Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Nutrient Content | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Coix lacryma-jobi
- Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen
- Coix lacryma-jobi var. stenocarpa
Common Names
- Job’s Tears
- Adlay
- Adlay Millet
- Chinese Pearl Barley
- Coix Seed
- Tear Grass
- Yi Yi Ren
Parts Usually Used
The root, seed kernels, and dried ripe seeds are commonly used. The stem is sometimes also utilized.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Job’s tears is an annual grass crop that grows up to 1.8 meters tall. It has broad leaves and produces distinctive tear-shaped seeds that come in various colors including yellow, brown, white, and purple. The plant produces male and female flowers separately, with male flowers appearing in clusters at the end of flower spikes. Female flowers develop into hard, pearl-like grains enclosed in a tear-shaped husk that turns from green to pearl gray when ripe.
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Where Found
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly India, Myanmar, China, and Malaysia. It is widely cultivated throughout China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian countries. The plant has been naturalized in the southern United States and tropical regions of the New World. It grows best in areas with higher elevation where rice and corn may not thrive well.
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Medicinal Properties
Job’s tears demonstrates potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. It contains chemicals that may interfere with cancer cell growth and decrease the growth of bacteria and parasites. The plant shows effectiveness in treating allergies, reducing cholesterol levels, and managing blood sugar.
Research indicates potential benefits for treating various conditions including hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, and liver problems. It also shows promise in supporting reproductive health and modulating gut microbiota.
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Biochemical Information
Contains various active compounds including alkaloids (berberine), terpenoids, lignans, steroids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, proteins, fiber, vitamins, and oils. The plant is particularly rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
These are traditional uses for Job’s Tears in many areas of the world:
Japan:
- Called “juzudama” meaning Buddhist rosary beads
- Used by children for making necklaces
- Used in special Buddhist rosaries called “irataka no juzu” by yamabushi ascetics
- Usage predates Buddhism in Japan (before 552 CE)
Thailand/Myanmar Border Region:
- Akha people use beads exclusively on women’s apparel (headwear, jackets, handbags)
- Karen people use oblong seeds specifically on married women’s jackets
- Used for making necklaces, particularly in Chiang Rai Province
- Known as “cheik” in Burmese
Borneo:
Used as ornaments by multiple indigenous tribes including:
- Kelabit people (Sarawak and North Kalimantan)
- Kadazandusun people (Sabah)
- Murut people (Sabah)
- Kayan people (for clothing and war dress decoration)
Philippines:
- Known as “tigbí” in Tagalog and “adlái” in Bikol
- Used for making rosaries
- Made into bead curtains (particularly by Tboli people)
- Woven into baskets and vessels
Americas:
- Known as “calandula” in Spanish colonial territories
- Used for rosaries in Puerto Rico
- Called “corn beads” or “Cherokee corn beads” by Cherokee people
- Used for personal adornment by both Eastern Band and Oklahoma Cherokee
The seeds were particularly valuable for ornamental use because they naturally have holes in them, eliminating the need for artificial piercing. This made them ideal for beadwork across many cultures.
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Uses
Job’s tears has multiple uses across different cultures:
- As a food grain, cooked like rice or ground into flour
- In traditional medicine for treating various ailments
- As beads for making jewelry and religious items
- In beverages including teas and alcoholic drinks
- As a nutritional supplement
- In soups and desserts in Asian cuisine
Formulas or Dosages
The appropriate dose depends on factors such as age, health status, and specific conditions. Currently, there is not enough scientific information to determine standard dosing ranges. When consumed as food, typical serving sizes vary by preparation method.
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Nutrient Content
Job’s tears contains by mass:
- 65% Carbohydrates
- 14% Protein
- 5% Fat
- 3% Crude fiber
- 0.07% Calcium
- 0.242% Phosphorus
- 0.001% Iron
How Sold
Available commercially as whole grains, flour, supplements in pill or capsule form, and as an ingredient in various prepared foods and beverages.
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Warning
Job’s tears may be unsafe during pregnancy as research suggests it could harm developing embryos and cause uterine contractions. It may interact with diabetes medications and could affect blood sugar control during surgery. Not recommended during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
People with autoimmune conditions should use caution as it may stimulate immune system activity. Those taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential interactions.
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Resource Links
Discover the Benefits and Uses of Jobs Tears Grain
Me & Qi – Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Mountain Herb Estate – JOB’S TEARS
Livestrong.com – The Health Benefits of Job’s Tears
Medium.com – Job’s Tears: A Versatile Plant for Food and Medicine
WebMD – Job’S Tears – Uses, Side Effects, and More