Yi Yi Ren – Job’s Tears Seed – Semen Coicis

Yi Yi Ren, commonly known as Coix seed or Job’s Tears, is a mild and nourishing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to drain dampness, strengthen the Spleen, clear heat, and eliminate abscesses. It is both a food and a medicine, often included in soups, porridges, and decoctions. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for long-term use in conditions involving edema, diarrhea, joint pain, and chronic damp-heat disorders.
Functions & Benefits
Promotes Urination and Drains DampnessEffective for edema, difficult urination, and damp accumulation, especially in the lower body.
Strengthens the Spleen and Aids DigestionUsed for poor appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue due to Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness.
Expels Wind-Damp and Relieves Joint PainHelpful for arthritic or rheumatic pain, especially when joints are heavy, swollen, or painful.
Clears Heat and Expels PusPromotes healing of lung abscesses, intestinal abscesses, and sores by draining damp-heat and resolving toxicity.
IndicationsPeople with edema, urinary difficulty, or swelling caused by dampnessIndividuals experiencing loose stools, poor appetite, or digestive sluggishnessPatients with chronic joint pain or stiffness due to Wind-DampThose with skin or organ abscesses caused by damp-heat
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Pale or normal with white or greasy coating (indicating dampness)Pulse: Moderate or slippery (suggesting damp retention or digestive weakness)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Yi Yi Ren

Damp Accumulation in the Lower Jiao – Edema, scanty urination, heaviness

Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness – Fatigue, diarrhea, bloating

Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome – Joint swelling, pain, limited mobility

Damp-Heat Sores or Abscesses – Lung abscess, skin infections

Precautions & ContraindicationsUse cautiously in individuals with dryness or Yin deficiency, as Yi Yi Ren has a mild drying effectNot suitable for frequent urination from deficiency coldAvoid overuse in pregnancy, especially in large doses
ConclusionYi Yi Ren is a mild, food-grade herb in TCM used to resolve dampness, support digestion, relieve pain, and clear heat-related toxicity. Its gentle and nourishing action makes it a key ingredient in formulas for digestive weakness, edema, joint disorders, and abscesses, offering both therapeutic and dietary versatility.