Barley grass comes from the sprouted barley grain.  It is a nutrient rich grass that contains high levels of calcium, iron, all of the essential amino acids (those not produced in our bodies)flavinoids, vitamin C, vitamin B12, minerals and enzymes.  It also contains a significant amount of chlorophyll, a very nutritious substance because it contains large amounts of magnesium.

Chlorophyll is useful for increasing blood counts in blood disorders, like anemia, because a molecule of chlorophyll resembles the human hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying) molecule.  By speeding the release of toxins from the bloodstream chlorophyll makes barley grass a valued supplement for detoxification.  Barley grass also has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the intestinal lining.  It is used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis, detoxification, anemia, and during recovery from illness.

As a supplement barley grass is found in tablet or powder form.  If you plan to sprout your own barley be sure to get dried barley that has not be irradiated.  Seeds and grains are irradiated to kill the active plant and prevent them from sprouting.  Green food supplements are combinations of medicinal foods and herbs, and may contain barley grass.

There are no known toxicities, side effects or contraindications to the use of barley grass.