Job’s tears, scientific name Coix lacryma-jobi, also known as delay or adlay millet, is a tall grain-bearing perennial tropical plant of the family Poaceae (grass family). It is native to Southeast Asia, but introduced to Northern China and India in remote antiquity, and elsewhere cultivated in gardens as an annual. It has been naturalized in the southern United States and the New World tropics. In its native environment, it is grown at higher elevation areas where rice and corn do not grow well. Job’s tears are also commonly sold as Chinese pearl barley.

There are two main varieties of the species, one wild and one cultivated. The wild variety, Coix lacryma-jobi var. lacryma-jobi, has hard-shelled pseudocarps—very hard, pearly white, oval structures used as beads for making prayer beads or rosaries, necklaces, and other objects. The cultivated variety Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen is harvested as a cereal crop, has a soft shell, and used medicinally in parts of Asia.

Other Name(s):

Adlay, Adlay Millet, Adlay Seed, Chinese Pearl Barley, Coix, Coïx, Coix Lachrymal, Coix Lachryma-jobi, Coix Lacryma, Coix lacryma-jobi, Coix ma-yuen, Coix Seed, Coix stenocarpa, Dehulled Adlay, Herbe aux Perles, Job’s-tears, Lágrimas de Job, Larme-de-Job, Larme-du-Christ, Larmes de Job, Larmille, Hiob’s Tränen-Gras, Hiobsträne, Jobinkyynelheinä, Jobs Tårar, Juzudama, Lagrimas de Job, Lágrimas de Job, Lagrimas de San Pedro, Soft-shelled Job’s Tears, Yi Hato-mugi, Yi Yi, Yi Yi Ren.

Job’s Tears or even Coix lacrymal-job is recognized as several names. Its pharmaceutical name is Semen Coicis Lachrymajobi of the family Gramineae. It’s also known as Coix, yi yi ren, Chi Shih, Chieh Li, Djali Baton and that’s just a start.

This particular annual grass is indigenous to south-east Asia and grows to a height of about 3 feet, with knobbly, bamboo-like stems from the bases of which new ‘tillers’ arise, these occasionally self-layering. The glossy deep green leaves are up to 2 inches wide along with somewhat wavy edges. The flowering, as well as fruiting spikelets, are insignificant, however, the gleaming, pea-sized receptacles which enclose their bases harden in autumn to the pale bluish-gray and also have frequently been utilized for beads along with other ornamental reasons. A few chosen strains are grown for their edible grains. A perennial growing to 1 m by 0.15 m . It really is hardy to zone 9. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to October, and also the seeds ripen from September to November. The flowers are monoecious and therefore are pollinated through the wind.

Job’s tears (Coix lacrymal-Jobi L.), popularly known as coix, are initially from India and now are indigenous to South East Asia regions like China, Japan, the Philippines, Burma, as well as Thailand. Their seeds have already been utilized to make a number of products. The mature seeds right after de-hulling and cleaning are boiled as well as consumed along with cooked rice. The pounded flour is oftentimes also combined with water and taken as such as cooling drink just like barely or flour water. Raw kernels are utilized as peanuts. Job’s tear is utilized by the Garo, Karbi, and Naga tribes for the brewing of beer from the pounded grains (Burkill 1935), in addition to, you can use it in ornamental purposes, rosaries as well as necklaces.

In China, it really is utilized as traditional medicine as well as a supplementary medical food. In Thailand the seed coat is removed and also the seeds are consumed whole. The seeds may also be boiled along with water to create a beverage product, that is available in the market as a substitute for healthy food. The beneficial effects of Job’s tears are decreasing liver fat accumulation, safeguarding from tumor stimulating compounds, protecting against viral infection, decreasing allergic reaction, decreasing coronary artery disease as well as atherosclerosis, and decreasing osteoporosis (Chang et al. 2003; Hung and Change 2003; Chun et al. 2004; Yu et al. 2011). Additionally, Job’s tear grain could be polished and milled as flour and utilized as food components in several types of products. The use of this particular flour in bakery products can also be of interest. Because of the insufficient gluten, dough made from Job’s tear flour won’t be raised. An excellent mixture in bakery products is 70% wheat flour and 30% Job’s tear flour. Numerous studies reported the usage of Job’s tear flour in cookies and bread (Chawakorn 2006; Cheappensuk 2006; Reungkajorn et al. 2007), while the usage of this flour in butter cake has been analyzed earlier only by Kutschera (2011). As a result, this particular contribution aims to report the usage of Job’s tear flour to exchange wheat flour in butter cake. Consumer acceptance of butter cake containing Job’s tear flour is additionally investigated.

Health Benefits of Job’s Tears

Job’s Tears, also referred to as delay and coix, is a member of the grass family and is also well-known in Asian cultures as a food source as well as for making jewelry. However, the plant has additionally been utilized for hundreds of years in folk medicine to deal with a large number of circumstances from arthritis to smallpox. Research investigating Job’s Tears has not been carried out much outside China and Korea, but results from those studies are discovering properties within the plant that could have potent health benefits.

1. Allergies

Among the traditional uses of Job’s Tears is usually to deal with allergies, which includes topical formulations of plant extracts for the allergic skin ailment known as contact dermatitis. Research published within the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” in June 2003 discovered that extracts from the plant also suppressed allergy symptoms in laboratory mice and increased their immune systems.

2. Lower Cholesterol

Diabetic mice were fed the seeds from Job’s Tears plants plus a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks in the research published within the “International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research” in September 2006. In comparison to a control group, the seed-eating mice had considerably decreased amounts of total cholesterol and harmful low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol.

3. Cancer Prevention and Treatment

A number of research teams in China have analyzed the effects of Job’s Tears on cancers of the colon, pancreas, lung, liver, breast as well as leukemia, along with promising results. One research, published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” in September 2008, found extracts of Job’s Tears considerably inhibited fatty acid synthase activity within the liver. This is very important simply because human cancer cells consist of higher levels of fatty-acid synthase, an element associated with intense tumor cell growth.

4. Endocrine Disorders

Job’s Tear’s extracts are utilized to deal with endocrine disorders because of the plant’s capability to reduce hormones just like progesterone and testosterone. In the December 2000 issue of the “Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” painful menstrual symptoms were decreased 90%, which was a far greater result compared to a control group cured with prescription drugs.

5. Gastrointestinal Benefits

Job’s Tears might also have protective benefits for the gastrointestinal system. A June 2011 study within the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” discovered that Job’s Tears seeds inhibited gastric cancer cells in vitro and were also capable to reduce stomach ulcers in mice.

6. Osteoporosis

A survey published in 2008 in the “Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition” discovered that Job’s Tears seeds improved levels of numerous osteoporosis biomarkers in the blood of the mice when compared with a control group. The scientists figured that the extracts might be able to reverse osteoporosis in rats and may additionally be a beneficial healthy food for osteoporosis avoidance.

7. Weight Loss

Overweight mice were injected along with extracts from Job’s Tears for 4 weeks in research published in 2004 in the journal “Life Sciences.” In comparison to a control group, the mice fed the extracts had decreased body weights, food consumption, fat size, adipose fat tissue mass, and cholesterol level, and triglycerides.

• High cholesterol. Developing research suggests that consuming Job’s tears in place of rice for 4 weeks can significantly lower total and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. This effect may be due to the fiber in Job’s tears.
• Allergies.
• Cancer.
• Warts.
• Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.
• Arthritis.
• Obesity.
• Respiratory tract infections.
• Other conditions.

History of Job’s tears

In southern India, Job’s tears have already been grown for around 4000 years. The seeds are generally present in archaeological sites. The grass is usually growing in rice fields nearby. Archaeologists call the seeds, rice beads. Even though broadly utilized by Asians, the grass is recognized as a weed in commercial rice fields. The teardrop-shaped seeds have got a tough shiny coat with a hole in the tip where the flower emerges. Once the seed drops from the plant, another hole opens in the base causing them to be ideal for stringing. In archaeological sites dating to roughly 2000 years ago, large numbers of the seeds have been discovered arranged in a manner that suggests they were strung as necklaces. In Japan, the seeds are known as yuzu dama which implies prayer beads referring to the use by Buddhists for their meditations.

By the 1400s, this grass was grown in southern European monasteries. One hundred-fifty seed were strung to keep track of daily recitations of the Psalms. This particular usage of beads, later on, evolved into the rosary. It really is within the monasteries which the seeds were first known as Lachrima Iob (Job’s tears).) Their natural color is white, however, they could be dyed shades of red, blue, green, and yellow. According to where you are in the world, this particular plant goes by numerous names which include ~David’s tears, Saint Mary’s tears, Christ’s tears, and simply plain teardrops. The leaves are utilized as fodder in parts of India and therefore are particularly relished by elephants. Job’s tears were introduced into China in the first century A.D. by a Chinese general who conquered Tongking, where the grains were widely used as a cereal. The general became so keen on Job’s tears that he carried back several cartloads of the seeds to his own country. In Central America, strings of Job’s tears can be used for the arms and legs of little seed dolls. Strings of Job’s tears were reportedly provided to teething babies. Job’s tears is additionally utilized for musical instruments. Shaker gourds are likely among the earliest musical instruments.

In Africa, hollow gourds are covered with a loose net strung with hundreds of Job’s tears. The generic name of Job’s tears, coix, comes from the Greek Choix, meaning “palm”, a name provided by Linnaeus, The specific name lacrymal-job, means tears of Job, an allusion to the large tear-like sheaths enclosing the flowers.

Culinary Uses

Before corn (Zea mays) become popular in Southern Asia, Job’s tears were somewhat broadly grown like cereal in India. It is just a possibly very helpful grain having a greater protein to carbohydrate ratio compared to almost every other cereal. The seed features a very tough shell however which makes it rather hard to extract the grain. The ssp. ma-yuen. Stapf. is grown because of its edible seed and medicinal virtues in China, the seedcoat is said to be soft and simply removed. The ssp. stenocardia is utilized for beads. A staple cereal crop in Japan and China, as well as an essential therapeutic herb. Nutritious soft-shelled seeds are broadly consumed in macrobiotic food. The seed is cooked. A pleasing mild taste, you can use it in soups and broths.. It may be ground in flour and utilized to make bread or utilized in any of the ways that rice is utilized.

The pounded flour is oftentimes combined with water just like barley for barley water. The pounded kernel is additionally made into a sweet dish simply by frying as well as a coating along with sugar. It’s also husked and consumed out of hand just like a peanut. The seed consists of about 52% starch, 18% protein, 7% fat. It really is greater in protein as well as fat compared to rice yet lower in minerals. This can be a probably very helpful grain, it features a greater protein to carbohydrate ratio compared to any other cereal, although the hard seed coat makes extraction of the flour rather difficult. A tea can be created through the parched seeds, whilst beers and wines are made out of the fermented grain. Coffee is made of roasted seed. In India, the Nagas utilize the grain for brewing a beer known as zhu or day. Japanese brew tea as well as an alcoholic beverage, and roasted seeds are manufactured into a coffee-like drink.

Recipes

1. Job’s Tears and Brown Rice Porridge

Ingredients

• 1 cup Job’s tears
• 1 cup brown rice
• 8 cups pure water

Directions:

Wash as well as rinse the rice and Job’s tears well, after that soak them in 8 cups of pure water for around 2 hours or over night. Pour the grain, herb and water in a huge nonaluminum pot, bring to a boil, cover, then lower heat and simmer for around 1 hour, till the grain is completely cooked and also the fluid starts to thicken.

2. Job’s tears soup

This soup can be served in summer as drinks. It will help to clear away heat, manage the spleen as well as calm swelling. People who wish to slim down may take this particular soup as regular drinks.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Job’s tears
• 10 cup water

Directions:

1. Wash Job’s tears till water is clear.
2. Boil water in the pot. Add in Job’s tears. Bring to a boil again.
3. Turn to low heat, simmer for 50-60mins.

Drink soup and eat grains. You can include a few honeys for taste.

Tips:

• If you soak the Job’s tears 2-3 hours beforehand, it’ll take a shorter time to cook it. But don’t think it is necessary in case you have sufficient time.
• After boiling, you have to turn to low heat, otherwise, the water will evaporate very quickly.
• You may add a lot more water if you wish to drink more soup.

3. Stir-Fried Job’s Tears with Mushroom and Broccoli

Broccoli consists of a lot of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Broccoli, as well as mushroom, are anti-cancer foods. Job’s tears assist to remove heat and dampness. It is a good option for obese individuals. It’s anti-cancer property. This particular dish is great to individuals that are suffering from cancer, particularly lung cancer. Individuals who wish to slim down may take it as an important dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground beef
• 1 small bowl Job’s Tears, cooked (Steamed or left from Job’s Tears soup)
• 2 or 3 black mushrooms, soaked or fresh
• 3 or 4 broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning A:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tsp onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic, chopped

Directions:

1. Wash broccoli, cut into bite-size. Cut mushroom into small pieces
2. Heat oil in the wok, add olive oil. Add ground beef, stir fry many times.
3. Add Seasoning A, stir fry till fragrance comes out.
4. Add mushroom, broccoli, and Job’s tears, stir fry until broccoli is thoroughly cooked.

4. Seafood Paella with Job’s Tears

Replacing white rice along with Job’s Tears makes this particular Paella dish healthier. Individuals with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity need to try this diet recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 small bowl of Job’s Tears(50g)
• 5 large clam(100g)
• 2 large scallops (30g)
• 4 large shrimp(28g)
• 2 small tomatoes (200g)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cheese, chopped

Seasoning A

• 1 tbsp onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, chopped

Seasoning B

• 1 tbsp rice wine
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp carrot, chopped

Directions

1. Soak Job’s tears overnight. (Or soak 1or 2 hours if in rush)
2. Boil in a pot for 60 minutes.
3. Filter, take Job’s tears to cook paella. Leave the soup as drinks.

Cooking

1. Clean all the seafood. Poach in boiling water, take out quickly. Shell and devein.
2. Dice tomato.
3. Heat oil in a wok. Add Seasoning A, stir fry.
4. Add tomato cubes and Seasoning B, stir fry.
5. Add in Job’s Tears. Stir fry for 3mins. Add 1 tbsp seafood soup if dry.
6. Add in seafood, simmer for 10mins.
7. Turn off heat. Spread a layer of cheese. Serve.

5. Job’s Tears Cookies

Most girls/ladies cannot resist cookies. If you utilize healthy materials, cook less and eat less, we will never feel guilty. Meanwhile, these healthy cookies give us important nutrition. In this particular cookie recipe, we use Job’s tears powder, flax seed powder, walnut, and olive oil. No saturated fat however with much-unsaturated fat. It’s healthy for most people. Replacing brown sugar with Luo Han Guo powder, it may be served for diabetics.

Ingredients

• 1 egg, large
• 2 tablespoon Job’s Tears powder
• 2 tablespoon flax seed powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 walnuts, shelled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 ?
2. Mix milk and Job’s tears powder.
3. Stir in egg, flax seed powder.
4. Mix in brown sugar and olive oil.
5. Mix in walnut and rasin.
6. Drop by a cookie scoop (or a tablespoon) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. You can also make 6-8.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It might be UNSAFE to take Job’s tears if you are pregnant. Research in animals suggests that it can poison a developing embryo. It can also cause the uterus to contract, and this might harm the pregnancy.No one knows whether if it is safe to use Job’s tears during breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Job’s tears might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using Job’s tears at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

INTERACTIONS

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.Job’s tears might decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Job’s tears along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

DOSING

The appropriate dose of Job’s tears depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Job’s tears. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4829220/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4200782/
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19476337.2021.1897688
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job%27s_tears
• https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetables/grains-and-cover-crops/job-s-tears
• https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/plapr99.htm
• https://sowtrueseed.com/products/jobs-tears
• https://www.britannica.com/plant/Jobs-tears
• https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/trends-news/article/jobs-tears-grain-recipes
• https://www.rxlist.com/jobs_tears/supplements.htm
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1164/jobs-tears

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