BARLEY WATER

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is a time to nourish the Water element, supporting the Kidneys and Bladder, which govern energy, resilience, and vitality during the cold months. This barley water is traditionally used to gently cleanse and support kidney function while remaining pleasant, warming, and easy to digest.

Barley Water for Kidney Cleansing: How to Make

I learnt this recipe years ago whilst studying herbs for everyday living with the wonderful and hugely inspiring Jill Davies. This drink is designed to gently cleanse the kidneys whereby reviving their function and strengthening their activity for more positive health and energy. This drink is pleasant tasting and becomes slightly sweet from the cinnamon. Pearl barley or whole barley can be bought from health food stores or the whole food section of good supermarkets.

Equipment needs – pre soak the grains ahead of our session in a bowl. A small saucepan and chopping board and knife and bottle to store the barley water.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of whole barley

  • 6 cups of water (so that you drink 2 cups a day for 3 days)

  • ¼ of a cinnamon stick

  • Ginger grated (small thumb size)

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method

  • Take the barley and soak for a few hours or over night, then place into a saucepan with a stick of cinnamon and a thumb sized amount of ginger.

  • Cover with the water and simmer for 25 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave overnight (covered).

  • Sieve it through in the morning, adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste and you can add a dash of honey to sweeten.

How to Use

  • Drink this ideally for 3–6 days.

  • It will last refrigerated for 3 days, then you will need to make some more.

  • Do not re-use any of the ingredients - start from fresh.