Barley is considered to be the first cereal grain cultivated by humans. Its medicinal and food use dates back to 7000 bc. Crop reports on barley date back to 2440 bc, and the chinese were cultivating barley circa 2000 bc. Since biblical times, ancient asian and middle eastern cultures reportedly included young wheat and barley grass plants in their diets. Historically, the plant species was used in the treatment of skin, liver, blood, and gi disorders. Ancient greeks used the mucilage derived from the cereal to treat gi inflammations. Gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. The roman physician pliny used barley as part of a ritualized cure for boils.

Barley is considered to be the first cereal grain cultivated by humans. Its medicinal and food use dates back to 7000 bc. Crop reports on barley date back to 2440 bc, and the chinese were cultivating barley circa 2000 bc. Since biblical times, ancient asian and middle eastern cultures reportedly included young wheat and barley grass plants in their diets. Historically, the plant species was used in the treatment of skin, liver, blood, and gi disorders. Ancient greeks used the mucilage derived from the cereal to treat gi inflammations. Gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. The roman physician pliny used barley as part of a ritualized cure for boils.