Youyang Job's Tears

Last updated 2026-11-15 — Job's tears are highly nutritious and are hailed as the "king of the world's grass family plants." They can be consumed as a grain, with a taste similar to rice, and are easy to digest and absorb. They can be used in porridge or soup. In summer and autumn, cooking them with winter melon makes for a dish that serves both as a meal accompaniment and helps clear summer heat and remove dampness. Rich in nutrients, Job's tears are a good medicinal food suitable for patients recovering from prolonged illness, post-operative recovery, the elderly, new mothers, and children, and can be consumed regularly. Whether used for nourishment or treatment, their effects are relatively mild—slightly cool without harming the stomach, and beneficial to the spleen without being greasy. It has been reported that the active component in Job's tears for treating illnesses, coixenolide, not only provides nourishing effects but also acts as an anti-cancer agent that can inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, making it useful for gastric cancer and cervical cancer. The job’s tears alcohol found in the roots of the plant, in addition to having the same effects as coixenolide, also offers blood pressure-lowering, diuretic, antipyretic, and deworming properties, making it suitable for conditions such as hypertension, urinary tract stones, urinary tract infections, and roundworm disease. The leaves of Job's tears can be boiled to make a tea that has a fragrant taste and can help promote urination. The common dosage of Job's tears is 20–30 grams, which can be increased up to 60 grams for those with serious conditions.