Li Smith's Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium Blog

What's your most memorable "that's my family" moment?

Sitting together as a family with our kids and grand children eating Christmas dinner two years ago. A memorable moment because we are separated by continents!

TypePad Conversations » Answer this question!

Wheatgrass - hot, new trend for health, beauty and profitability

Wheatgrass is a healthy super food that has been used traditionally in cultures around the world. Today, research scientists and medical doctors are praising its disease-fighting, age-defying properties. Wheatgrass juice has become the trendy new way to keep illness and old age at bay. There is a strong commercial potential in the small scale growing of wheatgrass. It can also be grown on a large scale in special growing sheds with controlled lighting and other desired conditions. Most health shops would welcome a regular supply of fresh wheatgrass.

Young wheatgrass shoots are extremely vital. Wheatgrass is a complete whole-food with enzymes, amino acids, phyto-chemicals, vitamins and chlorophyll working in perfect harmony to help rid the body of toxins and creating overall good health. Wheatgrass juice is made from the blades of the wheat plant. It can be expressed in a wheatgrass juicer, or the grass can be blended in a blender with water (raw honey, edible flowers, etc. are optional) and strained to make a refreshing, nutritional drink. And it is not only the juice that makes wheatgrass worth its title of "green-gold". Derivatives of wheat are currently being used in many leading cosmetic houses because of their anti-oxidant and vitamin E properties.These and other properties in wheat, and especially in wheatgrass are powerful allies in the fight against aging skin.

Wheatgrass - what is it? Wheatgrass is sprouted wheat kernels that have been allowed to grow to 7 inches for 7 to 14 days (depending on warmth), either indoors or outdoors in trays or in the open ground. Wheatgrass is easy to grow. Soak a few cups of whole wheat grains in water for about 12 hours, strain the seeds and spread them on top of trays (with holes at the bottom) containing organic compost. Spray gently with water and cover with board. Keep the the trays covered for a few days until you see the young shoots emerging. Place uncovered in a protected light/shade spot. Water for a further 7 to 14 days ... your wheatgrass is now ready for harvest!

An important by-product of wheatgrass production is the wheatgrass mat. When wheatgrass is cut down to the roots for use, the mat with its developing root-system can be used to great effect for promoting the fertility of the soil in any part of the garden. It is valued for revitalizing dead soil. It can be used on sites such as abandoned mines and areas of soil erosion. This material goes to work aerating the soil and introducing a friendly microbial population of earthworms. The soil becomes balanced and reflects a good acid - alkaline ratio, improving 'moist bulk density', and provides important nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, in organic form.

The production of 'live' soil is profitable! Market your own ... Composting gains you almost 4 times in direct, quantifiable benefits for every $ you invest. Advantages of this system is that 'live' soil feed plants organically in a balanced way. Quality organic humus is always better, cheaper (if you make it yourself), and safer than chemical fertilizers and supports long-term soil fertility.

This article is adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing. Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.

Wheatgrass - hot new trend for health, beauty and profitability!

Wheatgrass is a healthy super food that has been used traditionally in cultures around the world. Today, research scientists and medical doctors are praising its disease-fighting, age-defying properties. Wheatgrass juice has become the trendy new way to keep illness and old age at bay. There is a strong commercial potential in the small scale growing of wheatgrass. It can also be grown on a large scale in special growing sheds with controlled lighting and other desired conditions. Most health shops would welcome a regular supply of fresh wheatgrass.

Young wheatgrass shoots are extremely vital. The young blades of wheatgrass harvests energy from the sun via photosynthesis and converts it to a powerhouse of biochemical activity within our bodies. It is a complete whole-food with enzymes, amino acids, phytochemicals, vitamins and chlorophyll working in perfect harmony to help rid the body of toxins and creating overall good health. Wheatgrass juice is made from the young grass of the wheat plant. It can be expressed in a wheatgrass juicer, or the grass can be blended in a blender with water (raw honey, edible flowers, etc. are optional) and strained to make a refreshing, nutritional drink. And it is not only the juice that makes wheatgrass worth its title of "green gold". Derivatives of wheat are currently being used in many leading cosmetic houses because of their antioxidant and vitamin E properties. These and other properties in wheat, and especially in wheatgrass, are powerful allies in the fight against aging skin.

Wheatgrass - what is it? Wheatgrass is sprouted wheat kernels that have been allowed to grow to 7 inches for 7 to 14 days (depending on warmth), either indoors or outdoors in trays or in the open ground. Wheatgrass is easy to grow. Soak a few cups of whole wheat kernels in water for about 12 hours, strain the seeds and spread them gently on top of trays (with holes at the bottom) containing organic compost. Spray softly and cover with cardboard or board. Water a little every day and carry on covering the germinating seeds for a further few days until you see the young shoots emerging. Place uncovered in a protected light/shade spot. Continue watering for a further 7 to 14 days. Your wheatgrass is now ready for harvest! 

An important by-product of wheatgrass production is the wheatgrass mat or 'green-manure'. When wheatgrass is cut down to the roots for use, the mat with its developed root-system can be used to great effect for promoting the fertility of the soil in any part of the garden. It is valued for revitalizing dead soil. It can be used on sites such as abandoned mines and areas of soil erosion. This material goes to work aerating the soil and introducing a friendly microbial population of earthworms. The soil becomes balanced, and it reflects a good acid-alkaline ratio, improving 'moist bulk density', and providing important nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, in organic form.

The production of 'live soil' is profitable! Market your own ... Composting gains you almost 4 times in direct, quantifiable benefits for every $,£, Rand you invest. Advantages of this system is that 'live' soil feed plants organically in a balanced way. Quality organic humus is always better, cheaper (if you make it yourself) and safer than chemical fertilizers and supports long-term soil fertility.

This article is adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing. Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.

Wheatgrass and Chi Energy ... Supercharge your Life - Naturally!

Are you a walking, talking ball of energy? A zest for living adds charm, flavor and piquancy to everyday life. Chi, the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet (X), is also a term to describe creative life-energy. Chi relates to the Indian term Prana. This ideal energy module or principle bursts with primal, vital energy and makes life possible. According to many Oriental philosophies, this 'dynamo' animates all life and empty spaces as well. Advanced adepts who have developed the ability to see Chi at work describe it as a type of radiation.

Chi can also be seen as the descent of 'drops of light' into material reality. Plants are especially equipped to convert Chi or 'drops of light' into a form suitable for our assimilation. Molecules of certain pigments have the ability to absorb this energy and adapt it to the chemical needs of the plant. The pigment which gives wheatgrass its green color is called chlorophyll and it is mainly this substance which is used to harvest light energy. Photosynthesis, the synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water using light energy absorbed by chlorophyll, can be observed when wheatgrass is but a few days old!

Soak a handful of unmilled wheat grain in x 2 in water overnight, strain in a colander and spread the seeds onto a tray (with holes in the bottom) 1/2 filled with organic compost. Cover and water daily for about 2-3 days. Remove covering and place the tray in a light/shade spot. You will notice little pale yellow shoots growing up. In a matter of hours these stalks turn a rich, vibrant green -- this is photosynthesis in action. The young chlorophyllating leaves are trapping sun-energy and storing it in their chloroplasts.The successful trapping and subsequent utilization of the radiant energy of the sun can be trapped in a glass of wheatgrass juice!

Growing wheatgrass at home is fun, easy and inexpensive. A tray of wheatgrass (about 7inches tall), a blender, water and unheated honey is all you need to make wheatgrass juice. 

Method: Allow the wheatgrass to grow for 7-12 days, watering a little every day. Blend a handful of rinsed wheatgrass in a blender 1/2 filled with cold water and add honey to taste. Strain into a sieve and serve. The pulp which is what is left behind in the strainer can be used as a beautifying agent. Add a little, without honey to your dog and cat food -- they will love it!   If you are a novice, start off by drinking 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice a day. 1 handful of wheatgrass is equivalent to about an ounce. Gradually increase 4 ounces.

My book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium explains the how-to, history, health benefits, and offers many tasty recipes, including Sunshine Smoothy with papaya, banana, honey and natural vanilla essence.

Published by Vital Health Publishing. Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.

 

   

Vitality: Energize your Life ... naturally!

Individuals who exude vitality are 'walking, talking balls of energy'. They usually possess physical and mental vigor and have bodily organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, etc working in good order.

Green Chemistry: All life depends on green plants. They have the energy receptors to trap radiant energy from the sun via photosynthesis. Wheatgrass, which is the young grass of the wheat plant, starts its life cycle as a result of germination or the sprouting process.

To plant wheatgrass, gently press a handful of sprouted wheat grain onto some organic compost in a tray with holes in the bottom. Cover and water daily for about 2 days and uncover.

You will notice vigorous roots shooting downward from the kernel followed by an ascending stalk which rapidly changes color from bright yellow to bright vibrant green in a matter of hours. This process of photosynthesis chlorophyllates the young emerging grass. Molecules of certain pigments (in the chloroplasts) have the ability to absorb light energy, convert it to usable chemical energy and adapt it to the chemical needs of the plant.

Chlorophyll: The chlorophyll molecule has the power to transform light energy to electrical energy. Chlorophyll consists 70% of the solute in wheatgrass and has been extensively tested for its extraordinary healing powers. This 'green blood' of the plant draws its energy from the light of the sun and has the ability to infuse our bloodstream with healing and regeneration (it is used effectively for a wide range of blood disorders). Light particles transfer energy during the process of photosynthesis. Sun-rays filter through the tissues of the plant and release their photons which are gradually absorbed and stored within the atoms of the plant.

Wheatgrass juice is a natural vitality booster. More than a grain, wheatgrass offers the healing benefits of a primary 'sun-food', converting the sun's rays directly into chlorophyll as well as an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes -- all needed to enhance and optimize health and vitality.

Drinking wheatgrass juice may be our link to this primary energy source -- an infusion of sun-energy may be the reason for the light 'sparkling' sensation so often reported by many individuals using wheatgrass juice. Try the following recipe for a vitality boost!

Vitality Wheatgrass Juice

1 small handfull of wheatgrass blades, washed
3/4 glass purified water
1/2 inch piece of ginger, skin removed and chopped
raw honey to taste

Blend together all the ingredients and strain into a jug. Serves 1.

You do not need to embark on a stringent dietary regime to benefit from wheatgrass. Just one glass of wheatgrass juice a day works wonders!

This article was adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing. Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.

 

How to Look at Health

Great Health ... What is it really all about?

A wish-list might read, "Wanted: Strong, trim, resilient body, energetically pursuing what life has to offer." A good night's sleep can also never be far off anyone's list. Neither can a sense off well-being. Glowing, youthful skin, shining hair, and strong, white teeth depend largely on our sense of vibrant health, as do our feelings of security, happiness and pleasure.

It is generally believed that a balanced life-style, which includes some regular exercise and a nutritious, healthy diet; will, by and large, fight off the 'bugs', and keep us youthful even in old age.

Is the average diet sufficient to meet these demands?

Ordinary foods cannot always give us the nutrients necessary to fight disease, nor can they always repair and rebuild human parts. In order to obtain optimal amounts of vitamin E, beta-carotene and minerals, including magnesium, boron, zinc and potassium, we have to look for super foods growing in rich, nutritious soil.

What about vitamin supplements?

A team at Leicester University showed that taking 500 mg. or more vitamin C daily increases blood levels of chemicals which signaled that cell DNA is being damaged. The team said that a fine balance normally existed between the action of oxidant free-radicals and the body's defences against them.

Popping large amounts of vitamin A may also have toxic side effects, and we know that synthetic iron can cause malabsorption and other problems. Yet in order to live healthy, happy and productive lives we need optimal quantities of quality vitamins and other micro-nutrients.

Wheatgrass juice offers us natural nutrition with vitamins and nutrients in balanced form!

This article was adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing (April, 2000). Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.

Instant Glamor

Make a wheatgrass, flower and honey pack for face and body.
1 small/medium tray wheatgrass, cut off at the roots and washed
3 cups purified or bottled spring water
1 tablespoon raw honey
Flowers in season, e.g. 6 rosemary, 1 yarrow (only in emergencies, and for short periods), 2 - 3 nasturtiums, 2 - 3 mints, 1 flowering head of lavender, 1 rose, a few flowers of geranium and sage. Sage is toxic when used in large quantities over a long period of time.

In a blender, liquify the above ingredients for 1 - 2 minutes, strain. Drink 1/4 glass or more according to your detoxifying capabilities and use the pulp (what is left in the sieve after straining) as an ideal skin food.

Break off a walnut sized piece of the pulp and start off by dabbing this wad over the face, neck, chest, arms, fingers, nails, etc. - all over the body. Pay attention to feet and toes.

The honey will make you feel a little sticky. Persevere for at least 20 minutes. Now use a good cold-pressed cleansing oil such as vitamin E or sesame oil ( I am at the moment using grapeseed oil) and apply to the whole body. Find a warm, protected spot and allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes. Use an old towel and remove all excess wheatgrass, flower, honey and oil residue A brisk action will stimulate the skin. This remedy will give you a quick lift as it:

* cleanses the skin by filtering out impurities
* improves circulation
* 'flushes' the skin
* has toning properties and firms contours
* heals and rejuvenates
* gives the skin a golden glow with continued use

When you are using flowers as in body care and juices, be advised that you are opening new doors of understanding. Flower essences, even in the most minute quantities, are absorbed and can have definite effects on the emotional, mental and spiritual states, especially when they are used regularly.

This article is adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing. New publisher - Square One Publishers. US.

Flower Power

The soul or 'eye' of the plant lies within its flower. From our fellowship with flowers we merit respect and harmony. Only ever pick what is absolutely essential.

Flowers have a high vibrational power and energy, and respond immediately to the forces of nature. Dandelion flowers, for example, open for a few hours in the day when the sun is optimal for its well being. Flowers picked during this optimal time will give you the enhanced qualities of the plant. Most flowers being used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes are best picked at the hottest time of the day.

Potent Flower Remedies

*Rosemary - has tonic and antiseptic properties. Good for removing freckles and wrinkles.

*Peppermint and Catmint - Their cooling properties soothe inflamed skin. They also perk up tired-looking skin.

*Rose - The petals also soothe inflamed skin and are antiseptic. A great beautifier.

This article was adapted from my book, 'Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium', published by Vital Health Publishing. New publisher, Square One Publishers. US

Dieting -- Why do we do it?

Trust your gut feeling ... a strong, trim resilient body might be  NO. 1 on our wish list. A youthful skin, shining white teeth, boundless energy and a trim body belong to everyone.

Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium (Vital Health Publishing, Square One Publishers, USA) offers a 21 - day, raw or semi-raw, rejuvenating health regime which not only helps you to lose weight but will also give you more vitality. The foods are carefully selected to help maintain physical and mental energy. Delicious recipes make this diet very appealing. Testimonials.