Scientific Name: Tritricum vulgare

Botanical Family: Graminae Family

Historical Information: Wheat has been a stable in the lives of many cultures for its cereal and its bread.

Plant Description: Native to West Asia a grass that grow to 3 feet producing a cylindrical head of hundred of flower clusters creating grain. Grain consists of the husk or bran, the germ, and the endosperm.

Constituents: Noted for it high content of vitamin E but this is usually added (conflicting references on this), tocopherol (antioxidant), up to 60% linoleic acid, up to 20% oleic acid

Stability: Stable and will last for a year

Method of Extraction: Oil comes from the germ but it yields very little oil so often it is macerated. The germ is allowed to soak in another fixed oil and then it is pressed. It can also be solvent extracted. Cold pressed yields small quantities so is more expensive.

Medicinal Properties: The oil helps to maintain healthy spines, bones and muscles in children. It can also be taken to help prevent eczema, indigestion, and the development of varicose veins. It has possible anticoagulant properties. Because of it high tocopherol content, it is an antioxidant and this allows it remove cholesterol deposits from the arteries.

Application:

Massage Oil: Unrefined has a strong odor and may not be suitable by

itself so generally combined with other oils at 10%, good in sport

massage

Skin Care: anti-aging lotions and creams, softens and regenerates skin

cells

Food: Cost usually prohibits wide use, but its antioxidant value makes it

a valuable food source.

Soap Making: aging skin bars and for babies

Hair Care: damaged hair

Contraindications: Check for allergies to wheat as possible reactions to the oil

Side Effects: Hair growth may occur with regular use.

Compliments Essential Oil of: Lemongrass, vetiver, ginger grass, cypriol

Spiritual Properties: Can indicate you are having problems growing old. Examine your ideas about what old age means to you. It can be a time of flowering and reaping the benefits of your life.