frequent regular dressings. If the burn is deep or it becomes infected, treatment could go on for a month or more and sometimes skin grafts are required.

How does one treat burns? And what about sunburn? Bright red shoulders and sleepless nights. Other than cooling the burn immediately by running cold water over it for 5 to 10 minutes, there is little if anything that makes much difference - except wheatgrass. Let me illustrate using one of my own patients' experience.

An 18 year old university student approaching final examinations spilt boiling hot soup over her hand while waitressing at a nearby restaurant. She had what appeared to be second degree burns and the whole palm was affected. She was in severe pain. Desperate that her final examinations were imminent (she writes with the burnt hand), she was also facing eviction for overdue rent. If she didn't work, she would be on the street.

She would be at least two to three weeks off work. Painful, difficult daily dressing changes, wound debridement, pain management, infection risk and a possible allergic reaction from antibiotic creams crossed my mind as possibilities. High medical costs to her employer would also be on the cards. He would need replacement staff and expect an increase in workers' compensation insurance costs.

After soaking and cleansing the wound, I applied wheatgrass Skin Recovery Cream and a thick, firm dressing as protection and prescribed a strong analgesic. I told her she would most likely be able to return to work the next day, but she tearfully shook her head.

She came in early the next morning minus the bandage, looking very happy and ready for work. Her pain had disappeared around midnight. She had a full range of pain-free movement of the hand and fingers, and there was no tenderness over the burn, blistering or broken skin. The palm was mildly red, but that was all. Neither bandage nor antibiotics were required and much to her employer's relief, she resumed work immediately.

I have seen many burns recover as quickly and I often wonder if there are other equally effective topicals available. Wheatgrass reduces or prevents blistering and fluid loss, minimises the risk of bacterial infection and prevents scarring. Even if skin is lost, it regenerates much more quickly than by conventional treatments.

How does wheatgrass achieve such remarkable healing? It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory, but it also appears to influence gene expression - the rate at which DNA produces various proteins involved in the healing process. Exactly what this process is, is unknown, but chlorophyll was used for burns treatment in the 30's (see research). Standard medical treatment for burns is application of silver sulfadiazine, an anti-bacterial cream. This helps prevent infection, but it does nothing for healing.

Imagine the potential savings to the insurance and health industries if doctors were open to using wheatgrass for burns. It's cheap, effective, no prescription is required - and it works.

Kind regards,
Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Interesting related topics:
»» Some other types of wheatgrass healing
»» Wheatgrass quickly heals sickly skin graft
»» Dog bites dog. Wheatgrass to the rescue
»» Burns - wheatgrass testimonials
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Dog bites dog. Rapid healing with wheatgrass.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT


Fig. 1. Penetrating, bleeding open bite wound on dog's back. Wheatgrass Skin Recovery Spray applied. No dressing used.	Fig. 2. 6 hours later. Weeping and bleeding has ceased, wound surface is dry and protected by firm, resilient blood clot.

Fig. 3. 24 hours after bite. No weeping, wound edges beginning to close. No infection or inflammation. Scab covers wound surface.	Fig. 4. 3 days after bite. Wound clean, uninfected. Scab almost gone and wound healing well. No dressings or treatments other than wheatgrass Skin Recovery Spray daily.

This series of photographs (not edited for variable light sources) shows quite clearly how quickly wheatgrass can stop an open wound weeping and bleeding and seal the surface with new scab in a matter of hours. (Fig. 2).

Within 24 hours, the wound is completely dry and covered with granulation (healing) tissue.

At three days, the wound surface has become covered with new tissue with only a very small amount of scab remaining. The wound healed perfectly leaving a small, barely visible scar - a phenomenon almost always observed when treating open wounds in animals and humans with wheatgrass.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

See also:

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A case of shoulder impingement syndrome

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:41:00 GMT

Almost every day in general practice, I see wheatgrass-generated “mini-miracles” – healing phenomena I never saw until I began using wheatgrass sprout extract in 1995. Here is an example.

A 35 year old piano salesman suffered a nasty shoulder injury at work a year earlier. His shoulder “froze”, was painful on movement and pain interrupted his sleep. Steroid injections and physiotherapy gave some temporary relief but had no effect on shoulder movement. The diagnosis? Shoulder impingement syndrome. When I saw him, he was to have corrective surgery in 5 weeks - a last resort option.

This condition is very common and is thought to be caused by a pinching of one of the shoulder tendons between the top of the humerus (upper arm) and the part of the shoulder blade (acromion) that overlies this area. (See diagram).

Pain and limitation of movement are the prime symptoms of this condition, particularly when lifting or rotating the arm. This patient was unable to lift his arm higher than 60 degrees from the vertical and all other movements including rotation, were severely limited.

I had managed similar problems many times before, and the audible, palpable crunching sound I detected on examination suggested that impingement might not be the problem. I have seen wheatgrass loosen up stiffness in osteoarthritic joints by softening the tissues around the joint - often within 10 - 20 minutes. This suggests it is not necessarily roughened joint surfaces that prevent movement, but the soft tissue - muscles, tendons etc. around the joint that stiffen it.

I applied a little wheatgrass Superbalm mostly over the tender areas and worked it in for a few minutes. About ten minutes later, the Piano Man’s shoulder was moving freely without pain, and the crunching had disappeared. Needless to say, both patient and practice nurse were rather astonished.

The following day, the patient had enjoyed his first painless night's sleep for a year, and his shoulder movements were perfectly normal. Understandably, he couldn't see why he needed an operation. I suggested he seek review by his orthopedic surgeon.

There are of course, numerous types of shoulder injury that will not respond to wheatgrass the way this patient's did. But if there is a chance that wheatgrass MAY help you recover more quickly (from any injury), that it relaxes soft tissue stiffness and reduces inflammation, wouldn't you try it before consenting to an operation? I would.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:40:00 GMT

Wheatgrass is a powerful hemostatic agent i.e. it helps stop bleeding in open wounds, deep-seated bleeding in muscles and in the nasal passages.

For a blood nose, apply a small amount of wheatgrass cream inside the bleeding nostril with a cotton bud/Q-tip, then hold the front of the nose with finger and thumb for a few minutes while breathing through the mouth.

Note: If the bleeding persists or recurs you should see your doctor.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and bruising

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:39:00 GMT

Are you taking an anticoagulant (blood-thinning medicine) such as warfarin? Perhaps you know someone who is? Is bruising a problem?

If you injure yourself and you think a bruise is going to develop, apply wheatgrass cream or balm as soon as you can over the injury site. Don't worry if the skin is broken, it is still perfectly safe to use. This will help stop the bleeding under the skin and bruising to disappear more quickly.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Groin pain in sport

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:38:00 GMT

Athletes frequently suffer from groin pain. This can have a profoundly negative effect on physical performance, mental attitude and the will to win - but it can be cured.

Usually labelled osteitis pubis or "OP", the pain most often originates from inflammation of the insertion of the large adductor muscles into the pubic bone deep in the groin – so-called adductor tendonitis. These muscles are located on the inside of the thigh and are responsible for pulling the leg in towards the midline. (See figure) Sometimes X-ray examination can show changes to this attachment area, but there is no consensus regarding their significance. Pain can occur while exercising or even at rest and the affected area may be very tender when pressed.

One of the least understood injuries in sports medicine, OP creates heartsink for doctors, physiotherapists, trainers and other sports-related health professionals. Why? Because they know there is little can be done about it other than surgery which doesn't always work and that the athlete could be out of action for some time.

All manner of treatments are used by trainers, physiotherapists, etc. – ice, heat, rest, exercise, massage, anti-inflammatory medication - oral and topical. Results are usually disappointing and the condition often becomes chronic.

The following is a true story which prompted me to write this article.

Recently I saw a 40 year old jockey who had suffered groin pain since age 10. The pain was so bad his quality of life was virtually ruined. Surgeons even explored inside his scrotum as they thought the pain may be coming from his testicle, but everything was normal.

My examination revealed marked limitation of leg movement and exquisite tenderness over the insertion of his adductor muscles. A classic case of OP!

I massaged in a little Superbalm over the tender area. Ten minutes later he had full movement of his leg and walked without pain for the first time in 30 years. At follow up a month later, he remained pain-free.

Hard to believe, I know, but you have my word for it…and this patient was only one of many I have treated over the years who also recovered from OP using wheatgrass.

How does it work? Wheatgrass can act as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This may have something to do with pain relief, but when it works so quickly as in this case, the cause of OP (generally regarded as disordered musculo-skeletal mechanics) needs to be reviewed. It can hardly be due solely to mechanical causes. One must therefore invoke another mechanism.

My theory, based on thousands of clinical observations and considerable research over 15 years, suggests there may be an autoimmune component to the pain of OP. When an individual is under sustained physical and mental pressure, the body's immune system can become compromised. The immune system then attacks normal tissue such as tendon attachments in OP and plantar fasciitis. Wheatgrass, being a potent immunomodulator, is able to eliminate part or all of this component.

This may or may not be so, but I think I'm on the right track simply because wheatgrass can work very well for this condition.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Read More about wheatgrass and sports injuries

Sports and other injuries testimonials

Achilles tendonitis

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:37:00 GMT

Achilles tendonitis is a common, painful disorder.

The Achilles tendon is the one that attaches muscles from the back of the lower leg to the heel. This tendonitis usually affects runners, ballet dancers and other athletic individuals, but not always. It can cause considerable disability even in sedentary people.

There exists considerable "scientific" dogma declaring that overuse causes Achilles tendonitis and many other tendon problems such as tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. Overuse may be a factor, but in my view is not likely the actual CAUSE of the condition. Pain is almost invariably a major symptom so one would reasonably expect to find inflammation affecting the painful areas of involvement.

However, a study performed by Swedish researchers Astrom et al ( "Chronic Achilles tendinopathy. A survey of surgical and histopathologic findings.") biopsied the Achilles tendons of 163 patients with tendonitis.

Interestingly they reported only degenerative changes in the tendon such as abnormal fibre structure and vascular proliferation, but, unexpectedly, there was no inflammation present. In fact they said, “Important features are a lack of inflammatory cells and a poor healing response.” These are signs of a poor immune response which suggests suppression of the individual’s immune status.

Therefore, one needs to look for another cause of the athletes’ pain and loss of function. It appears to me that auto-immunity (the body’s immune system attacking and damaging its own normal tissues) is more than likely the underlying cause of tendonitis, which is then AGGRAVATED by physical activity.

How can this happen?

We know that chronic stress, both physical and psychological can increase the level of natural steroids circulating in the bloodstream. This can significantly suppress the body’s immunity which may then lead to an auto-immune reaction. The targets for these attacks can include any of the body tissues, but it appears there is a predilection for specific sites e.g. the thyroid gland, the anal mucosa (anal fissure), the plantar fascia, the groin (osteitis pubis), tennis elbow and of course, the Achilles tendon.

How do I know this?

Since 1995 I have seen many long-standing cases of the abovementioned conditions (and more) that were totally unresponsive to numerous physical treatments, but which recovered, sometimes dramatically, to application of wheatgrass extract. Wheatgrass can act as a potent immunomodulator and possibly eliminates pain by inhibiting hormones such as Substance P that are responsible for the sensation of pain. It may also modify any autoimmune reactions affecting the tendon.

One case in point was a middle-aged female who suffered from bilateral plantar fasciitis for 20 years yet became pain free overnight using wheatgrass? Impossible? Not at all, it happened to one of my patients. There have been numerous others. For some unknown reason, Achilles tendonitis usually takes longer to respond than other types of tendonitis, but if one perseveres, wheatgrass can often do the job when nothing else works.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Leg ulcers

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:39:00 GMT

Leg ulcers are very common and can often be difficult to treat. They affect approximately 1% of Australians, and, as the population ages, this percentage will increase.

There are a number of causes of leg ulcers including diabetes, poor circulation/varicose veins, trauma and prolonged pressure (as in bedsores).

The treatment of these ulcers varies from one doctor, hospital and nurse to the next and the huge global ulcer-healing industry is yet to find a simple, effective and economical way to manage them. The cost to taxpayers is substantial as is the cost of dressings and other "ulcer-healing" paraphernalia to the patient. Many require domiciliary care.

The elderly, who represent the bulk of ulcer sufferers, do just that - suffer. Pain, leakage, the unsightliness of wet dressings and malodour can embarrass the patient. They often feel hopeless with the indolent nature of their condition and quite rightly question the medical profession's inability to find a suitable remedy. Understandably, depression can develop which further aggravates their plight.

However, there is hope - but we have to return to another era to find it.

Back in the 1930's and 40's, substantial research into the cereal grasses, including wheatgrass, showed dramatic improvement in the cleansing and healing of infected wounds and skin ulcers. Much of this research was carried out by leading surgeons and other specialists in large medical institutions in the United States. Then, in 1941, penicillin was found to have highly effective antibiotic properties. The interest in cereal grass as a potential antibiotic promptly ended.

By chance, in 1995, I was fortunate enough to re-discover wheatgrass as a healing agent, an event that abruptly changed my view of the wound and ulcer healing process. It led to considerable success in this area compared with what my classical medical training had taught me.

These photographs illustrate just one of numerous ulcer patients who have benefited from wheatgrass.


Pre-wheatgrass	9 days wheatgrass	Fully healed in 3 weeks

This 82 year old man was understandably worried about the state of the skin on his lower legs which had been breaking down for about 6 months. As the skin thins with ageing, exudate (a type of tissue fluid) finds its way through to the surface and macerates the tissue. Ulcers form, the skin scales and scabs form over the broken areas. If this process isn't halted, ulcers coalesce and deepen, creating a nightmare for patient and health professionals alike. This man knew of others with a similar problem and was well aware of the potential for further deterioration.

I explained to him how I thought wheatgrass might work for him by activating growth factors under the skin. That in time, they would most likely create new skin cells which would heal the several small ulcers present, and strengthen the skin itself. I suggested he use wheatgrass extract once daily and keep the area covered with a dry dressing, which he did.

As you can see, in just 9 days of this very simple, inexpensive treatment (I used a simple gauze dressing), there has been significant improvement. The scale and overlying scabs have almost disappeared and the ulcerated areas have healed. The skin has become smooth and is already strengthening. Above all, the patient was happy and his wife greatly relieved.

Below is another case of an inflamed, very painful ulcer over the shin in an 80 year old man who has been taking steroids (prednisolone) for emphysema for nearly 8 years. One of the side effects of steroids is atrophy or thinning of the skin. These patients bleed and bruise easily and immunosuppression by steroids can predispose wounds to infection and significantly inhibit the wound healing process.

This ulcer, caused by a minor injury in an 80 year old male, had been present for 5 months and was clearly not doing well. By applying the wheatgrass spray daily, in 13 weeks, the ulcer has healed completely. No antibiotics were required and the patient's pain disappeared after the first month of treatment.


Pre-wheatgrass	6 weeks wheatgrass	13 weeks wheatgrass

Which wheatgrass product should I use and how should I use it?

Because the Skin Recovery Spray contains fewer ingredients than the Skin Recovery Cream, there is less likelihood of an allergic reaction. This is rare, but, like any topical application, possible. On the other hand, some patients do better using the cream than the spray, so it is really a matter of finding what is best for you.

I usually recommend the spray as first line treatment. This product is very safe, however in most cases, we are dealing with very fragile skin, so it is best to hasten slowly. Therefore, apply just a little spray AROUND the ulcer(s) once or twice weekly only to begin with, and try to avoid the ulcer surface.

The reason for this is that the microcirculation on the floor of the ulcer can recover quite quickly forming new granulation tissue (new connective tissue cells and tiny blood vessels that form during the healing process). In some cases, this can lead to an increase in exudate (fluid containing protein and cellular debris) that can macerate surrounding skin, particularly if the skin is thin as often occurs in the elderly.

Granulation is essential for the ulcer to ultimately fill and provide the substrate for new skin growth which may or may not eventually occur. There are no guarantees in ulcer healing. Overuse of wheatgrass should be avoided and bear in mind that a little goes a long way.

Concurrently, the skin surrounding the ulcer(s) tends to strengthen after several months which helps prevent skin damage from adhesive dressings, tape etc. and further degeneration of the ulcer edges.

If granulation does occur and exudate increases, cease treatment for a week, then try spraying around the ulcer again. As with any kind of ulcer treatment, responses can vary considerably, so a watchful and careful eye is needed when using wheatgrass.

Whatever the bioactives are that stimulate granulation, they appear to penetrate rapidly through the skin and can still stimulate new growth even though there is no direct contact between wheatgrass and the ulcer surface.

Prevention is better than cure

Although wheatgrass can facilitate leg ulcer healing, the ravages of time eventually cause aging skin to become thinner, to lose its elasticity, markedly reduce its ability to heal after injury and to fight off infection. The aim then should be to prevent ulcers forming in the first place. Because of the ability of wheatgrass to stimulate new cell and tissue growth, strengthen the skin's immunity and prevent infection, even in the elderly, it is the ideal skin ulcer preventative. Many if not most of these ulcers can be prevented simply by applying a little wheatgrass to both shins daily.

Refs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Wheatgrass for psoriasis

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:35:00 GMT

You may not realise it, but wheatgrass can work remarkably well for psoriasis.

Many psoriasis sufferers have a genetic predisposition to the disorder, a problem that medical science is yet to overcome. However, there is an underlying autoimmune aspect to psoriasis, and it is here that wheatgrass can make quite a difference. Wheatgrass, being a potent topical and whole body immunomodulator (i.e. it tends to “normalise” sick or injured tissues), can reduce inflammation, itch and redness, and, in time, thin out the thickened skin plaques that form on the surface of the lesions. Ultimately there is a reduction in the unsightliness of the condition which is usually and understandably the main concern of psoriatic patients.

Please click here to view quite a striking case history and testimonials about how effective wheatgrass can be for treating psoriasis.

Kind regards,
Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.

Treating an abscess with wheatgrass

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:34:00 GMT

An abscess is a collection of pus that is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

(See figure)

Pus consists of white blood cells, dead tissue cells and bacteria. Abscesses usually occur under the skin (such as boils) but can occur anywhere in the body including the brain, breast and virtually all body tissues and cavities. Most often, no obvious cause for infection can be found, but some people, such as diabetics, are more pre-disposed to getting abscesses.

Because an abscess is surrounded by a membrane which has no blood supply, antibiotics have difficulty reaching its centre. Sometimes the abscess bursts spontaneouls, but the treatment of choice is most often incision and drainage. In other words the doctor has to cut into it with a scalpel to let the pus drain out. This can be very painful for the patient, but once the pus if removed, the abscess and surrounding inflammation usually settles down quite quickly, but not always. The abscess can sometimes take days or even weeks to stop draining and requires frequent insertion of a gauze "wick" to help drain the cavity. Inserting and removing this wick can be very painful, particularly if inflammation persists.

Because wheatgrass can reduce inflammation quickly and stop exudate (body fluid) forming in the abscess cavity left after incision, pain is quickly reduced or eliminated and the wound heals quickly.

Wheatgrass (e.g. Skin Recovery Cream) needs to be applied to the abscess surface prior to incision as this reduces the pain caused by the knife. Then apply it again after the abscess has been drained. A wick is not necessary. Apply a light dressing and repeat the application in 24 hours.

Pain often ceases overnight with minimal discharge, inflammation & swelling. One can expect wound closure in two or three days, when the patient can manage their own wound with daily wheatgrass and dressings.

View abscess testimonials.

Dr. Chris Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.