Decoctum Hordei
Barley Decoction,
or Barley Water
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Horedeum vulgare |
2 oz. | |
|
Water |
Aqua |
4 pints |
Preparation:
Wash the Barley, then boil in half a pint of water for a few minutes. Discard, add the 4 pints of water, and boil to half. Strain.
Function:
Clears Heat and Damp, clears Poison, promotes Urine; cools, cleanses and nourishes
Use:
1. good in Fevers and all acute Diseases from Heat
2. Heat-type Cough
3. Consumption
4. UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections), used as common drink.
5. Abscesses and Ulcers of the Urinary system
6. it has also been used as common drink in other affections including Jaundice, Pleurisy, Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Psychosis.
Dose:
It can be used as common drink, especially in Fevers, or at the start of UTI’s. Otherwise, it can be taken in cupful doses, 2, 3 or 4 times daily.
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. In Winter, or in Cold bodies, or bodies with Cold and Damp, 1–2 drams of Cinnamon is added in the last half an hour of boiling. This was called ‘Decoction of Barley and Cinnamon’. Primarily used for Edema and Obesity.
2. In Fevers, Lemon juice is added at the end.
3. In Cough, add 1 ounce of Raisins; sometimes Licorice was also added.
4. In Arthritis, or conditions with Constipation, add 5 Prunes.
Back to DECOCTIONS
Back to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures
