Your Mary Poppins reference for the day.
Barley has a long history as a lactogenic food–a food that supports lactation. My current favorite way to increase lacto-potential is to make fennel/oatstraw/nettles tea with barley water.
To make barley water, I put 1/4 cup of barley in a quart of water. Simmer for 20 minutes. The remaining water makes my tea. I’ve found a yummy way to eat the barley itself. I mix it with pineapple, maple syrup, and cinnamon and eat it warm.
Meanwhile, why would a nanny smell of barley water? What was she using it for??
Inexplicable Ways 
I have always wondered about that line! What does it smell like?
It smells like grain. But it is a very mild smell. Not at all unpleasant.
I always thought they were referring to beer.
😀 love the tea, and reference to my favorite nanny
I fancy myself a decent “googler.” And it is driving me crazy that I can’t get a definitive answer on this reference! Sharon may be right. It could be beer. But there was also a popular British barley water drink in 1823 that was sometimes used as a health tonic. I want to know the answer!
So great to know that I am not the only one puzzled by this reference!!!! LOL
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