Barley Water

Barley is a good source of carbohydrate (69.4%), protein (11.5%), fiber (3.9%), thiamine, niacin, iron, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine; a fair source of riboflavin and a poor source of calcium. It is also very rich in starch. The greatest use of barley is for the preparation of malt, which converts starch into sugar, and is used in brewing (for making beer) and in the preparation of malt extract for incorporation in infant and invalid foods. Barley is an excellent food for anemic and nervous disorders because of its richness in iron and phosphoric acid. For diuretic effects, milk diluted with barley water is a common remedy. Barley is an excellent body builder, valuable in cases of underweight, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and good for teeth, nails, hair as well as for sores in the mouth. It is also useful in fevers because of its soothing properties and is a recognized drink for the sick. Barley water with lemon juice and honey is a refreshing summer drink and a diuretic.

Pearl barley is a milled product from which the germ and most of the bran have been removed. It is consumed as an invalid food low in B vitamins and is mostly used for preparation of soups and infant feeding.