Barley : Wonder Grain Of The Ancients

Consider the barley field.  First jostled by the winds that swept across the Fertile Crescent over ten thousand years ago.  It's cultivation was arguably one of the keys to the ascendancy of early Eurasian civilisation.  

Barley bread quickly became a staple across the pre-Roman world.  The Sumerians had a goddess of beer called Ninkasi, her hymn effectively a recipe for the brewing process itself an important daily ritual.  Homer refers to kykeon, a barley-water drink widely favoured by the man and woman out working the fields, a simple cooling refreshment often mixed with mint or thyme. Tisane, a word we use today to describe herbal infusions consumed for medicinal purposes derives from the Greek ptisanē, crushed barley.

Silver coin with ear of barley (symbol of wealth)

Southern Italy, 520-510 BC

We at Ku Retreats love it for it's therapeutic properties and there are many.  Whole cereal grains form the largest element of the modern macrobiotic diet, between 40-60% of daily consumption. Pearl barley is commonly used in cooking, while roasted barley tea or orzo (an Italian caffeine-free coffee-style barley drink) are a favourite for quenching the thirst.

Fourteen hundred years ago the Prophet Muhammad was prescribing barley for various diseases and it is still being championed for helping to counteract numerous physical ailments, some life-threatening:

• reduces risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer
• lowers blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• can neutralize many digestive and intestinal complaints including gallstones
• eases asthma and bronchitis

It is also rammed full of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, fatty oils and antioxidants.

Not bad for a little dull-cloured grain.

Make your own barley water 

The simplest recipes are the ones that tend to last. There are many variations, adaptations etc. but this is the basis. 

Rinse approx. 150g (5oz) or pearl barley and add to a pan of approx. 1.5 litres of spring water.  Bring to the boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes.  Strain and refrigerate your fresh wholesome barley water.  Lemon or lime juice can be added for taste.  Can be kept for about three days.

Add cooked barley to salads, soups, stews, cakes, smoothies...

Helping You Cross The Great River

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden 
~ Goethe

Even when memory fails, the past remains intact.  It exerts a kind of power over us.  We are partly formed by all those we're descended from, crowding out the shadows.  From the moment of our own conception we are subject to chance. The unreachable itches of our past can flare up unexpectedly and for no good reason.   

Sometimes we just need time to reflect and find new ways to journey on.

At Ku Retreats we believe that to evolve it is essential to focus on what it is that has happened to us. “Ku” is the 18^th hexagram of I Ching or Book of Changes. It represents ‘restoration’, ‘work on what has been decayed’, the review and reversal of processes.  Progress may be hindered when problems have not been dealt with properly.  They can be dismissed but linger.

It's important to identify and address sources of any pain and anger, known in I Ching as 'crossing the great river.'  It’s not an easy process but dry land awaits so that we are able to move forwards.

We provide seven days of respite and calm evaluation.  Our healing therapies will give you the strength to withstand any snags and traps and show that you're not alone. Now would be the time to confront what is holding you back, to test the current and plunge in. 

Ku Retreats at Ca Na Xica!

Following the great success of our premier season of Ku Retreats Ibiza last year at our Mountain Top Villa, this year we have extended the range of options available. In 2015 guests can choose from two types of retreats offering two types of accommodation:

Can Pino Mountaintop Villa - the original Ku Retreats venue.

This is the ideal Ibiza-style escape. Surrounded by beautiful pine forest, you will certainly feel close to nature here. Catering to a small number of people, this private villa boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a chillout area, and has a myriad of stunning walks right on its doorstep. If you are looking for a retreat with a homey feel, delicious healthy home-made food, a strong dedicated daily yoga practice and an insight into how to boost your wellbeing, Can Pino is the place for you.

For those looking for a luxury surrounding as well as a more relaxed style of yoga practice, we offer retreats at Ca Na Xica. This luxury boutique hotel and Spa is a true hidden gem of Ibiza. Surrounded by olive trees and fruit trees and with 20 spacious and stylish suites, this luxurious hotel prides itself on providing a 5* service. Spend your days lounging by the pool, indulge in relaxing spa treatments, taste the delicious food on offer at the Restaurant, join daily yoga classes and give yourself a gentle wellness boost in the right direction.