Job's Tears

율무 (薏苡仁) · Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf

Dampness-draining, water-disinhibiting herb Slightly cold (some sources: neutral) Sweet Spleen, Stomach, Lung

NatureSlightly cold (some sources: neutral)

TasteSweet

MeridiansSpleen, Stomach, Lung

Part usedSeed

FamilyPoaceae

CategoryDampness-draining, water-disinhibiting herb

Find by concern: Cough Joint pain Muscle cramps

Overview

Job's tears is popular today as a diet and skin-care grain, but the Donguibogam notes something modern fans often miss: its action is gentle and slow, so it must be used in larger amounts than other herbs to show effect — a genuine reason it works best as a food eaten regularly rather than a quick fix.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性微寒一云平, 味甘, 無毒. 主肺痿肺氣吐膿血咳嗽. 又主風濕痺, 筋脉攣急, 乾濕脚氣.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is slightly cold (some say neutral), its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats lung wasting and lung-qi conditions with coughing up pus and blood. It also treats wind-damp painful obstruction, tendon spasm and contracture, and both dry and damp forms of leg qi.

Traditional functions

Drains dampness
Strengthens the spleen
Relieves wind-damp painful obstruction
Clears lung heat

Traditional applications

Chronic cough with phlegm or blood-tinged sputum
Wind-damp joint pain
Muscle cramps or spasm
Leg swelling and heaviness

Traditional preparation

Decoction 12–30g (larger doses than typical, per the classics), or eaten regularly as a grain/porridge.

Cautions

Caution: The classics note its effect is gentle and slow, requiring larger amounts used consistently; not suited to pregnancy in concentrated medicinal doses without professional guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some people say Job's tears "doesn't work fast enough"?

The Donguibogam itself explains this: its action is gentle and slow, so it must be used in larger amounts and more consistently than sharper-acting herbs — it is better suited to regular use as a food than a quick remedy.

What did the Donguibogam record it for, beyond diet and skin?

Primarily lung conditions with coughing up phlegm or blood, and wind-damp joint pain and leg swelling (脚氣) — uses distinct from its modern diet-food reputation.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.