Can pregnant women drink barley tea?
Disease description:
Female, 28 years old. Recently diagnosed as pregnant; experiencing mild constipation. A friend suggested drinking barley tea—may pregnant women consume barley tea?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Yanli
Hello! Roasted barley—lightly toasted until golden brown—can be boiled to make a delicious barley tea or simply steeped in boiling water. This beverage boasts a pleasant, aromatic scent of roasted grain and offers excellent benefits for soothing and warming the stomach. However, barley tea is not suitable for everyone. So, can pregnant women drink barley tea? Let’s explore this together.
Barley tea contains no theophylline, caffeine, tannins, or other stimulants; thus, it does not overstimulate the nervous system or interfere with sleep—making it generally safe for pregnant women. When consumed in moderation, barley tea poses no harm to health. Nevertheless, drinking overly concentrated or excessive amounts may cause diarrhea, and chilled barley tea may excessively stimulate gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, due to its sweet, mild nature and circulatory-enhancing properties, consuming barley tea on an empty stomach is not advisable and may adversely affect health. Pregnant women with inherently weak gastrointestinal function should also avoid barley tea to prevent discomfort.
