Hordei Fructus Germinatus Praeparatus
Aliases：Da Mai Ya、Mai Nie、Da Mai Nie、Da Mai Mao、Cao Da Mai、Mai Nie
Chao Maiya (Stir‑fried Barley Sprout), a Chinese medicinal, is the processed product obtained by germinating and drying the mature fruit of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), followed by stir‑frying (qing chao).
Efficacy & Actions
Move qi to promote digestion, fortify the Spleen and stimulate appetite, and reduce lactation to relieve breast distension.
Indications
Food stagnation with indigestion, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, poor appetite due to spleen deficiency, milk stasis, breast distension and pain, and weaning (lactation suppression).
Modern Pharmacology
Digestive aid: The α‑amylase and β‑amylase present in malt break down starch into maltose and dextrins, thereby promoting digestion and absorption of food. Lactation suppression (anti‑galactagogue): A high dose (60–120 g) inhibits prolactin release, producing a rapid and potent lactation‑suppressing effect. Soothing liver and relieving depression: Raw malt (unprocessed) has the action of soothing the liver and regulating qi; stir‑fried malt has a weaker effect in this regard. Hypoglycemic effect: The β‑glucans in malt delay glucose absorption, helping to stabilize postprandial blood sugar levels. Strengthening spleen and stimulating appetite: It promotes the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, thereby enhancing appetite. Antioxidant effect: Flavonoids present in malt scavenge free radicals. Antifungal effect: Hordenine (barley alkaloid) exhibits certain antifungal activity.
Ingredients
Enzymes: α-Amylase, β-amylase, invertase, proteolytic enzymes Alkaloids: Hordenine Flavonoids: Triticin, quercetin, kaempferol, catechin Organic acids: Ferulic acid Others: Proteins, maltose, glucose, dextrin, B vitamins, lecithin, amino acids, and various trace elements
Usage & Dosage
Usual dosage: 10–15 g in decoction. Dosage for lactation suppression: 60–120 g of stir‑fried product, taken in large doses. Precautions for administration: May be used alone or in combination when taken as a decoction. For lactation suppression, it should be taken continuously for 3–5 days.
Contraindications
Absolute contraindication: Contraindicated in breastfeeding women (unless lactation suppression is intended). Use with caution in: Pregnant women; those without food stagnation; those with yin deficiency with blazing fire or phlegm‑fire asthma. Incompatibility with other herbs: Should not be used together with Sanguisorbae Radix (Diyu), Agrimoniae Herba (Xianhecao), Platycladi Cacumen (Cebaiye), Polygoni Avicularis Herba (Bianxu), Galla Chinensis (Wubeizi), or Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma (Huzhang) – as these may reduce its efficacy. Precautions: Breastfeeding women should avoid large doses unless weaning is desired; use with caution in those with hyperacidity or allergic constitution. Avoid overdose: Long‑term or excessive use may cause dryness‑heat and damage yi
Selected Formulas
With Shanzha (hawthorn) and Shenqu (medicated leaven) – Baohe Wan Action: Promotes digestion and removes food stagnation. Indicated for food accumulation, epigastric and abdominal distension, and dyspepsia. With Baizhu (Atractylodes) and Fuling (Poria) – Shenling Baizhu San Action: Strengthens the spleen and removes dampness. Indicated for spleen‑deficiency diarrhea and poor appetite. With Chaihu (Bupleurum) and Xiangfu (Cyperus) Action: Soothes the liver and relieves depression. Indicated for liver qi stagnation with chest and hypochondriac distension. With Shanyao (Chinese yam) Action: Strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea. Indicated for poor appetite and loose stools due to spleen deficiency. With Zhike (bitter orange) and Qingpi (green tangerine peel) Action: Moves qi and reduces distension. Indicated for epigastric and abdominal distension with pain.
Daily Consumption
1. Hawthorn and Barley Sprout Drink Ingredients: 10 g stir‑fried barley sprout, 10 g hawthorn (dried), appropriate amount of brown sugar. Preparation: Place the hawthorn and stir‑fried barley sprout in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and add brown sugar to taste. Action: Fortifies the stomach, promotes digestion and relieves food stagnation. Indicated for food retention, dyspepsia, infantile milk stagnation, spleen‑stomach weakness, and poor appetite. 2. Malt and Hawthorn Drink Ingredients: 10 g stir‑fried barley sprout, 3 g stir‑fried hawthorn slices, appropriate amount of brown sugar. Preparation: Add 1 bowl of water and decoct the ingredients for 15 minutes, then strain the liquid. Add brown sugar to taste. Action: Promotes digestion, relieves food stagnation, fortifies the spleen and stimulates appetite. Used for diarrhea due to food injury, anorexia, and abdominal distension. 3. Stir‑fried Barley Sprout Congee Ingredients: 15 g stir‑fried barley sprout, 50 g japonica rice. Preparation: Decoct the stir‑fried barley sprout in water to obtain the liquid, then cook the rice with this liquid to make congee. Action: Fortifies the spleen and promotes digestion. Indicated for food stagnation and poor appetite. 4. Stir‑fried Barley Sprout Tea (for suppressing lactation) Ingredients: 60–120 g stir‑fried barley sprout. Preparation: Decoct in water and drink as tea. One dose per day, continue for 3–5 days. Action: Suppresses lactation and relieves breast distension. Used for weaning and for breast distension and pain due to milk stasis.
Medicinal Parts
germinated caryopsis (processed product)
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture and insects.