As I had mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve been spending a considerable time in Bangalore, India for the last several months to help care for an unwell parent. While here, I’ve had a chance to take a look at the medical systems in greater depth as we consult various physicians and specialists. I’ve also had a chance to interact with elders, neighbors, healers and the like. And I’ve grown to realize that this is where ancient wisdom meets modern science.

At one point my mother developed a UTI (urinary tract infection). Doctors prescribed antibiotics to combat the particular strain of bacteria that was causing the infection. Meanwhile, we spoke to several other people – folks in medical practice and others including relatives and friends. Our help staff and a cousin brought up barley water. Since I didn’t know what it was, I summarily dismissed the idea. A little later, a renowned medical specialist that we consulted, much to my surprise, suggested that we start her on barley water.

That suggestion finally drew my attention to this drink. I then discovered that barley water is a natural diuretic, in that it increases the frequency of urination and helps to flush out the toxins from the system. There are several NCBI articles (National Center for Biotechnology Information is a US government organization devoted to medical and genome research) that you can read up about research being done with barley water to improve human skin texture, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, healthy aging and warding off various infections.

 

Barley Water

 

Delicious Barley Water

Delicious Barley Water

 

Barley is an ancient grain that seems to have originated more than 10,000 years ago. Many cultures around the globe have imbibed barley water in the beliefs that this elixir can help treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones and digestive disorders. Modern day science and research also point towards this ancient wisdom.

I’ve seen barley water sold in health food stores. Most of them have preservatives and added sugar to (of course!) enhance taste and (but, of course!) to reduce its nutritional value. It is best to make your own barley water, since it is super-easy to prepare fresh. I always suggest that if something is easy to make, then make it at home. That way, you are assured of the quality, freshness and authenticity of the food you are consuming.

I’ve also seen barley flour in stores. While you can use flour in a bind (do use flour from unhulled, whole grain version), I suggest that you use whole unhulled barley if you can lay your hands on them. Unhulled barley is truly a whole grain, unlike Pearl barley which is polished to remove most of the bran.

This delicious barley water is a time-tested ancient Ayurvedic remedy that helps with hydration, energy boost, and battling infections like UTI etc. Do make note that barley has gluten, so if you are sensitive or allergic to gluten, you may wish to avoid drinking this beverage.

 

Why Is This Healthy?

Research shows that drinking barley water (sans sugar) is a great way to protect the body from cancer-causing free radical cells. It is a powerful diuretic, and being mildly high in fat and rich in dietary fiber research points that barley grains may prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure and gallstones.

 

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Barley Water
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Barley Water - A Nutritious Drink

Barley water is a refreshing, delicious and healthy drink that can easily be made at home. Research shows that drinking barley water is a great way to protect the body from cancer-causing free radical cells. It is a powerful diuretic, and may prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure and gallstones.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Indian
Keyword ancient grain, diuretic, home remedies, home remedy, hulled barley, pearl barley, unhulled barley, urinary tract infection, UTI, whole grain
Special Diet No Added Sugar, Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Soak Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 82kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Barley - Unhulled or Pearl
  • 4.5 Cup Filtered water
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Lime Juice - Optional
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt - Optional

Instructions

  • Wash barley a few times and drain out the water. Make sure the water runs clear. Soak barley in 4.5 cups of filtered water for about 6-8 hours.
    Barley Water
  • *Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method: Add water to a stovetop pressure cooker. Place the soaked barley dish (along with the filtered water) inside the pressure cooker. Allow it to cook for 4-5 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
    *Direct Stovetop Method: If you are cooking on a stovetop directly, place the dish on medium-high flame. Once it starts to boil, boil the barley for 10 minutes. I have used this method for this instance.
    *Instant Pot: If you are using an Instant Pot, use the Porridge option with vent closed. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  • Once the barley has released its nutrients, the water will look creamy white. Make sure the barley grains are super soft before turning off the stove. Allow the barley water to cool down.
    Barley Water
  • Using a sieve, drain the barley water into 4 cups. You can discard the barley grains in your compost.
    Barley Water
  • You can drink the barley water directly, or add some lime juice and salt to taste.
    Barley Water

Notes

*Use organic ingredients wherever possible

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Barley Water - A Nutritious Drink
Amount per Serving
Calories
82
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Sodium
 
161
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
105
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
5
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.2
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
16
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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