Barley Grass

Species Name: hordeum vulgare.

Also known as: Barley.

What is Barley Grass? Barley grass is one of the green grasses and is the only type vegetation that exists on earth with the capacity to supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age.

It has served for centuries as a food staple is most cultures and has both a food and medicinal purpose that dates as far back as possibly the creation of earth.

It was mentioned frequently in the Bible as a staple for making bread and other food products of that time.

Agronomists believe barley was used as far back as 7000 B.C.

Home Remedies using Barley Grass:

Benefits of Barley:

Barley leaves contain an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals. The leaves also have the ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

Once barley leaves reach a height of 12-14 inches, they contain many of the vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are important to the human diet, including chlorophyll.

The nutrients that the body absorbs from barley include potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. In fact, green barley juice contains eleven times more calcium than milk, almost five times more iron than spinach, seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, and 80 mg of Vitamin B12 in each 100 grams.

In addition to all of the nutrients, barley also contains a-glucan, a fiber that is also found in oat bran, which researchers believe reduces blood cholesterol levels. It also contains hordenine, an alkaloid that stimulates peripheral blood circulation that is used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchitis.

Like wheat bran, barley bran may be an effective deterrent against cancer.

Uses of Barley:

It is believed that barley grass is effective against the following though no evidence to prove it is yet available:

  • Prevention and treatment of cancer
  • Lowering cholesterol levels
  • Detoxification of pollutants
  • Protection against some types of radiation
  • Energy and immune system boosters
  • Enhancing wound healing
  • Promotion of healthy skin
  • Reversal of graying hair
  • Lowering of blood pressure
  • Capsules
  • Powder
  • Tablets
  • In cereal and other grain products including flour

Side Effects of Barley:

Should be avoided by those who are hypersensitive to any component of wheat or barley grass. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid supplements containing wheat or barley grass.

Wheat grass supplements contain high amounts of Vitamin K and should be avoided by those on any blood thinning medications.