The Healing Power of Barley Talbina Recipe: A Natural Remedy for Shattered Hearts

I must admit, the title above does sound quite dramatic, doesn't it? However, the truth is, this porridge is like a soothing balm for the soul. Several years ago, I came across an article extolling the virtues of Talbina. Talbina, a soup/porridge recommended by the beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a humble yet nutritious dish made from ground barley, and it boasts a multitude of health advantages.

Barley Porridge, Talbina Benefit

There are many benefits to eating Barley. Other than this being a sunnah food (recommended by the Prophet Muhammed ﷺ). 

Aishah r.a. used to recommend Talbina (a kind of porridge prepared from milk, honey and white flour, etc.) for the sick and for the one grieving over a dead person. She used to say, "I heard Allah's Messenger ﷺ saying, 'Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and makes it active, and relieves some of his sorrow and grief," Sahih Al Bukhaari 

A'ishah r.a. narrated, "If any of the Allah's Messenger ﷺ  family became ill, the Messenger ﷺ would say, 'It soothes the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart just as one of you cleans dirt off his face with water," - Sahih Ibn Majjah

Some of the benefits are listed below:

1. Healing Digestive Disorders
2. Aiding in Alleviating Sadness and Depression
3. Managing High Blood Pressure
4. Assisting in Controlling Blood Cholesterol Levels
5. Addressing Sleep Disorders
6. Strengthening the Immune System

How to Make Talbina

Ingredients:

2 tbsp of Barley (If you have whole barley, make sure to finely blend and roast it slightly or cook it overnight in a slow cooker. Alternatively, you can also purchase barley flour online for convenience)

1 1/2 cup of milk

1 tbsp of honey 

Spices (Optional - Saffron, Cardamom, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon) 

Toppings - Nuts (Pistachio, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Pecans), Dried fruits (cranberry, tin, apricot, kiwi, dates), Fruits (Bananas), Sweetener (Date Syrup, Honey, Maple Syrup, Agave), Butter (Nut butter, Tahini, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Put the milk in a pot on medium heat and throw in the barley flour. Use the finer particles of the flour.
2. Cook for about 10-15 minutes. Constantly stir to avoid lumpiness. The mixture will be thickened a bit.
3. Sweeten with honey and serve.

There are numerous benefits to be gained from consuming this Sunnah food. Its ingredients are readily available, and it's not difficult to prepare. From now on, we can incorporate it into our diet, and may we all enjoy improved health, InsyaAllah, and Happy Friday!