Job's Tears in Chinese Medicine

Job’s tears, also known as Coix seeds or Yi Yi Ren in Chinese, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. This small grain is more than just food—it is valued as both a medicine and a nutritional supplement. In Chinese medicine, Job’s tears are believed to strengthen the body, drain excess dampness, and improve digestion.

Nature and Flavor

In TCM, Job’s tears are classified as:

  • Nature: Slightly cold

  • Flavor: Sweet and bland

  • Organs affected: Spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney

These qualities mean it helps remove dampness, supports the spleen and stomach, and reduces swelling in the body.

Health Benefits in TCM

1. Strengthens the Spleen and Improves Digestion

A weak spleen can cause poor appetite, loose stools, and bloating. Job’s tears are commonly prescribed to strengthen the spleen, improving how the body processes food and fluids.

2. Removes Dampness and Relieves Edema

Excess dampness in the body can lead to swelling, heaviness, or difficulty urinating. Job’s tears help drain dampness and are often used for conditions like edema and water retention.

3. Clears Heat and Expels Pus

In TCM, Job’s tears are known to reduce internal heat and help clear infections. They are sometimes used in herbal formulas for skin problems such as boils, acne, and abscesses.

4. Supports Joint and Bone Health

Because of its dampness-draining properties, Job’s tears are used in treating joint pain and stiffness related to “damp obstruction,” a pattern often linked with arthritis.

Common Uses and Preparations

  • As Food: Cooked like rice or added to soups, porridge, and teas.

  • For Edema: Combined with herbs like adzuki bean or corn silk to promote urination and reduce swelling.

  • For Skin Issues: Used in formulas for acne, warts, and chronic skin problems.

  • For Digestive Issues: Prepared as porridge to ease diarrhea and strengthen digestion.

Precautions

  • Because Job’s tears are slightly cold, they may not be suitable for people with very weak digestion or cold-type conditions (like chronic loose stools or cold hands and feet).

  • Pregnant women should avoid large doses unless directed by a practitioner.

Final Thoughts on Job's Tears

Job’s tears are a powerful food-medicine in Chinese medicine, offering benefits for digestion, swelling, skin health, and joint pain. By strengthening the spleen and removing dampness, they help restore balance in the body.