Benefits of barley water (ma-ulsha’eer) in Unani and modern medicine.

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Therapeutic uses and benefits of barley water (ma-ulsha’eer) in unani and modern perspective
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Gazala Fatma, M. Junaid Siddiqui, Paras Wani, Anwar Habib and Sadia Nikhat


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Therapeutic uses and benefits of barley water (ma-ulsha’eer) in unani and modern perspective

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201911-15866

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Barley water, known as Ma-ul-Shaeer, is a traditional beverage made from barley grains and is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits in both Unani and modern medicine. Derived from Hordeum vulgare, barley is consumed in various forms across different cultures, with barley water being particularly valued for its nutritional properties. The drink is produced by boiling barley grains in water and straining the mixture, resulting in a refreshing and beneficial beverage that has been utilized for its health-promoting qualities for centuries.

Nutritional and Pharmacological Benefits of Barley Water

Barley water is rich in dietary fiber, particularly β-glucans, which contribute to various health benefits, including a decreased risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, it is a good source of essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, along with proteins and vitamins that support metabolic processes. The pharmacological actions attributed to barley water include anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antibacterial properties, making it effective against a range of ailments such as respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and metabolic syndromes. The drink is considered beneficial due to its ability to cleanse the system, provide hydration, and deliver vital nutrients in a digestible form.

Therapeutic Uses in Unani Medicine

In Unani medicine, barley water has been associated with treating various conditions such as diabetes mellitus (Type 2), respiratory illnesses, and digestive disorders. It has been recommended for individuals suffering from ailments like asthma, chronic cough, and fever. Moreover, practitioners highlight its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of conditions such as renal and bladder disorders, with its cool and moist properties aiding in kidney health. The Unani perspective emphasizes the importance of barley water as a Ghizae Dawaee (therapeutic food) and its role in maintaining overall health and vitality.

Chemical Constituents and Their Impact

Barley contains a variety of chemical constituents that enhance its medicinal value. These include proteins, fiber, amino acids, and bioactive compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The presence of liganin and other antioxidants in barley is linked to potential anticancer properties, emphasizing the grain's role in preventive health care. Research indicates that consumption of barley may improve blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels, further contributing to its usefulness in managing chronic health conditions.

Conclusion

Barley water, or Ma-ul-Shaeer, is a significant traditional medicinal preparation with a rich history in both Unani and modern health practices. Its numerous benefits stem from its nutritional profile and diverse pharmacological applications, making it a valuable addition to the diet for promoting wellness. Its effectiveness in treating a range of health issues, alongside its refreshing taste, underscores the importance of barley water as a natural therapeutic beverage. Ongoing research continues to affirm its potential uses, confirming this ancient remedy's relevance in contemporary health discussions.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is barley water and how is it made?

Barley water, known as Ma-ul-Shaeer, is a drink made by boiling barley grains in water and straining the mixture to remove the grains. It is acclaimed in both Unani and modern medicine for its many health benefits.

What are the therapeutic uses of barley water?

Barley water is used for various conditions, including diabetes, asthma, chronic cough, and gastrointestinal issues. It aids in hydration, provides nutrients, and is recommended for ailments like pleurisy and urocystitis.

What are the key chemical constituents of barley?

Barley contains important compounds like B-glucans, amylose, proteins, lipids, dietary fiber, and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, which contribute to its health benefits, particularly in metabolic health.

What are the known pharmacological actions of barley water?

Barley water has numerous pharmacological actions, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant effects. It is recognized for aiding digestion, quenching thirst, and its cooling properties.

How is barley water prepared according to Unani practices?

In Unani medicine, the best method for preparing barley water involves boiling barley in a 24:1 water ratio until it reduces to an 8:1 ratio. The froth should be removed during boiling.

What are the health benefits of consuming barley water?

Regular consumption of barley water can lower blood cholesterol levels, improve glucose metabolism, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and support kidney health, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Benefits of barley water (ma-ulsha’eer) in Unani and modern medicine.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Barley:
Barley is a cereal grain that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops and is known for being nutritious, rich in dietary fiber, and beneficial for health. In traditional medicine systems like Unani, barley is valued for its therapeutic properties, especially when prepared as barley water.

2) Water:
Water is essential for life and is a crucial component in the preparation of barley water. Barley water is made by boiling barley grains in water, extracting nutrients, and serving as a soothing drink. It holds significant importance in both traditional and modern medicine for its restorative and hydrating properties.

3) Activity:
Activity refers to the various biological effects that a substance, such as barley water, can exert within the body. Barley water is noted for multiple health-related activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects, making it a significant agent in treating various conditions in both Unani and modern medicine.

4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses a variety of practices aimed at maintaining health and treating illnesses. In this context, barley water is highlighted as a remedy in both Unani and modern medicine, demonstrating its therapeutic uses in treating ailments like diabetes, cough, respiratory issues, and digestive disorders.

5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the effects of substances on biological systems; in this case, it pertains to the analysis of barley water's medicinal properties. Its pharmacological actions include various beneficial effects on health, such as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity, which are critical for understanding its therapeutic potential.

6) Delhi:
Delhi is the capital city of India, playing a central role in its cultural, political, and economic landscape. The research on barley water and its medicinal properties has been conducted at institutions in Delhi, such as Jamia Hamdard, emphasizing the importance of local education and healthcare resources in promoting traditional medicine.

7) India:
India is a country known for its rich history of traditional medicine, including Ayurvedic and Unani systems. The incorporation of barley water into therapeutic practices highlights the blending of ancient knowledge with modern health concepts, showcasing the role of indigenous resources in Indian healthcare.

8) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as a capital city, serves as a hub for medical education and research. Researchers like those affiliated with Jamia Hamdard have documented the health benefits and pharmacological actions of barley water, contributing to a broader understanding of its uses in contemporary medicine within this urban setting.

9) Disease:
Diseases encompass a wide array of health conditions that can affect individuals. The article emphasizes the role of barley water in the management of numerous diseases, including diabetes and respiratory issues, thus highlighting its significance in traditional medicine as a preventive and therapeutic agent.

10) Food:
Food plays a critical role in health and wellbeing, and barley is recognized as a nutritious grain. Barley water, prepared from barley, provides essential nutrients, promoting overall health and aiding in the prevention and management of various diseases as part of a balanced diet.

11) Education:
Education in the medical field, particularly pertaining to traditional remedies, is vital for integrating ancient practices with modern science. Institutions like Jamia Hamdard focus on educating students about the benefits of substances like barley water, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary healing methods.

12) Blood:
Blood is essential for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body. Barley water may contribute to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and improving blood circulation, which are crucial for preventing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, linking dietary intake with systemic health.

13) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial activity refers to a substance's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Barley water is noted for its antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating infections. This quality enhances its application in both traditional and modern medical practices, particularly for gastrointestinal and urinary tract health.

14) Science (Scientific):
Scientific evaluation of barley water involves rigorous research to substantiate its health benefits. The documentation of barley’s pharmacological properties through scientific studies aids in promoting its use in modern medicine, ensuring that traditional remedies are validated through empirical evidence and can be recommended based on thorough analysis.

15) Sugar:
Sugar, particularly in the context of blood sugar levels, plays a critical role in health and disease management. Barley water has been suggested as beneficial for regulating blood sugar, making it relevant for diabetes management and supporting metabolic health in individuals at risk for glucose-related disorders.

16) Family:
Family refers to the biological classification in taxonomy. In this context, barley belongs to the Poaceae family. Understanding the family lineage of barley helps in appreciating its botanical characteristics and its agricultural significance, as well as its historical importance in human diets globally.

17) Thirst:
Thirst is a physiological need for hydration, and barley water acts as an effective remedy to quench thirst. Its hydrating properties make it a refreshing drink, especially beneficial in hot climates or for those recovering from illness, thereby playing a role in overall wellness.

18) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore area on the skin or a mucous membrane. Barley water is noted for its potential benefits in treating ulcers, particularly in the digestive tract, due to its soothing properties that can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

19) Fever:
Fever is a common response to infection or illness, indicating an underlying health issue. Barley water is utilized for its cooling properties, which may help reduce body temperature and provide hydration, making it a supportive drink during febrile conditions.

20) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda refers to the stomach or digestive system in Unani medicine. Barley water is recognized for promoting digestive health, helping to soothe disorders related to the stomach, and providing nourishment, making it relevant in maintaining overall digestive wellness.

21) Crop:
A crop is a cultivated plant grown for consumption; barley is classified as one of the most important cereal crops globally. It provides nutritional benefits and is utilized in various forms, including barley water, highlighting its significance in agriculture and food systems.

22) Drug:
Drugs refer to substances that can alter physiological functions and are utilized for therapeutic purposes. Barley water is presented as a natural drug within the realm of traditional healing, illustrating the concept of food as medicine and the role of diet in disease prevention.

23) Hordeum vulgare:
Hordeum vulgare is the scientific name for common barley. Understanding this nomenclature is essential for identifying its characteristics and uses in science and agriculture, underscoring the significance of barley in both traditional and modern nutritional applications.

24) Hayapriya (Haya-priya):
Hayapriya refers to barley in Sanskrit, emphasizing the longstanding place of barley in traditional Indian health practices. Its mention in ancient texts showcases the importance of barley in cultural and medicinal contexts throughout history in Indian civilization.

25) Suffering:
Suffering can refer to physical or emotional distress caused by health conditions. Barley water is recognized for its potential healing properties which may alleviate suffering related to various diseases, highlighting its role in supporting individuals' health and recovery.

26) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are natural compounds found in plants known for their antioxidant properties. The presence of flavonoids in barley, particularly in barley leaves, contributes to its health benefits, including fighting oxidative stress and enhancing overall health, making them relevant in both nutrition and medicine.

27) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is an ancient language of India, rich in historical texts and traditions, including medicinal references. The mention of barley, or 'Hayapriya,' in Sanskrit literature highlights the cultural significance of this grain in traditional health practices, forming a bridge between language and medicinal knowledge.

28) Quality:
Quality refers to the inherent characteristics of a substance that determine its efficacy. In the context of barley water, quality concerns its nutritional and therapeutic properties, impacting its usefulness in contributing to health and managing diseases effectively.

29) Mineral:
Minerals are essential nutrients that perform various functions in the body, including supporting metabolic processes. Barley is rich in minerals like magnesium and selenium, which are crucial for maintaining overall health; their presence in barley water enhances its nutritional profile.

30) Akshata (Aksata):
Aksata denotes barley in Sanskrit and showcases the historical importance of this grain in traditional Indian medicine. Its long-standing use is indicative of its significant role in health practices, reinforcing the cultural link between ancient wisdom and contemporary therapeutic applications.

31) Cancer:
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Barley water is noted for its potential anticancer properties, driven by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating its relevance in dietary strategies for cancer prevention and health promotion.

32) Nature:
Nature refers to the natural world, including plants and their environments. The benefits of barley water reflect the healing powers of nature, with emphasis on harnessing natural ingredients for health. Understanding barley's role in nature underscores its importance in traditional and modern health contexts.

33) Animal:
Animal refers to non-human living beings. Barley is primarily utilized as food for animals; however, its nutritional properties also confer benefits for human health, illustrating the interconnectedness of agricultural practices and dietary choices in promoting well-being across species.

34) Divya:
Divya means divine or heavenly in Sanskrit, often used to emphasize the sacredness of natural resources. In traditional medicine, barley may be regarded as a divinely beneficial substance for its health-promoting properties, underlining its esteemed status in the cultural narrative.

35) Masha (Masa, Ma-sha):
Masha refers to a specific measurement in Unani medicine, primarily used for dosages. Understanding therapeutic dosages, like 5 to 10 grams or 'Masha' for barley, is essential for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of natural remedies when used in treatments.

36) Hindi (Himdi):
Hindi is a widely spoken language in India and serves as a means of communication for millions. It provides a cultural context for understanding local names of plants like barley, showing the significance of language in connecting people to their traditional knowledge and practices.

37) Fight:
Fight signifies the effort against health challenges or diseases. The use of barley water for its health benefits illustrates how individuals may 'fight' ailments through dietary interventions, promoting overall wellness and supporting recovery in therapeutic contexts.

38) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic examination of substances to understand their effects and benefits. Research on barley water emphasizes its pharmacological actions and health implications, supporting the integration of traditional knowledge into scientific validation and modern therapeutic practices.

39) Pani (Panin):
Paani is the Hindi word for water. Barley water, or 'Ma-ul-Shaeer,' combines barley and water, highlighting the importance of hydration and nutrient extraction. In traditional contexts, the term represents not just the liquid form but also its medicinal and health-promoting qualities.

40) Cina:
China is a country with rich agricultural practices, including the cultivation of barley. Its prominence in global crop production and human diets reflects the universal appreciation of barley's nutritional benefits and its potential uses in various cultural medical systems.

41) Genu:
Genu could refer to a genus or a type of designation in the classification of organisms. In relation to barley, recognizing 'Hordeum' as its genus helps contextualize its ecological and agricultural standing in both traditional cultivation and modern usage.

42) Tola:
Tola is a measurement unit in traditional Asian contexts, equivalent to around 11.66 grams. In the discussion on dosages for barley water, references to 'Tola' signify the importance of accurate measurements in herbal treatments, ensuring effective application in health practices.

43) Yava:
Yava is another term for barley in Sanskrit, emphasizing its significance in ancient texts. Its mention in traditional literature highlights the cultural importance of barley as a staple food and medicinal resource, linking it to historical Indian health practices.

44) Para (Para°, Párá):
Para refers to a category or grade in various contexts. In this setting, it may highlight the classification and importance of barley in different markets or its quality as a crop, demonstrating the relevance of standards in agricultural and health discussions.

45) Beta:
Beta refers to a classification of certain compounds, particularly in chemistry and biology. In the context of barley, 'beta-glucans' are significant for their health benefits, particularly in reducing cholesterol and improving gut health, emphasizing the importance of these components in dietary applications.

46) Jali:
Jali might reference a classification indicating a product's quality or type, especially in medicinal preparations. In traditional contexts, understanding the type of barley used in preparations signifies its potential benefits and effectiveness in delivering health outcomes.

47) Rice (Rce):
Rice, another staple grain, often serves as a comparative benchmark with barley concerning nutritional value and cultivation. Examining both grains underscores their importance in global diets and agricultural systems, highlighting the diverse uses and health benefits of different cereals.

48) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to an abundance of beneficial compounds or nutrients within a substance. Barley water is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, underscoring its valuable role in promoting health and wellness, particularly in the context of disease prevention and treatment.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Benefits of barley water (ma-ulsha’eer) in Unani and modern medicine.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Adverse effect, Traditional medicine, Therapeutic use, Chronic cough, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Nutritional value, Metabolic syndrome, Hepatoprotective activity, Antidiabetic activity, Dietary fiber, Pharmacological action, Unani system of medicine, Preventive and Social Medicine, Chemical constituent, Unani physicians, Kidney ailments.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Barley-water, Barley grain, Quenching thirst.

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