Ann Wigmore: A Miracle in the Grass

Years later, as a frail teenager in America, Ann suffered the scorn and persecution of a brutal father. When both of her ankles were shattered in a horse and wagon accident, her father consented to have her feet amputated just above the ankles. Fortunately, having just turned 18, she was able to reverse his decision. Her ally in this struggle was a compassionate uncle who carried her into the sunlight every day, leaving her alone and immobilized on a long bench until his return from work each evening.

At first, she couldn't move and the pain was excruciating, but by reaching beside the bench she managed to fill her stomach with ordinary grass. Her grandmother had taught her that this grass contained every nutrient required for human health. When her uncle brought her flowers, she would eat those as well. "I tried to eat everything green I could find," she recalled, "and so through the long days I was able to obtain the kind of food my body seemed to need: both fresh from the earth and untreated with heat." The combination of sunshine, grasses, and even the affection of a little dog licking her wounds, along with her determination to heal, eventually restored her feet to strength.

Researching the nutritional value of grass and weeds became central to Ann's life, leading to "The Living Foods Lifestyle" and the Hippocrates program. Her dedication to helping others accelerated when she discovered the powerful healing properties of wheatgrass juice—the richest nutritional liquid known to humanity.

She initiated what her friends called "Ann's Wheatgrass Route," voluntarily delivering fresh wheatgrass juice to chronically ill and elderly neighbors. She would converse, listen, and impress upon them that as long as the spark of life remained, there was hope for improvement and even permanent relief from pain. Following weeks of wheatgrass, a fresh vegetable meal each evening, and abundant encouragement from Ann, individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, and ulcers discovered renewed health, hope, and strength.

In 1956, Ann opened the Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston. Despite early struggles and hardship, she worked relentlessly, believing that "health is what one makes of it. It requires a mature attitude and self-discipline to rebuild failing health. Beyond these, a simple and energetic diet, exercise, and a positive outlook are vital."

Although Ann is no longer with us, her experiences with the healing powers of grass juices and her steadfast philosophy continue to inspire and heal humanity today. Her legacy reminds us that nature provides the most potent medicines, and that with determination and the right knowledge, we can support our body's remarkable ability to heal itself.

Excerpts adapted from WHY SUFFER: How I Overcame Illness and Pain Naturally by Ann Wigmore