The Efficacy and Usage of Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)
Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), also known as Job’s tears, is the mature seed of the plant Coix lacryma-jobi, belonging to the Poaceae family. It is renowned as “the best rice in the world.” Coix Seed is both edible and medicinal; in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is referred to as Yi Yi Ren, while in culinary contexts, it is commonly called Job’s tears.
Main Efficacy
Coix Seed has a sweet and bland flavor, with a slightly cold nature, and it enters the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians. It is known for its ability to promote urination and drain dampness, strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea, dispel wind-dampness, and clear heat and pus. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that Coix Seed also has antipyretic, analgesic, and blood sugar-lowering effects.
Daily Applications
Coix Seed Porridge
50 grams of Coix Seed and 100 grams of japonica rice. Soak the Coix Seed and japonica rice in warm water for about 40 minutes, then place them in a pot with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the porridge is ready. This porridge strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness, suitable for patients with spleen deficiency and excess dampness, loss of appetite, loose stools, and lower limb edema.
Coix Seed, Red Bean, and Lotus Seed Porridge
50 grams of Coix Seed, 10 lotus seeds, and 30 grams of red beans. Soak the red beans, Coix Seed, and lotus seeds for about 40 minutes. In a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, then add the soaked ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and cook until the porridge thickens. Add rock sugar to taste. This porridge can dispel dampness, strengthen the spleen, clear heat, detoxify, nourish the heart, and calm the spirit.
Coix Seed, Mung Bean, and Dried Tangerine Peel Sweet Soup
Soak the Coix Seed and mung beans in advance, and soften the dried tangerine peel. Then place them in a pot and simmer until soft, adding rock sugar to taste. This dish is an excellent summer refreshment, capable of clearing heat, detoxifying, strengthening the spleen, and reducing swelling.
Coix Seed and Black Bean Soy Milk
50 grams of Coix Seed and 30 grams of black beans. Place the soaked Coix Seed and black beans in a blender, add an appropriate amount of water, and select the “soy milk” program. You can add sugar to taste. This soy milk has the effects of strengthening the spleen, benefiting the kidneys, and transforming dampness.
(All images are sourced from the internet)
Precautions
1. Use with caution for those with insufficient body fluids.
2. Use with caution for those with spleen deficiency without dampness, constipation, and pregnant women.
3. Fresh Coix Seed is suitable for clearing damp-heat, while roasted Coix Seed is suitable for strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea.
Written by: Xu Jing
Edited by: Party Building Office