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Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁), the seed of Coix (Job’s tears), promotes urination and drains dampness, strengthens the Spleen, clears damp-heat, expels pus and relieves wind-damp painful obstruction; a gentle food-herb.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Coix lacryma-jobi (Semen Coicis)
Common English Name
Coix seed / Job's tears
Taste
Sweet, bland
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach, Lung
Actions & Functions
- Promotes urination and drains dampness; strengthens the Spleen
- Clears damp-heat and expels pus (Lung and intestinal abscess)
- Relieves wind-damp painful obstruction
Indications
Oedema, scanty urination and damp diarrhoea; Lung and intestinal abscess; and wind-damp painful obstruction with cramping.
Dosage
9-30 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Fu Ling and Bai Zhu to strengthen the Spleen and drain damp.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnancy and in constipation from fluid deficiency.
