Chinese Herbs: Yi Yi Ren (Seeds of Job's Tears), Semen Coicis Lachyrma-jobi

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"The Lungs control dissemination and descending of Qi"

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Drug Interactions Incompatible Herbs Toxic or Endangered Latin Name Notes

Herb 24 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

SP, LU, KI

Properties:

Sweet, Bland, Slightly Cold

Latin:

Semen Coicis Lachyrma-jobi

Chinese:

薏苡仁

Tone Marks:

yì yĭ rén

Alt Names:

Yi Ren, Yi Mi, Yi Ren Mi

Actions

Tonifies the Spleen, Resolves Dampness
For dysuria, edema, leg qi, diarrhea, and damp febrile disorders due to Spleen deficiency leading to dampness.
Clears Wind-Damp, Relieves Pain and Spasms
For stiff joints, muscle spasm and tendon pain due to wind damp painful obstruction.
Clears Heat and Expels Pus
For lung and intestinal abscesses and postulated carbuncles due to heat. Also for any damp-heat disorder with a greasy tongue and digestion problem.

Contraindications and Cautions

None Noted

Herb-Drug Interactions

None Noted

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

10-30 grams in decoction ¹²
9-30 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

This herb is valued for its abilities to treat symptoms of Dampness while strengthening Spleen, much like Fu Ling. The main differences being Yi Yi Ren will clear heat and Fu Ling will calm the Heart.

Clinical Studies and Research

Many in-vivo and in-vitro studies indicate Yi Yi Ren is effective at inhibiting various types of cancer including pancreatic (1), lung (2, 3), and liver (4) cancer.
1. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005 Jul; 20(7):1046-53.
Neutral lipid isolated from endosperm of Job's tears inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells via apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and regulation of gene expression.
2. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jun 4; 51(12):3656-60
Antiproliferative and chemopreventive effects of adlay seed on lung cancer in vitro and in vivo.
3. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Dec 3;51(25):7333-7.
Methanolic extract of adlay seed suppresses COX-2 expression of human lung cancer cells via inhibition of gene transcription.
4. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi. 2002 Dec;10(6):452-4.
Interventional therapy combining Seed of Job's-tears with lipiodol for hepatoma-bearing rats
5. Planta Med. 1994 Aug;60(4):356-9.
Antitumor components isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Coix lachryma-jobi.
6. Biotherapy. 1992;5(3):201-3.
Chinese medicine, Coix seeds increase peripheral cytotoxic T and NK cells.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi
Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Xiang Fu Xuan Fu Hua Tang (Cyperus and Inula Decoction)
Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm
Xuan Bi Tang (Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction)
Formulas that Dispel Wind-Dampness

Herbs References

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition - Dan Bensky
Herb-drug interactions - Fugh-Berman A.
Handbook of Chinese Herbs - Him Che. Yeung
Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Third Edition - Max Wichtl

Formulas References

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies - Dan Bensky
Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas - Him Che. Yeung
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.