Caer's Eclectic Apothecary

Barley Grass Powder

Barley Grass Organic

Barley Grass

Also known as

Hordeum vulgare, green grass, mai ya in Chinese markets. The term mai ya could refer to either barley or wheat grass, but barley is preferred to wheat in traditional Chinese medicine. Gu ya, or rice shoots, are eaten as a food rather than taken as a medicine.

Introduction

Barley grass has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 1800 years. Barley grass is grown by soaking the seeds in clean water until they sprout and grow shoots approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long.

Constituents

Barley grass is an extraordinarily rich source of many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, although it does not, as sometimes claimed, contain absolutely all the nutrients needed for human health.

The dried shoot is approximately 4% glutamic acid (needed for recharging antioxidants), 4% methionine (needed for the production of natural SAM-e), 3% vitamin C, 1% valine, and 1% calcium. A single tablespoon contains a day’s supply of beta-carotene, betaine, biotin, boron, copper, iron, lutein, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. It also contains nutritionally significant amounts of alpha-linoleic acid, oryzanol, potassium, selenium, zinc, and the tocopherols that make up vitamin E.

The medicinal action of the dried shoot is due to its content of hordenine, not to be confused with a plant chemical with a similar name that is implicated in celiac disease.

Parts Used

The dried unjointed leaf. In traditional Chinese medicine, the barley grass may be “massed” or fermented before drying.

Typical Preparations

A level tablespoon (3-4 grams) of barley grass powder added to teas, smoothies, cereals, or other foods daily. As a capsule or in extract form


Health and Nutritional Benefits of Barley Grains and Barley Grass:

Because of the high amounts of important nutrients contents, barley grains and barley grass provide many valuable health benefits. Here’ how these nutrients play important roles in your health and wellness.
  • High amounts of dietary fiber in barley help to maintain healthy colon and reduce the risk of colon cancer and haemorrhoids.
  • Green barley grass has a high alkalizing effect which helps to maintain a good ratio between alkalinity and acidity in our body fluids.
  • Barley is a good food for the liver cells and muscles.
  • Barley grass is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which are very important for the brain cells and brain function.
  • High amounts of dietary fiber in barley grains help to reduce cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of barley can reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) significantly.
  • Barley grass juice protects body cells from carcinogens and helps in the prevention of cancer.
  • Eating a serving of barley grains at least 6 times each week is very good for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Anti-oxidants rich barley grass is great for the skin health. It helps to fight against free radicals and keeps the skin healthy and blemish free.
  • Barley grains are very good for lowering Type 2 diabetes. Barley can be a perfect breakfast for patients of Type 2 diabetes.
  • Chlorophyll in barley grass is a natural detoxifier which helps to get rid of toxins.
  • Insoluble fiber rich food such as barley can help in the prevention of gallstones.
  • Barley grass reduces inflammation and gives relief from the pain of arthritis and gout.
  • Whole grains such as barley gives protection against childhood asthma.
  • Barley grass powder is very helpful in the treatment of skin diseases such as melanosis and eczema.
  • Phosphorous in barley plays important role in the structure of body cells.
  • Barley grass aids in the weight loss program.
  • Vitamin K in barley grains and barley grass promotes healthy blood clots.
  • Selenium in barely play crucial role in overall health. Also, selenium has been shown to induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
  • Barley water is very good for promoting kidney health.
  • Some of the nutrients in barley grass (Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B6) play important role in the formation and maintenance of haemoglobin and red blood cells.
Those are the important health benefits of barley grains and barley grass. Barley is a super food for our health and regular consumption of barley can improve our overall health significantly. But one thing must be noted that though barley is low in gluten, it is not gluten free, so people with coeliac disease should use it very carefully.

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Precautions

Barley grass may stop lactation in nursing mothers. Not recommended while nursing or pregnant.

This herb is sold by the ounce

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