Job's Tears

Five or six species of annual and perennial grasses make up this tropical Asian genus. Coix lachryma-jobi has been grown as an ornamental since antiquity. It is an interesting plant for summer bedding, though in cool areas the fruits may not ripen. Theophrastus gave the name Coix to a reed-like plant. Coix lachryma-jobi was first described in Chinese medicine c. CE200 and is widely used in Chinese patent remedies. The pearl-gray fruits are worn as necklaces in Columbia and Cuba to prevent tooth decay.

Robust, upright, annual grass, with linear leaves, to 60cm (24in) long, and arching inflorescences with racemes of separate male and female spikelets in summer. Female flowers are enclosed in hard, tear-shaped husk, green at first, turning gray or gray-mauve when ripe. Male flowers are borne in clusters at the end of the flower spike.


Common Name:
Job's Tears
Botanical Name:
Coix-lachryma-jobi
Genus:
Coix
Family:
Poaceae
Native Location:
SE Asia
Cultivation:
Moist soil in sun. May be affected by powdery mildew.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 13-16°C (55-61°F)
Harvest:
Fruits are collected when ripe in autumn, and the husks are removed before using fresh, roasted, or fermented.
Height:
45cm-1.5m (1½-5ft)
Width:
30cm (12in)
Hardiness:
Half hardy
Parts Used:
Fruits (yi yi ren)
Properties:
A sweet, cooling herb that reduces inflammation, relieves pain and spasms, lowers fever, and controls bacterial and fungal infections. It acts mainly as a spleen tonic and has sedative effects. Large doses lower blood sugar levels.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for arthritis (especially rheumatoid), urinary problems, lung abscesses, and diarrhea associated with spleen weakness; liquor from fermented seeds is given for rheumatic pain. Not given to pregnant women.
Culinary Uses:
Seeds can be hulled and boiled like rice or ground as flour. Grains are also added to soups and desserts, or brewed into beer (India). Seeds used for making tea (Japan).
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 175