Wheatgrass Healing Tips

Burns. Get better results with wheatgrass

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:39:00 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
{module_product,4910,12663}{module_product,4910,214057}

Dog bites dog. Rapid healing with wheatgrass.

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:25:00 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: THE new way to heal wounds Wheatgrass rapidly facilitates skin graft healing

{module_product,4910,12663}{module_product,4910,214057}

A case of shoulder impingement syndrome

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:50:00 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)

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:07:00 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.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and bruising

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:42:00 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

Tue, 18 May 2010 22:37:00 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

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:19:00 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

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:03:00 GMT

Leg ulcers are very common and can often be difficult to treat. They affect approximately 1% of Australians, and, as the population gets older, 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 later

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. Many of these ulcers can be prevented simply by applying wheatgrass to ageing skin daily - and it pays to persevere.

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

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

Wheatgrass for psoriasis

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:30:00 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

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:22:00 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.

Ulcerative colitis

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes ulcers and inflammation on the wall of the large bowel and rectum. The condition can be improved with wheatgrass.

Classic symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding and diarrhea. Fatigue, weight loss and anemia can also occur.

Ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, but mainly in the 15 to 30 age group and affects males and females equally. There may be an hereditary predisposition.

There are many theories about the cause of this illness. One theory is that the body's immune system may react abnormally to the bacteria that normally live in the large bowel i.e. there is most likely an autoimmune component involved.

Treatment usually consists of aminosalicylates and/or steroids which can usually help the patient maintain a reasonable quality of life. Also, the disease can remit completely from time to time. Unfortunately, most if not all of the drugs used can cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Wheatgrass was used in a clinical trial of 23 ulcerative colitis patients in Israel and found to have very positive effects. (View abstract)

Here is an interesting testimonial from an ulcerative colitis sufferer who had a remarkable recovery taking wheatgrass.

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

Earache

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:31:00 GMT

Earache isn't just a pain for the patient - usually a young child - but for parents, siblings and where the buck stops. The doctor in emergency or on a home visit at three in the morning.

What can we doctors do? Not much. Well, that is not necessarily true.

Analgesia, such as paracetamol; antibiotics to protect the middle ear from infection; antihistamines to unblock the inner ear canal (eustachian tube) to allow any pus in the middle ear to drain. What then? We hand the child back to the parents in the hope the pain might settle and they and their child might get some sleep.

There is another, more effective way. I will illustrate with a case history.

The child was a feverish, crying, miserable 6 year old boy holding a hand over his ear. He had been in pain for three days. Examination revealed a very red, hemorrhagic and blistered eardrum. He had a classic bullous myringitis which is can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. (See pic. Large blister and several smaller ones on the eardrum. Ouch, that hurts!)

I put a few drops of wheatgrass extract in the boy's ear and chatted to his mother as I jotted down some notes. About ten minutes later, I asked the boy to get down off the couch. But there was no response - he was fast asleep! When he awoke, his pain had all but disappeared. The following day, the eardrum was no longer blistered and the inflammation had almost gone.

There is very little if anything the pharmaceutical industry has to offer for earache, but wheatgrass can often do an excellent job of myringitis as well as ease the pain of middle ear infection i.e. otitis media. How does it work? Most likely via growth factor activation. Among many other bioactivities, growth factors are responsible for reducing inflammation: a combination of redness, heat, pain and loss of function. Wheatgrass worked amazingly well in reducing this boy's inflamed eardrum.

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

The secret to taking wheatgrass

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:32:00 GMT

There is no doubt that wheatgrass contains numerous important health-giving bioactives. Clinical observation shows how rapidly many of them are absorbed through the skin and the mucous membrane covering the oral cavity.

One example of the latter is the "rush" many experience only a few seconds after swallowing fresh wheatgrass juice or the Supershots. This suggests instantaneous absorption directly from the mouth to the brain via the blood circulation i.e. the sublingual route.

Herein lies the secret of taking wheatgrass in any form - tablets or powder mixed with water, fresh juice or Supershots. That is, hold the liquid in your mouth for two or three minutes if possible before swallowing. This will enable much greater absorption of the bioactives compared with simply tossing it down your throat. If you do that, much of the goodness will be destroyed by stomach acid.

For many, including myself, the taste and smell of fresh wheatgrass juice is sufficient a deterrent to continue taking it. Also, the antioxidant concentration in fresh juice is about 300% lower than in the extract we use to make our Supershots, which are also very easy on the palate. Wheatgrass powder and tablets contain even lower amounts.

Whatever form of wheatgrass you take, it will almost certainly help your general health and wellbeing in time.

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

Pulled muscles

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:32:00 GMT

One day I was playing in the park with one of my kids when I felt sudden severe, disabling pain in my calf that brought tears to my eyes. It was a torn gastrocnemius or pulled muscle. My immediate reaction was, “How can I work tomorrow if I can’t walk?”

How I managed to drive home I’ll never know, but when I got there, the first thing I did was rub some wheatgrass cream into the painful area. Within an hour the pain started to ease, and next morning had almost disappeared so that I could still make my usual five flight climb up the office back stairs. In a couple of days I was running completely pain-free.

Every time I see a pulled hamstring or monkey muscle (gastrocnemius) on the field or on TV, I wince. The sudden onset of excruciating pain, often from a minor injury, can stop an athlete in his or her tracks, and they can be off the field for weeks or months. Treatment such as physio, massage and other methodologies follows, but, unless it is a major rupture, there’s usually no need for this, because there is a way these injured people can be effectively treated and got back on their feet again in very quick time.

Initial treatment for pulled muscles consists of applying an ice pack and a tight bandage and resting the injured part. Common experience and observation shows this has little effect on hastening recovery and research tends to support this view. But if there's nothing else, what does one do?

For years now I have treated pulled muscles effectively by massaging in some wheatgrass extract for a couple of minutes as soon as possible or even several weeks after the injury. Frequently, the patient is up and running in a day or two or recovers from longer term injuries much quicker.

How does wheatgrass work? I don’t think anyone knows for sure, but it appears to have a lot to do with stopping deep-seated bleeding via activation of growth factors. Bleeding into tissues after injury is the scourge of the sporting world. (Read more)

So why don’t trainers, physiotherapists and other sports therapists use wheatgrass? Well increasing numbers are realising just how effective it can be. Others simply don't believe it works because it's too good to be true. But take my word for it, it does work - even on hamstrings.

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

Leprosy ulcers

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Whoever would have thought the humble wheatgrass sprout would take the lead in healing ulcers caused by leprosy?

According to a field study we are running in India, it appears this may well be the case.

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by “Hansen’s bacillus” a bacteria in some ways similar to the one that causes tuberculosis. Contrary to popular belief, it is not highly contagious and is in fact not an easy disease to contract.

Modern pharmaceuticals have had a dramatic effect on reducing global prevalence of the disease but unfortunately do little to heal the skin ulcers that can complicate the condition. The sociological consequences of these skin lesions can be substantial as many sufferers are ostracised by families, friends and communities for misplaced fear of becoming infected themselves.

Some ulcers last for 30 years or more and so far no effective remedy has been found to heal them. As our study progresses, it is becoming increasingly clear that the wheatgrass extract I use in daily clinical practice (we are using the commercial wheatgrass lotion every second day) is showing great promise.

On my recent trip to India to learn about leprosy and observe the clinical trial, many doctors who specialise in the treatment of leprosy were amazed at our results so far. As one remarked, “Dr. Chris, you have given hope to millions.”

I am rightly proud of the results and excited at the possibility that we can make life significantly better for at least some sufferers of this dreadful, deforming disease.

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