Scientific Name/Common Name: Hordeum vulgare / Barley
Part(s) Used: cut and dried or powdered barley grass
Constituents/Active Ingredients: Nutrients per 3.5 grams (1 tsp. powder) (approximately): Protein 800 mg; crude fiber 600 mg; Calories 10; chlorophyll 19mg; carbohydrates 1.3g; Vitamins: Vitamin A 1750 I/U; Vitamin K 280 mcg; Vitamin C 11mg; Vitamin E 1.1mcg; Thiamin 10mcg; Choline 1mg; Riboflavin 71mcg; Vitamin B-12 1mcg; Niacin 263mcg; Pantothenic acid 84 mcg; Biotin 4mcg; Folic acid 38mcg. Amino Acids: Lysine 29 mg; Histidine 16 mg; Arginine 39 mg; Asparatic Acid 78 mg; Threonine 37 mg; Glutamic Acid 33 mg; Glycine 41 mg; Alanine 48 mg; Valine 44 mg; Isoleucine 31 mg; Leucine 57 mg; Tyrosine 18 mg; Phenylanlanine 38 mg; Methionine 15 mg; Cystine 8mg; Tryptophan 4 mg; Amide 10 mg; Purines 2 mg; Serine 85 mg. Minerals: Calcium 18mg; Phosphorus 18 mg; Potassium 112 mg; Magnesium 3.6 mg; Iron 2 mg; Manganese 0.35 mg; Selenium 3.5 mcg; Sodium 1 mg; Zinc 17.5 mcg; Iodine 7 mcg; Copper 0.02 mg; Cobalt 1.75 mcg. Barley grain contains 67% carbohydrates and 12.8% protein.
Overview: Barley is widely used in human foods, animal feeds, and livestock forages around the world. The use of barley for food and medicinal purposes dates to antiquity. Paleobotanists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC. Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. In the West, barley was first known for the grain it produces. Barley grass is rich in calcium, iron, and many other minerals, all the essential amino acids, chlorophyll, flavonoids, vitamin B12, Vitamin C, plus enzymes. Barley greens are also rich in beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.
Traditional Use/Benefits/Body Systems: Barley grass powder and juice can be used to supplement the diet with vitamins and minerals. Barley grass juice is also used medicinally to heal stomach and colon disorders, duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and is an effective anti-inflammatory.
Clinical Studies/Scientific Research/References: Duke JA. 1992. Handbook of Phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and Other Economic Plants. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 293-295. Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. 2001. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. A novel neutraceutical therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. Digestion. 2001; 63 Suppl 1: 60-7.
Disclaimer: This information in our Herbal Encyclopedia is intended only as a general reference for educational purposes. It is not a replacement for medical advice. This content does not provide dosage information, cautions/contraindications, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Please consult any relevant product labels for detailed information on use and with a medical practitioner for individual health advice.
