Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Energetic Profile
- Element: Earth, Water, Wood.
- Thermal Nature: Cooling.
- Flavor: Sweet, Salty.
- Target Organs: Stomach, Pancreas, Spleen, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Bladder.
- Actions: Builds Yin, Builds Blood, Tonifies Qi, Moistens Stomach Fluids, Soothes Small Intestine (Resolves Heat in SI), Resolves Dryness, Relieves Thirst, Promotes Digestion, Drains Water, Induces Urination, Resolves Dampness, Resolves Phlegm & Mucus, Reduces Inflammation & Bloating, Removes Toxins.
- Direction: Descending.
Barley Grass Health Benefits
- Boosts the immune system.
- Boosts healthy skin.
- Prevents cancer.
- Rich source of powerful antioxidants, essential amino acids, and beneficial enzymes.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, B-vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone). It contains electrolytes, including magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium along with other essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium.
- Barley grass is a potent supplier of the critical enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), which plays a major role in fighting free radical damage and inflammation. The protective action of these radical scavengers can help in the prevention and delay of the development of a wide array of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Recipe
Kitchen Tools, Utensils & Equipment:
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Kitchen Towels
- Sterilized Mason Jars For Soaking
- Planting Containers With Holes For Water Draining
- Extra Tray to Use as a Cover
- Organic Potting Mix
- Kitchen scissors
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Sprouted Whole Barley Grains
Instructions:
- Take planting containers with holes for water draining and add organic potting mix, enough to make a 1/2 or 1-inch layer.
- Mist heavily using a spray bottle filled with water.
- Take sprouted barley grains (here is how I sprout them) and start sprinkling them evenly over the potting mix.
- Gently press the sprouting grains onto the surface of the soil and cover them with another plastic container.
- Cover with a tray and a tablecloth to keep them in a dark environment until the grass reaches about 2 inches.
- Spray using a mister with water twice a day to keep the grains moist but not saturated.
- Usually, by day four, the sprouts will be long enough so you can uncover the tray and transfer it into a place with indirect sunlight and well ventilation.
- If everything goes well, by day seven you will be able to harvest your barley grass.
- Using a sharp knife or scissors harvest as much as you need and keep the rest of it moist until you harvest again.
- If you keep watering the soil, the grass will grow again one more time.
- Store the harvested grass in the refrigerator or use it as soon as possible.
Extra Notes
- If you grow barley grass for juicing, approximately 1 cup of barley seeds (½ lb) grows enough grass to make about 10-12 ounces of barley grass juice.
- It is important to know and understand when it is the right time to harvest the grass to optimize the nutritional value of the plant. Usually about 6 inches tall is ideal.
- Note that the nutritional value of grass from the second harvest is lower compared to the nutritional value of the grass from the first harvest.
