Yi Yi Ren (Seeds of Job's Tears)

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

Channels:
SP, LU, KI

Properties:
Sweet, Bland, Slightly Cold

Latin Name:
Semen Coicis Lachyrma-jobi

Alternate 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

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- 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.