Summertime Barley Tea: A Cooling Brew for Health and Harmony
By Suzie Lee Tran, LAc
Barley tea, known as mugicha in Japan and boricha in Korea, is a nutty, caffeine-free infusion made from roasted barley grains. Popular across East Asia, this simple beverage is not only refreshing but also offers several health benefits recognized both in modern wellness and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). My grandmother used to make barley tea all year around, but it was particularly refreshing in the summer months as an alternative to iced (black) tea in our household growing up.
From a modern perspective, barley tea has the following health benefits:
Caffeine-free, making it suitable for all ages and times of day.
Rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin and lignans, which may reduce inflammation.
Supports digestion, as it can help with bloating and mild stomach discomfort.
Hydrating, especially when consumed cold during hot months
Barley Tea has the following benefits from a TCM perspective:
Clears “summer heat”: Great for hot weather or heat-related conditions.
Aids digestion: Especially useful for food stagnation or bloating.
Promotes urination: Mild diuretic effect to reduce water retention.
Soothes the stomach: Beneficial for nausea, poor appetite, and heaviness.
While generally safe, barley tea should be avoided or used cautiously in the following cases:
Cold or Deficiency-type conditions: People with Spleen Yang deficiency (e.g., cold hands and feet, loose stools, fatigue) should drink it sparingly or warm it up first.
Pregnancy: Some practitioners caution that barley has mild uterine-stimulating effects, so pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider.
Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity: Barley contains gluten and is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Barley tea is a gentle, cooling beverage that bridges tradition and health. Whether you're seeking relief from the summer heat or looking for a non-caffeinated digestive aid, this ancient brew offers a simple and effective remedy. My grandmother always had barley tea ready-to-go in the summer months as her preferred beverage of choice because it helped her from feeling bloated after meals and she enjoyed the nutty flavor of it. She always brewed her barley tea by using roasted barley and water, but nowadays they sell barley tea bags in Asian grocery stores and online.
Here is a recipe you can try at home for a healthy summer beverage.
Simple Barley Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup roasted barley (available at Asian grocery stores or online)
6–8 cups water
Instructions:
Boil: Add roasted barley to a pot with water. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Lower heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes for a stronger brew, or 10 minutes for a lighter taste.
Strain: Remove from heat, strain the tea, and let it cool.
Serve: Enjoy hot or chilled. Optional: Add a slice of lemon or a touch of honey if desired.
Cold brew option: certain companies make teabags that can also be cold-brewed over several hours by just sticking in a jug of water in the fridge!
Enjoy, and stay cool!