Yi Yi Ren
StarCoix lacryma-jobi
Synonyms: Sphaerium lacryma, Coix ovata, Coix pendula, Lithagrostis lacryma-jobi, Coix lacryma
☯ TCM Properties
Strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness; Expels Wind-Dampness and relieves pain; Clears Heat and expels pus; Clears Damp-Heat
Traditional Chinese Uses
Yi Yi Ren (coix seed, Job's tears) is a cool, mild herb that drains Dampness and strengthens the Spleen while also clearing Heat and expelling pus. It is used for urinary difficulty, edema, and loose stools from Spleen deficiency with Dampness; for joint pain, heaviness, and stiffness from Damp-Bi; and for Lung and intestinal abscesses involving pus formation from Heat. As a grain that can be eaten as porridge, it is one of the most gentle and food-compatible medicinal herbs in the TCM materia medica.
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (1)
Gallery
Botanical Description
Coix lacryma-jobi is a tall, stout, annual or perennial grass growing 1-2 m tall. Stems are erect, hollow, and branched. Leaves are broadly lance-shaped, 15-40 cm long and 1.5-3.5 cm wide. The plant is monoecious: male flower spikes emerge from the top of leaf sheaths, while the female florets are enclosed in hard, bead-like involucres (the pseudo-grain, Job tears). The mature involucres are hard, shiny, grey-white to blue-grey, 7-12 mm long. The actual seed (Yi Yi Ren) is white, oval, and starchy inside the hard involucre.
Moist tropical and subtropical habitats including stream banks, rice paddies, forest margins, and disturbed areas; native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
Coix lacryma-jobi is widely cultivated throughout Asia as a food and medicinal crop and is naturalized in many regions. No conservation concerns.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30 g | daily | — | adult | Commonly 15-30 g; larger doses used for Damp-Heat |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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