Hordeum vulgare
(Pearl Barley,Prelate)

Parts Used: seed (grain)
Energy and Flavors: cool to neutral energy,sweet flavor.
Systems Affected: spleen-stomach, lungs,colon.
Biochemical constituents: Proteins, prolamines, albumin, sugars,starch, fats, B vitamins. The germinated seeds contain hordenine and gramine.
Properties: Nutrient, diuretic, demulcent

Barley is used as a mucilaginous porridge during convalescence, diarrhea and bowel inflammation (colitis). In Chinese traditional medicine it is used as an antiinflammatory diuretic, for relieving gall bladder problems, reducing swelling and tumors, clearing jaundice. Dry-roasted barley can be ground and drunk as a healthful beverage subsitute for coffee. Boiled in water and druk as a tea, it is used to help clear the skin of pimples and lesions. For eczema and acne, a combination of barley flour and aloe vera gel can be applied as a facial mask before going to bed. It is then washed off in the morning.

Dose: taken freely as food
Barley is used for: colitis, swelling and tumors, jaundice

Dried barley ready to thrash

Barley when it's growing but not ready for harvest yet.

Barley grains after it's been dried and thrashed

Barley ready for harvest