[midgemcgrath]

Seems like there was a lot of support for this, so here 'tis, a thread on alternative medicine. I know that there is a lot of talk about this stuff in bits and pieces on other threads, but it seems like such a popular topic these days that it really deserved its own. Anything about herbs, naturopathy, accupuncture, nutrition, etc., bring it on!

I'll start: has anyone ever used slippery elm root for digestive problems? I bought some, but I'm scared to try it, and don't know anyone who has! It's supposed to help heal irritated digestive systems...

[pepper]

mouse, cut the syrup. you don't have to use so much, especially if it's too sweet for you. i only used a splash and the fast was great for me. and remember the first three days are the hardest. it will be over before you know it and you'll be so glad you did it in the end.

as for juicing wheatgrass. there are a few inexpensive models around but they're almost all manual hand crank type juicers. while a regular centrifical force juicer (shreds veggies and fruit up and spins out the juice) can handle a bit of, say, spinach mixed in with some carrots or apples, it isn't for wheatgrass, sprouts or even most leafy greens in larger quantities. the ratio of juice to grass is very low in comparison for one thing. wheatgrass is best juiced with a press, the hand crank and electric models crush and squeeze out the juice which gets out way, way more of it and also doesn't damage the juice through oxidation or heat (oxidation from spinning, many centrifical force juicers heat up too much for wheatgrass). wheatgrass juice (and many green juices) lose potency extremely quickly when exposed to air and light and especially heat. once juiced, it should be consumed well within 10 minutes and the best way to take that kind of juice is all by itself, not mixed with anything at all. that maximizes it's nutritive and cleansing properties.
well worth the effort, amazing stuff indeed.
can you tell i worked at a wg farm? whew.