This recipe is not to be confused with barley pops or brew doggies or any other fond reference to beer. This is a remedy to be used when the patient may not be able to hold down food or if the flu is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. It is very soothing to the alimentary tract, including the digestive tract, because of the mucilaginous nature of barley.
To make barley water, use a ratio of four parts water to one part barley.
Barley Water
4 cups water
1 cup barley
Honey
Fresh lemon
Add barley to the water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover, gently simmering, until barley is cooked, about 45 minutes. To serve, strain, add honey and lemon to taste (if desired), and drink the liquid warm or cool.
I’d like to mention that if you are caring for a young child and they are vomiting or have diarrhea for more than a day or two, it’s best to get them to a doctor to be sure they aren’t sick with more than just the flu. Dehydration is very dangerous for a child, and you don’t want to take any chances. However, if the kid is older and just plain sick, this drink won’t hurt them in the least. Just remember, no honey to babies under a year old.