Natural Paths
July 27, 2009
Herb of the Week
BARLEY - Mordeum pratense. Gramineaceae 
 
Greetings!
Barley is a Cereal that is used wild or cultivated. The seed/grain is removed from the whiskered awns for use as food and medicine. The grass leaves are dried and used as straw after harvesting the grain. The barley grain must be rolled (flattened/crimped) before being fed to horses as the small kernels are too hard and would likely just be swallowed or cause choke. Barley flour makes nutritious bread but would form a paste if fed to animals that would choke them.
 
Pearled Barley is de-husked, polished and dried grain that is a nourishing addition to soups and stews for people. Barley grain is too rich to feed in large amounts to horses, but is a very good addition, in small amounts, to older equines' rations and those with any type of renal disorder.
 
Barley Water is the most healing form, being used to moisten mashes, dry dog food, as a drink for people and animals or a drench for horses. It is a healer of the kidneys and bladder. To make barley water: crush 2 cups of whole barley grains inside of a cloth bag using a hammer, place into a non-metal container, add 4 cups of water just off the boil and cover to sit for 6 hours, then add 4 cups of tepid water with the juice of a fresh lemon and 4 ounces of raw honey. Mix well and strain the liquid for use. You can adjust the amount to make smaller batches (or larger ones).
 
 
 
Learn more about herbs for dogs, for horses and for people.
Visit the dharmahorse channel at YouTube.
Best Wishes,
Katharine Chrisley
Natural Paths
P O Box 1882
Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047