2Mai Ya-Barley dried germinated ripe fruit-Hordeum vulgare

Mai Ya, also known as barley sprout, is the sprouted grain of Hordeum vulgare, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to relieve food stagnation, strengthen digestion, and regulate Liver Qi. It is especially effective for indigestion related to starchy foods, and is also known to inhibit lactation when used in large doses. Mild and neutral in nature, Mai Ya is a widely used herb for digestive complaints, poor appetite, and breast milk suppression.

Functions & Benefits

Relieves Food Stagnation and Strengthens Digestion
Particularly helpful for indigestion, bloating, and poor appetite, especially after eating rice, noodles, bread, or other starchy foods.

Restrains Lactation
In high doses, Mai Ya is used to reduce or stop milk production, often in weaning or when lactation becomes excessive or problematic.

Regulates Liver Qi
Helps in soothing Liver Qi stagnation, particularly when emotional stress leads to poor appetite or digestive discomfort.

Indications
Individuals with bloating, fullness, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort after eating
People trying to stop lactation due to weaning or medical reasons
Those with poor appetite or digestive weakness from Spleen Qi deficiency
Patients with emotional stress contributing to digestive upset

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Normal or slightly greasy coating (indicating food stagnation)
Pulse: Slippery or wiry (suggesting stagnation or mild excess patterns)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Mai Ya
Food Stagnation in the Middle Jiao – Bloating, indigestion, sour belching
Spleen Qi Deficiency with Poor Appetite – Weak digestion, fatigue
Liver Qi Stagnation Affecting Digestion – Abdominal distension, irritability, poor appetite
Excessive Lactation or Weaning – Painful breasts, milk suppression

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in nursing mothers unless the goal is to reduce or stop lactation.
Not recommended in cases of true food deficiency (empty digestion) without stagnation.
Use with caution in individuals with very weak digestion or cold Spleen conditions.

Conclusion
Mai Ya is a gentle, effective herb for digestive support, ideal for treating food stagnation and poor appetite, especially after starchy meals. Its additional ability to inhibit lactation and soothe Liver Qi makes it a versatile herb in both internal and postpartum care in TCM.