Mai Ya (Fructus Hordei Germinatus) is the germinated fruit of Hordeum vulgare L., family Gramineae. It is produced widely across China and is used in either its crude form or after stir-baking to a yellow colour.
Category: Removing Food Stagnation.
Common Name: Sprouted Barley; Malt.
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Liver.
Properties and Functions: Mai Ya is sweet in flavour and neutral in nature. It aids digestion to reduce food stagnation, harmonises the Spleen and Stomach, restrains lactation and smooths the flow of Liver Qi.
Indications: Clinical applications for use include:
- Food accumulation and indigestion with epigastric distress and abdominal distention. It is commonly combined with Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi) and Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata).
- Poor transportation and transformation due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency.
- For stopping lactation in breastfeeding women and treats distention and pain of the breast due to galactostasis.
Dosage: 9 – 15g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Should not be used by women actively breast feeding. It contains gluten so is unsuitable for celiac or gluten intolerant patients.