Barley Water Amazing Benefits and Easy Recipe to Make It
Curious about barley water benefits? Learn the science, see how this gentle detox drink fits into healthy beverages, and get an easy, tasty recipe
Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 13th Nov, 2025
Introduction
Barley water has been enjoyed for generations as a simple, soothing drink. Today, many people reach for it as a light, refreshing option in the category of healthy beverages. In this guide, we’ll look at what science says about barley water benefits, how it compares to other drinks, and how to make it at home. You’ll also learn how it fits into a balanced lifestyle without relying on hype around the term “detox drink.”
What Is Barley Water?
Barley water is the liquid you get after simmering barley grains in water, then straining out the solids. It’s mild in flavor, caffeine-free, and easy to sip warm or chilled. Because it’s made from barley, it may carry small amounts of soluble fiber (including beta-glucan) and minerals into the liquid. That said, barley water is mostly water—so it’s best thought of as a hydrating beverage with a gentle nutrient boost rather than a concentrated nutrition supplement.
Barley water vs. barley tea:
• Barley water: Made by simmering whole barley grains in water; usually strained; sometimes lightly sweetened or flavored with lemon or ginger.
• Roasted barley tea (e.g., Korean bori-cha or Japanese mugicha): Made by steeping roasted barley; has a toasty, tea-like flavor; different taste and composition.
Consult Top Specialists
Evidence-Backed Barley Water Benefits
Like any health topic, it’s important to separate tradition from proven effects. Here’s what research supports—focused on hydration, overall diet quality, and the known benefits of barley’s soluble fiber.
Hydration support
• The biggest benefit of barley water is simple: it helps you hydrate. Staying well-hydrated supports energy, temperature regulation, digestion, and everyday physical and mental performance.
• Unsweetened barley water is a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, which can help you reduce added sugar intake.
Heart health and cholesterol (context: soluble fiber)
• Barley grain is rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol when consumed in sufficient amounts as part of whole foods.
• Because barley water is diluted, it likely contains only small amounts of beta-glucan. It should not be relied on alone to reach the fiber amounts associated with cholesterol improvements. Instead, enjoy barley water alongside a fiber-rich diet that includes whole grains (such as barley and oats), beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Gentle on the stomach
• Warm, mild liquids can be soothing when you want something easy to digest. Barley water is naturally caffeine-free and low in acidity, so many people find it comfortable to sip if they’re feeling under the weather.
Note: If you have a medical condition affecting digestion, follow your clinician’s advice.
Blood sugar balance (context: overall eating pattern)
• Eating whole barley (which is high in soluble fiber) can help blunt post-meal blood sugar rises when part of a balanced diet.
• Barley water itself contains minimal fiber compared to whole barley. If you’re managing blood sugar, unsweetened barley water can be a pleasant, low-sugar drink—just remember the biggest benefits come from the whole grain on your plate, not the water alone.
Weight management helper (indirect)
• Swapping sweetened beverages for unsweetened options like barley water can reduce daily calorie and sugar intake—small changes that add up over time.
• For fullness and fiber, be sure to include whole grains (including barley) in meals, not just barley water.
Urinary tract and kidney wellness (through hydration)
• Good hydration supports your body’s natural processes, including the work of your kidneys. Barley water can count toward your daily fluids.
• Important: Barley water is not a treatment for urinary tract infections or kidney stones. If you have symptoms like pain, fever, or blood in urine, seek medical care promptly.
Is Barley Water Really a “Detox Drink”?
• Your liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs are your built-in detox system. They work around the clock to filter and eliminate substances your body doesn’t need. No single food or drink can “detox” you. The smartest way to support these organs is through steady hydration, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
Where does barley water fit? As a hydrating, low-sugar sip, it can be part of your routine to support overall health. But be cautious of any claim that barley water (or any drink) can cleanse or cure specific conditions.
Who Should Use Caution with Barley Water?
• Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity: Barley contains gluten. Barley water is not gluten-free and should be avoided by people who must avoid gluten.
• Allergies: If you’re allergic to barley or other grains, skip it.
• Medication timing: Fiber can affect the absorption of certain medicines. While barley water is low in fiber, if you also eat barley or other high-fiber foods, consider separating some medications by a couple of hours as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Fluid-restricted conditions: If you have heart failure, kidney disease, or other conditions requiring a fluid limit, follow your clinician’s guidance.
• Infants and young children: Do not use barley water as a substitute for breast milk, formula, or pediatric oral rehydration solutions when those are indicated.
Simple, Tasty Barley Water Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup hulled or pearl barley, rinsed well
• 4–5 cups water
• Optional flavor add-ins: 2–3 thin lemon slices, a few slices of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of mint
• Optional sweetener: a small amount of honey or date syrup (skip or keep minimal if you’re reducing added sugars)
Instructions
1) Rinse the barley under running water until the water runs clear.
2) Combine barley and water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
3) Reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook:
• Pearl barley: about 25–30 minutes
• Hulled barley: about 35–45 minutes
4) Add optional flavorings in the last 10 minutes.
5) Strain the liquid into a heat-safe container. Let it cool.
6) Serve warm or chilled. If adding a touch of sweetener, stir it in while warm so it dissolves easily.
Storage and food safety
• Refrigerate in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 2–3 days for best quality.
• Shake before serving—some soluble fibers can settle.
Flavor variations
• Citrus and spice: Lemon + cinnamon stick.
• Zesty ginger: Fresh ginger slices + a squeeze of lemon.
• Herbal cool: Mint and cucumber slices added after straining (steep while cooling).
• Toasty note: Lightly toast the dry barley in a pan until fragrant before boiling.
How Much Should You Drink?
There’s no set “dose” for barley water. Think of it as one more option in your hydration toolkit:
• 1–2 cups (240–480 ml) at a time is a reasonable serving.
• Prioritize plain water most of the day.
• Choose unsweetened or minimally sweetened versions to keep added sugars low.
How Barley Water Fits Into Healthy Beverages?
Barley water can be one of several healthy beverages you rotate through the week:
• Everyday staples: Plain water, sparkling water, herbal teas.
• Lightly flavored options: Fruit- or herb-infused water, barley water, roasted barley tea.
• When medically indicated: Oral rehydration solutions (for dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting) per healthcare guidance.
Practical Tips to Get the Most From Barley and Barley Water
• For heart and gut benefits, eat barley as a whole grain in soups, salads, grain bowls, or as a side—this is where the fiber really shines.
• Use barley water as a refreshing, low-sugar drink—especially helpful if you’re cutting back on soda or energy drinks.
• If you manage diabetes, keep barley water unsweetened and pair meals with high-fiber foods (including whole barley) to support steadier blood sugar.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is barley water good for weight loss?
water isn’t a magic weight-loss solution, but it can help if you use it to replace sugary drinks. For fullness and fiber that supports weight management, include whole grains (such as barley) in meals.
2) Does barley water detox the body?
No drink can “detox” your body. Your liver and kidneys handle detoxification naturally. Barley water can support hydration, which helps your body work efficiently, but it doesn’t cleanse or cure diseases.
3) Can people with diabetes drink barley water?
Unsweetened barley water is a low-sugar beverage option and can be part of a healthy eating plan. The biggest blood sugar benefits come from eating fiber-rich foods (including whole barley). If you use sweeteners, keep them minimal and monitor your response.
4) Is barley water gluten-free?
No. Barley contains gluten, so barley water isn’t safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Choose certified gluten-free beverages instead.
5) How much barley water should I drink daily?
There’s no specific recommended amount. Consider 1–2 cups as part of your overall fluid intake. Plain water should remain your main beverage. If you have a condition that limits fluids, follow your clinician’s advice.