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Mai Ya (麥芽), sprouted barley, reduces food stagnation (especially from starchy, grain foods), strengthens the Stomach, and in large doses reduces lactation; it also helps to spread Liver qi.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Hordeum vulgare (Fructus Hordei Germinatus)
Common English Name
Barley sprout
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach, Liver
Actions & Functions
- Reduces food stagnation (especially starchy foods) and strengthens the Stomach
- Reduces lactation and relieves breast distension (large dose)
- Helps spread Liver qi
Indications
Food stagnation with abdominal fullness and poor appetite; and weaning or breast distension from excess milk (large dose).
Dosage
9-15 g (30-120 g to stop lactation) in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Shan Zha and Shen Qu for food stagnation.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid large doses in nursing mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding.