1. Description:
Barley (scientific name: Hordeum vulgare L., Chinese Pinyin: Da Mai, Simplified Chinese: 大麦, 麦子, 牟麦, 饭麦, 赤膊麦), is a species of annual, erect and tufted grass in genus Hordeum (grasses family, Poaceae). As a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates across the world, the plant can grow up to 100 cm tall. The fruit-spike of barley is used as diuretic, antibloat drug, stomachic and discutient (reducing swelling) in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as indigestion and constipation.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is considered to have brackish, warm, mildly cold and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the spleen and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare) & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Control Cholesterol
Experiments show that barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber, it can help control the blood cholesterol levels and also reduce the level of Low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
Fried barley mixed with tea oil is applied externally to treat skin burns.
3.3 The Excretory System
A decoction of barley, fresh ginger and honey is taken orally to treat stranguria (a syndrome characterized by frequent, difficult and painful discharge of urine accompanied by abdominal pain or lumbago).
A decoction of aged barley is taken orally to treat difficulty with urination.
3.4 Edema
Cake with Ipomoea nil seed and barley can be taken to treat edema.
3.5 Jaundice In Adults
A mixture of soapstone, gypsum and barley wort can be taken to treat jaundice.
3.6 Disappearing of Testicles
Powdered alum and saltpeter (Chinese: 硝石) can be taken with barley porridge to treat disappearing of testicles after sex (if they do not re-appear after some time…).
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.