Job's Tears

Parts Usually Used

The root, seed kernels, and dried ripe seeds are commonly used. The stem is sometimes also utilized.

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Uses

Historically, various cultures utilized Job’s tears as a dietary staple, cooking the grains in the manner of rice, grinding them into flour, and incorporating them into Asian soups and desserts. Traditional herbalists employed the plant in remedies intended to address a range of ailments, and it was consumed in preparations such as teas, alcoholic beverages, and general tonics.

Beyond culinary and medicinal traditions, communities frequently used the hard seeds as ornamental beads for crafting jewelry and religious objects.

How Sold

Available commercially as whole grains, flour, supplements in pill or capsule form, and as an ingredient in various prepared foods and beverages.