Is Wheatgrass Good for Your Lungs? Exploring the Claims and Science

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, wheatgrass has gained a reputation as a powerful superfood. But is wheatgrass good for your lungs, or is this just a wellness myth? This article explores the scientific evidence and traditional claims surrounding wheatgrass's effect on respiratory health.

Quick Summary

Wheatgrass contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some studies suggest it can inhibit cellular processes linked to airway inflammation, but robust clinical evidence for its efficacy in treating specific respiratory conditions like asthma is limited.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Wheatgrass's high chlorophyll and antioxidant content helps protect lung cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Studies suggest wheatgrass may help inhibit cellular inflammation in the airways, which could benefit respiratory health.
Increased Oxygen-Carrying Capacity: Chlorophyll's similarity to hemoglobin suggests a potential to enhance oxygen transport in the body, benefiting the lungs.
Limited Clinical Evidence: While promising in early cell studies, large-scale human clinical trials are lacking to prove wheatgrass's efficacy for specific respiratory conditions like asthma.
Safety Precautions: Start with small doses to avoid side effects like nausea. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, or take blood thinners.
Complementary, Not Curative: Wheatgrass should be seen as a dietary supplement that supports overall health, not a cure for serious lung diseases.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: What's in Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass, the young grass of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), is a dense source of nutrients. Its vibrant green color comes from its extremely high concentration of chlorophyll, which can constitute up to 70% of its chemical composition. This potent plant also contains a wealth of vitamins (including A, C, E, K, and B-complex), minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium), enzymes, and amino acids. These components are the foundation for the numerous health benefits attributed to wheatgrass, including its touted respiratory advantages.

The Role of Chlorophyll and Antioxidants

One of the most compelling aspects of wheatgrass is its chlorophyll content. Often called "green blood," chlorophyll has a chemical structure strikingly similar to hemoglobin, the protein in human red blood cells that carries oxygen. This similarity has led to the theory that wheatgrass can enhance the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. More oxygen delivered to the tissues, including the lungs, could potentially improve respiratory function and overall vitality. Beyond oxygenation, chlorophyll is also a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress, which can damage lung cells.

Anti-inflammatory Effects on Airway Cells

Inflammation is a key factor in many respiratory issues, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. Wheatgrass possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the airways. A study on human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) indicated that wheatgrass extract could inhibit a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is related to inflammation in the airways. By reducing inflammation, wheatgrass may help alleviate some respiratory symptoms, although human clinical trials on specific conditions like asthma are lacking. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, wheatgrass is also used to manage asthma by balancing bodily doshas and reducing mucus buildup.

Scientific Claims vs. Anecdotal Evidence

While the nutritional profile of wheatgrass offers a strong basis for its potential health benefits, it is crucial to distinguish between scientific findings and unproven claims. Many benefits for respiratory health are currently supported by anecdotal evidence, traditional use, or preliminary, small-scale studies rather than large-scale, robust clinical trials.

Here are some examples of claims and their scientific backing:

Asthma Management: Traditional and holistic practices suggest wheatgrass can help manage asthma symptoms. However, direct scientific evidence specifically validating wheatgrass's efficacy for this condition is limited. The theoretical benefits come from its anti-inflammatory properties, but its use should not replace conventional asthma treatments.
Scar Tissue Reduction: There are claims that wheatgrass can dissolve scar tissue on the lungs, which could be relevant for conditions like bronchitis. This specific claim, however, requires more scientific investigation to be substantiated.
Cellular Protection: Wheatgrass contains Vitamin K, which is thought to help prevent cellular damage in the lungs. Its antioxidant properties also contribute to this protective effect, safeguarding cells from harmful free radicals.

Comparing Wheatgrass Forms: Juice vs. Powder

To maximize the potential respiratory benefits, it is important to understand the differences between consuming wheatgrass as fresh juice versus a dehydrated powder.


Feature	Fresh Wheatgrass Juice	Wheatgrass Powder	Comparison Notes
Preparation	Time-consuming; requires juicing fresh grass	Convenient; mixes instantly with water or smoothies	Powder is a much faster option for daily use.
Nutrient Potency	Maximum potency; retains all fresh enzymes and nutrients	Slightly reduced potency due to processing	Fresh juice offers the most bioavailable nutrients, though powder is still very nutritious.
Chlorophyll Content	Extremely high concentration	High concentration, but some can be lost in drying	The chlorophyll is more directly consumed in its freshest state.
Shelf Life	Very short; best consumed immediately or within a day	Long-lasting; shelf-stable for months	Powder is ideal for long-term storage and accessibility.
Taste	Strong, distinct, and earthy flavor that some find difficult	Milder, more palatable flavor when mixed with other liquids	Many find powder easier to consume, especially when blended.
Cost	Can be more expensive per serving if store-bought	Generally more affordable and cost-effective	Growing your own fresh wheatgrass can reduce costs.

How to Safely Incorporate Wheatgrass

For those interested in exploring the respiratory benefits of wheatgrass, it is important to start with a small amount and observe your body's reaction. It can cause side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort, especially at the beginning.

Start Small: Begin with a one-ounce shot of juice or a small teaspoon of powder per day. This helps your body adjust to its potent detoxifying effects.
Choose High Quality: Opt for certified organic wheatgrass to minimize the risk of contamination from bacteria or mold.
Consult a Professional: If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or are taking medications, speak with a healthcare professional before adding wheatgrass to your regimen. Wheatgrass can interfere with blood-thinning medications due to its Vitamin K content.
Stay Mindful: Listen to your body and adjust consumption as needed. The best way to use wheatgrass is as a supplementary addition to a healthy diet, not as a miracle cure.

Conclusion

While the promise of wheatgrass for respiratory health is compelling, the science presents a mixed picture. Its rich concentration of antioxidants, particularly chlorophyll, and its demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential in preliminary cell studies suggest a beneficial role in supporting overall lung function and protecting against cellular damage. However, direct, robust clinical evidence for treating specific human respiratory diseases, such as asthma, remains limited, and claims of dissolving lung scar tissue are currently unverified. Wheatgrass should be viewed as a potentially helpful dietary supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for proven medical treatments for lung conditions. As with any supplement, caution and professional consultation are advised, especially for individuals with existing health issues.

For more detailed research on the anti-inflammatory effects of wheatgrass extract on airway epithelial cells, refer to the study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, wheatgrass cannot cure asthma. While some traditional practices and preliminary studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory benefits, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend wheatgrass as a treatment for asthma. You should always follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan.

Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, which has a molecular structure similar to hemoglobin. This has led to the theory that it can boost the body's oxygen-carrying capacity. However, while some research supports this idea, more studies are needed to confirm the extent of this effect.

Common side effects can include nausea, digestive upset, and allergic reactions. If you have a respiratory condition, it is especially important to start with a small dose and consult your healthcare provider to ensure it won't interfere with your current treatment.

Fresh juice is thought to have maximum nutrient potency and bioavailability. However, high-quality wheatgrass powder is still a nutritious and convenient option. Both forms offer similar beneficial compounds, but some may find the taste of fresh juice too strong.

Wheatgrass contains anti-inflammatory compounds and potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Some studies show it can inhibit inflammatory pathways in airway epithelial cells, which could help reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways.

Wheatgrass contains minimal gluten, as it is harvested before the wheat berries develop. Many gluten-sensitive individuals tolerate it well, but those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities should exercise caution. It is best to start with a very small amount and monitor your body's response.

Proponents claim wheatgrass aids in detoxification, and its antioxidant properties certainly help neutralize harmful substances. While it supports the body's natural cleansing processes, a dedicated clinical mechanism for detoxifying the lungs specifically has not been established.