Barley Tea Benefits for Summer Health
By Suzie Lee Tran, LAc
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. It is a gentle, cooling beverage that bridges tradition and health.
What Is Barley Tea?
Barley tea is a nutty, caffeine-free infusion made from roasted barley grains.
Where Does Barley Tea Come From?
Known as mugicha in Japan and boricha in Korea, this simple beverage is popular across East Asia. It offers health benefits recognized both in modern wellness and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
What Does Barley Tea Taste Like?
The tea has a distinctive toasty, nutty flavor. My grandmother always had it ready-to-go in the summer months as her preferred beverage of choice because she enjoyed the taste and found it refreshing.
Health Benefits of Barley Tea in Summer
From a modern perspective, barley tea provides essential support for the body during hotter months.
Barley Tea for Hydration
It is highly hydrating, especially when consumed cold during hot months. Because it is caffeine-free, it is suitable for all ages and times of day.
Barley Tea for Reducing Inflammation
Barley tea is rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin and lignans, which may reduce inflammation. It also supports digestion, as it can help with bloating and mild stomach discomfort.
Is Barley Tea Cooling in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In TCM, the nature of a food or drink determines its effect on the body’s internal balance.
While barley tea is a wonderful daily remedy for clearing heat, it is just one small part of the broader apothecary used in Chinese Herbal Medicine. For more complex health goals, a customized herbal consultation can provide a targeted formula tailored to your specific constitution.
What Does “Cooling” Mean in TCM?
From the perspective of TCM, barley tea is considered “cooling,” meaning it helps to clear internal heat and balance the body’s temperature during the summer.
How Barley Tea Helps Clear Internal Heat
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.
When Should You Drink Barley Tea?
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. It can be enjoyed hot or cold throughout the day.
Who Should Avoid Barley Tea?
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; consult a healthcare provider.
Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity: Barley contains gluten and is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
How Is Barley Tea Prepared?
My grandmother always brewed her barley tea by using roasted barley and water, but nowadays they sell barley tea bags in Asian grocery stores and online.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup roasted barley
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.
Note: Certain companies make teabags that can also be cold-brewed over several hours by just sticking in a jug of water in the fridge.
How Acupuncture Supports Seasonal Balance
While cooling drinks like barley tea help from the inside, acupuncture can further assist the body in regulating heat and supporting digestive health during the summer months.