Water Chestnut and Barley Soy Milk

Why people make this drink

Bad breath can be an awkward social problem, and while dental hygiene is always the first thing to check, Nourilo often sees it linked to what he calls “stomach heat” — a pattern in traditional food therapy associated with eating too much fried, spicy, or rich food, which causes a kind of fermented, stale odor from the digestive tract. This drink works gently from the inside: water chestnut is refreshingly cooling and helps clear intestinal build-up, while barley — used here in both its raw and pre-cooked forms — supports digestion and drains excess dampness. Soy milk adds a mild, creamy base and extends the drink. Together they make a naturally sweet, pleasant beverage that can be drunk warm or at room temperature.