Barley

보리 (大麥) · Hordeum vulgare L.

Qi-tonifying food herb Warm (some sources: slightly cold) Salty Spleen, Stomach

NatureWarm (some sources: slightly cold)

TasteSalty

MeridiansSpleen, Stomach

Part usedSeed (grain)

FamilyPoaceae

CategoryQi-tonifying food herb

Find by concern: Poor appetite Diarrhea

Overview

Barley is still eaten across Korea today as bori-bap (barley rice) and bori-cha (roasted barley tea), and the Donguibogam already records it as a food that benefits qi, harmonizes digestion, and — taken long-term — makes the body strong and the complexion healthy.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫一云微寒, 味醎, 無毒. 益氣調中, 止泄補虛, 實五藏. 久食令人肥健滑澤.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm (some say slightly cold), its taste salty, and it is non-toxic. It benefits qi, harmonizes the middle, stops diarrhea, tonifies deficiency, and strengthens the five viscera. Eaten long-term, it makes the body plump, strong, and glossy.

Traditional functions

Benefits qi, harmonizes digestion
Tonifies deficiency
Stops diarrhea
Strengthens the five viscera

Traditional applications

General qi deficiency and fatigue
Loose stool
Everyday digestive maintenance

Traditional preparation

Eaten as barley rice, roasted barley tea, or porridge; malted barley (barley sprout) used separately in classical digestive formulas.

Cautions

Caution: A mild staple grain; the classics note it is more warming than wheat. Generally safe as food. Consult a professional for concentrated medicinal use.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same barley used for bori-cha (barley tea)?

Yes — the same grain, and the Donguibogam already records it as a qi-benefiting, digestion-harmonizing food eaten long-term for a strong, glossy body.

What is barley malt (yeotgireum) used for?

The Donguibogam records malted barley as a separate item used in classical digestive formulas, stronger in warming action than raw barley — the same principle behind using barley malt as a natural digestive aid today.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.