Barley tea, a roasted grain herbal tea which is very common in Japan, Korea and Chinese cuisines, originally, the barley seeds were used to make the tea, but it can now be found in the form of tea bags for this drink.
Barley tea is a delicious and nutritious alternative to green, black and herbal teas with and between meals. Barley was first domesticated in the Near East and it was eaten by the Romans as a staple, until it was replaced by wheat.
This cereal has been present in Chinese medicine over a long period of time for its properties and amazing health benefits. Many people believe that barley tea aids in cleansing the body of toxins. It is said to reduce stress and related conditions.
Barley contains melatonin and tryptophan which works together to promote a regular, healthy sleeping pattern. Its properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine include cool, salty and spicy.
While the tea is generally regarded as a cooling summer beverage in Japan, it is served year-round, hot in winter and cold in summer, in Korea.
Drinking this tea on a regular basis may help you to cope with stress and reduce physical problems that are associated with it, like gaining weight by overeating during stressful periods.
Barley tea is recommended as a diuretic, re-establishing proper urine flow, it may also reduce pain and unpleasant odours. It can be used as a treatment for haemorrhoids and inflammatory arthritis.
Barley tea contains several compounds that act as antioxidants in the body including selenium and lignans, as well as vitamin C and vitamin A. Antioxidants support a variety of body systems and can help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Barley tea helps inhibit bacterial growth and adhesion, particularly oral streptococci, a bacterial agent that causes tooth decay.
Drinking excessive amounts of any tea during pregnancy can cause health problems for you and your developing baby.
The herbs in teas are more concentrated than in food, so drinking them may be harmful even if eating them is considered safe.