Barley and Vegetable Soup
Barley has been a staple of diet in China for over five thousand years. In today’s science, it has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing Total Cholesterol and regulating blood sugar. Since Health Canada has concluded that scientific evidence exists in support of the therapeutic claim linking barley grain products to reduction of blood cholesterol, I decided to create a recipe using Barley as the main ingredient which is tailored for Western tastes.
Servings Prep Time
4people 15minutes
Cook Time
1.5-2hours
Servings Prep Time
4people 15minutes
Cook Time
1.5-2hours
Ingredients
Instructions
Stove Top Cooking Method
  1. Combine all ingredients into a large pot.
  2. Add the Bean Soup Mix if you want extra plant protein
  3. Add water, bring to Boil, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 1.5-2 hours.
  4. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Rice Cooker Method
  1. Pour 2 L of water into the rice cooker.
  2. Add all ingredients and cook for 1.5-2 hours.
  3. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Recipe Notes

 

As early as 206BC, in one of the earliest chinese medical texts, the “Problem-solving Medical Formula” Text, it said barley can be used to treat the “Wasting and Thirsting Disorder”, described with symptoms similar to “Diabetes Mellitus” – excess thirst, excess urination and excess hunger.
In this medical text, it said: Barley, treats Wasting and Thirsting Disorder, clears heat, benefits Qi and regulates the middle burner”.

《别录》”主消渴，除热，益气，调中。”

In another ancient medical textbook 《唐本草》, completed in the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Gaozong ( Xian Qing ) of the Tang Dynasty ( 618 A . D . – 907 A . D. ), it said “Ground Barley can treat stomach disorder, stop thirst, clear food stagnation and treat abdominal fullness and bloating”.
《唐本草》：”大麦面平胃，止渴，消食，疗胀。”

 

Here is summary of what is said in my Traditional Chinese Medicine textbook about Barley:

Properties: Sweet, salty and cool
Meridian(s) Entered: Spleen and Stomach
Main Functions: Harmonize Stomach, calm the mind, promote urination. It can treat food stagnation and diarrhea, painful urination and edema. It can also apply to mild burns (dry-fry the barley, grind and mix with oil).

 

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