What Are the Benefits and Functions of Barley Porridge?

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, barley porridge has two major benefits: strengthening the spleen and stomach, as well as relieving summer heat and reducing fever. Here are the details:

1. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach

During summer, the temperature rises and the damp heat is prevalent, which can easily lead to impaired spleen and stomach functions, causing discomfort in the stomach, fullness, and loss of appetite. Additionally, the heat can also cause dryness and bitterness in the mouth. According to traditional Chinese medicine, barley has effects on the spleen and stomach meridians. Regular consumption of barley porridge during summer can nourish the yin, harmonize the stomach, and promote digestion.

2. Relieving Summer Heat and Reducing Fever

Many people experience unbearable heat during summer. This heat can be divided into two types: internal heat and external heat. Air conditioning and fans can only help people relieve external heat caused by excessive sweating. However, barley, which has a cooling nature, can not only relieve external heat but also alleviate internal heat symptoms such as stomach discomfort, dryness and bitterness in the mouth. To fully reap the benefits of barley porridge, it is recommended to make it a habit during the summer season, starting from the beginning of summer and continuing with 4-5 servings per week until autumn. It is advisable to consume barley porridge in the morning and evening. This is because in the morning, the spleen and stomach functions are just recovering and it is not suitable to consume hard foods. In the evening, the body requires less energy than during the day, and drinking barley porridge is beneficial for digestion and absorption. Additionally, barley can also help with relaxation and sleep.

Suitable Populations for Barley

1. Women who want to stop breastfeeding can use barley seedlings (also known as barley malt) to make a soup, which can also help with childbirth and abortion.

2. Barley malt should not be consumed in large quantities for a long time, especially by pregnant and lactating women, as it may reduce milk secretion. However, small doses can be used to improve digestion, dispel stagnation, soothe the liver, and promote lactation (in compound formulas). Large doses have a strong dispersing effect, which can dissipate qi and blood and suppress lactation (in single formulas).

3. Barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood.

4. When using barley malt to suppress lactation, it is important to note that too small a dosage or short germination time may affect its effectiveness. Ungerminated barley will not have the effect of suppressing lactation and may even increase milk secretion.