Barley
Vita Green Health Products Ltd.
TCM

Barley

Hordeum vulgare

wholedried

Botanical Source

System Profiles

Nature (Temperature)Neutral
Flavor
CategoryTonify Qi
PinyinBarley

History

First appeared in Grand Materia Medica.

Traditional Usage

Barley is sweet and has a neutral taste, affecting the liver, spleen and stomach meridians. It is prepared from germinated barley seed which has been soaked in water. Medicinally, it is used to invigorate the stomach and treat bloating of the abdomen due to stagnation of food. It strengthens the stomach generally and facilitates the smooth flow of liver chi. Large amounts also have an inhibitory effect on lactation in breastfeeding women.

Modern Research

Whole barley seeds and products made from them are being investigated as possible treatments for diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.