Coix Seed Whole (Coix Lacryma-Jobi Var. Ma-Yuen)

Coix Seed Whole (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen), commonly known as Job’s Tears and in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁), is a mild, slightly sweet, and cooling grain-like seed used to drain dampness, strengthen the spleen, promote urination, and support joint and skin health. This cultivated variety is preferred for internal use due to its softer texture and greater digestibility compared to the wild type.

Yi Yi Ren is a key herb in TCM for addressing dampness accumulation, which can manifest as edema, loose stools, leg swelling, or a heavy sensation in the body. It is also used to clear heat and expel pus, making it useful for certain skin conditions such as boils or acne, and to relieve joint pain or stiffness associated with wind-damp obstruction. While it promotes fluid metabolism, it is also gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for long-term use.

When cooked, Coix seed becomes tender with a mild, nutty flavor, making it ideal for soups, porridges, teas, and herbal decoctions. It is often combined with herbs like Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), or Dong Gua Ren (Winter Melon Seed) in dampness-resolving formulas.

Each batch of Coix Seed Whole (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) is carefully harvested, cleaned, and dried to preserve its purity and nutritional value. Whether used in culinary preparations or traditional herbal formulas, Yi Yi Ren provides a gentle, effective way to support digestion, promote fluid balance, and clear internal damp-heat from the body.