A Ming dynasty medicine manual states: "The major functions of pearl barley are the relief of muscle cramps, rheumatism and gas, and the promotion of a healthy respiratory and circulatory system."
目前全球熱帶及溫帶地區都有栽種薏苡：熱帶地區所產的薏苡株高、籽粒大、水份重，國內所產多屬此類；溫帶地區的薏苡則籽粒較小、水份少、硬度低、易煮熟，較受歡迎。