Herbs Guide

Barley

Family Name: Poaceae

Botanical Name(s): Hordeum vulgare

Popular Name(s): Pearl Barley, Scotch Barley

Parts Used: Grain

Habitat: Barley originated in western Asia. Now it is widely cultivated in other parts of the world.

Description: Barley is an annual plant with a stout, hollow and jointed stem which grows to a height from 11/2 to 3 feet. The plant possesses narrow, tapering leaves. Its flowers grow in bristly-bearded terminal spikes which produce barley grains.

Uses: Barley is believed to clean out the arteries and valves around the heart. The green juice from young barley shoots possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The cooked barley is used to cure sores and tumors.