Barley (Jau) is highly praised in Ayurveda for its cooling and nutritive properties. Preparing a cooling barley drink at home ensures the purity and quality of the ingredients used. Moreover, when you make it at home, you can adjust the sweetness and flavors according to your taste.
Serves 1
Ingredients (Buy locally grown organic ingredients, if possible)
2 tbsp Barley Flour (use it as it is or dry roast on low heat and let it cool down completely)
1 cup water
1-2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/8 teaspoon cumin (jeera), dry roasted
1 tsp. rock sugar (or raw sugar)
Rock salt (saindhav namak) to taste
4-6 fresh mint leaves, washed and crushed
Equipment needed: Stirrer/ Spoon
Steps to Make Ayurvedic Barley Drink:
- Combine barley flour and water in a tall container and stir it well to ensure that the barley flour is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 hours (optional). After it has rested, strain the mixture to remove any undissolved particles.
- Mix in fresh lime juice, roasted cumin powder, rock sugar, salt and crushed mihttps://youtu.be/SfoNvVE1rJgnt leaves.
- Stir it well to form a uniform mixture and serve immediately.
Ayurvedic Tip
Benefits of Barley Drink for Cooling the Body and Overall Health:
- Natural Cooling Effect: Barley is renowned for its natural cooling properties. This makes it an excellent beverage for hot summer days, helping to cool down the body from within.
- Rich in Fiber: Barley is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full, which can assist with weight management.
- Balances Pitta Dosha: Due to its cooling properties, barley helps to balance Pitta Dosha, which can often become aggravated during the summer months.
- Hydrating: Barley water is naturally hydrating and can help replenish fluids in the body.
- Nutrient-Rich: Barley is rich in essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, B vitamins, copper, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin.
Contraindications of Barley Drink:
While the barley drink is generally safe for most people, there are a few situations in which its consumption should be monitored or avoided:
- If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you should avoid barley as it contains gluten.
- Barley has a cooling effect, so it might not be suitable for consumption in large quantities during cold winter months, especially for people with a predominance of Kapha or Vata dosha as it may aggravate these doshas.
- Those with bloating or flatulence issues should consume barley water with caution as barley can sometimes increase these conditions due to its high fiber content.
- Like any other food or drink, it’s essential to consume barley water in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to stomach discomfort.
As always, it’s advisable to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or a nutritionist to understand how best to include barley in your diet, based on your individual health needs and constitution.
Recipe inspired by Devi Bansal
Related: How to make fresh buttermilk at home
