- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west, Fertile Crescent)
Asia · Food · № 269
Hordeum vulgare
Food · Asia
Barley
Hordeum vulgare
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, light; good for skin and hair.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not during breastfeeding if you want to continue it.
Preparation
In food, especially in spring and autumn.
Use in traditions
Described in Ayurveda in the kitchen and daily care. In herbal magic associated with certainty, abundance, fertility, cycles. Barley is one of the oldest grains; in Ayurveda (yava) barley water is considered light and diuretic for bladder complaints and diabetes. In China sprouted barley (mai ya) is used for food stagnation; in Korea roasted barley tea (boricha) is the everyday table drink. On the Tibetan plateau tsampa made from roasted barley is the staple food.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Astringent, light; good for skin and hair.
Preparation and amount
In food, especially in spring and autumn.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, neutral
- Meridians
- spleen, stomach
Attributed effects
Sprouted barley (mai ya) helps digest starch and milk in food stagnation, strengthens the spleen, stops milk production when weaning and moves liver energy.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 9–15 g a day, up to 60 g to stop milk production.
Combinations
- With hawthorn berry, shen qu and chicken gizzard lining for food stagnation
Caution: Not during breastfeeding if you want to continue it.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Certainty, abundance, fertility, cycles, prosperity (grains in general).
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