Does Barley Make Your Body Cool? Unpacking the Science and Tradition

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda have long regarded barley as a cooling food. The claim that barley can help regulate and lower body temperature, especially when consumed as barley water, is widely held across various cultures. But what is the scientific basis for these ancient beliefs, and does barley make your body cool?

Quick Summary

This article explores the mechanisms behind barley's traditional reputation as a cooling food, focusing on its hydrating properties, diuretic effects, and fiber content. It compares barley to other cooling foods and discusses its role in supporting internal heat regulation based on both scientific evidence and traditional practices.

Key Points

Traditional Belief: Barley is widely recognized in traditional medicine, like TCM and Ayurveda, for its cooling properties and ability to combat internal 'heatiness'.
Hydration: Consuming barley water is an effective way to stay hydrated, helping the body regulate its temperature through sweating and replenishing fluids.
Diuretic Effect: The natural diuretic properties of barley help flush out toxins and excess water, contributing to a lighter, less 'heated' feeling.
High Fiber Content: Barley's high fiber ensures slow, steady digestion, preventing the significant metabolic heat spike associated with simple carbohydrates.
Versatile Consumption: Barley can be consumed as a refreshing water, added to light soups and salads, or used as a porridge to enjoy its benefits.
Gluten Precaution: Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be cautious, as barley contains gluten.

The Traditional Wisdom of Barley as a Coolant

For centuries, various cultures have prized barley for its ability to combat heat and promote well-being during warmer months. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, barley is considered a “cool” food that can clear internal heat and dampness from the body. Similarly, in Ayurvedic practice, barley is used to pacify Pitta, the body energy associated with fire and heat. The most common application of this wisdom is consuming barley water, a simple infusion made by boiling barley grains in water.

The belief in barley's cooling properties is often passed down through generations. In many parts of Asia, particularly during hot summers, barley water is a staple beverage for hydration and refreshment. These traditions highlight the practical, experience-based knowledge of using natural foods to maintain body balance in different climates.

The Science Behind Barley's Cooling Effects

While science doesn't classify foods as strictly “cooling” or “warming” in the same way traditional medicine does, it can explain the physiological effects that contribute to barley's reputation. The primary factors are hydration and digestion.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Barley water is an excellent hydrating beverage, and staying well-hydrated is the most direct way to regulate body temperature. When we sweat to cool down, we lose water and electrolytes. Replenishing these is crucial for maintaining the body's natural thermal regulation. Barley water helps by providing fluid and some electrolytes, effectively supporting the body's cooling process from within.

Diuretic Properties and Detoxification

Barley is a natural diuretic, which means it helps increase urine production. This process assists in flushing out toxins and excess water from the body, which can contribute to a feeling of lightness and reduce internal heat. The kidneys, in particular, benefit from barley's diuretic effects, promoting healthy function and reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, a common issue in hot weather.

High Fiber Content

Barley is a rich source of dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber called beta-glucan. While the digestive process itself generates some heat, the slow, steady digestion of high-fiber foods like barley prevents the sharp metabolic spikes caused by processed or sugary foods. This allows for more stable energy levels and a lower overall metabolic heat load.

Comparison Table: Barley vs. Other Cooling Foods


Feature	Barley	Watermelon	Cucumber	Mint
Primary Cooling Mechanism	Hydration, diuretic effect, and steady digestion due to high fiber.	High water content, vitamins, and minerals aid in hydration.	Over 95% water content provides rapid hydration and a refreshing sensation.	Menthol content provides an immediate cooling sensation.
Best Form for Cooling	Water, broth, or light salads.	Eaten fresh or blended into juice.	Sliced, in salads, or infused in water.	Infused in water or teas.
Nutritional Profile	Good source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.	Rich in Vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.	Contains Vitamin K, antioxidants, and a high water percentage.	Rich in antioxidants and offers anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditional Usage	Combats internal 'heatiness,' fevers, and digestive discomfort.	A summertime staple globally for hydration and thirst-quenching.	Eaten to cool the body and calm inflammation.	Brewed into tea or used to flavor water for refreshment.

How to Incorporate Barley for a Cooling Effect

Incorporating barley into your diet for its cooling benefits is both easy and versatile. Here are some simple methods:

Make Barley Water: Boil pearled or hulled barley in a pot of water until it thickens. Strain the liquid, let it cool, and flavor with lemon juice or a sprig of mint for a refreshing summer drink.
Add to Soups and Stews: Use barley in light, summery soups or stews instead of heavier grains like rice. This adds fiber and substance without creating a heavy metabolic load.
Include in Salads: Cooked and chilled barley can be a hearty base for a refreshing salad. Mix with crisp vegetables like cucumber and leafy greens for a cooling, satisfying meal.
Use as a Porridge: A warm or chilled barley porridge can be a nutritious, digestible meal. For a cooling breakfast, serve it chilled with fresh fruit.

Important Considerations for Consumption

While barley is widely considered safe, it's essential to be mindful of its gluten content. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid barley or consult a healthcare provider. Also, while beneficial, barley should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other water-rich foods for optimal hydration during hot periods.

Conclusion: The Holistic View of Barley's Cooling Nature

The claim that barley makes your body cool is a blend of traditional knowledge and modern physiological understanding. While it doesn't possess magical cooling powers, its ability to promote hydration, act as a diuretic, and provide sustained energy through fiber effectively supports the body's natural temperature regulation. By incorporating barley water or other light barley preparations, you can leverage centuries of traditional wisdom to beat the heat and maintain balance. The simplest, most direct scientific mechanism is simply staying well-hydrated with a nutritious and refreshing beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barley water helps cool the body primarily through hydration and its diuretic properties. Staying hydrated is key to regulating body temperature, and barley water helps replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat. Its diuretic effect also helps flush toxins, contributing to a refreshed feeling.

Both barley tea and barley water offer cooling benefits through hydration, but they differ slightly. Barley water, made from boiling the grains, is often thicker and richer in fiber. Barley tea, especially when roasted, can offer different flavor profiles while still promoting hydration.

Yes, eating whole barley in light dishes like salads or soups can provide a cooling effect. The high fiber content ensures slow digestion, which prevents metabolic heat spikes. For a stronger effect, pairing it with other cooling foods like cucumber and leafy greens is recommended.

In traditional practices, barley is often considered more cooling than rice. Whole grains like barley and oats are noted for their cooling properties, while some types of rice, depending on preparation, can be considered more neutral. Barley's higher fiber content also contributes to a slower, less 'warming' digestive process.

Yes, barley water is often used to help with heat-related conditions like UTIs. Its diuretic properties increase urination, which can help flush out the urinary tract and prevent infections, especially during hot weather when dehydration is a risk.

While traditional medicine has long supported the claim, scientific studies often focus on barley's specific health benefits rather than a holistic 'cooling' property. Research has confirmed its benefits for hydration, digestive health, and metabolism, which all contribute indirectly to body temperature regulation.

For most people, moderate consumption of barley is safe. However, as with any high-fiber food, excessive intake can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid barley completely.