Common Chinese Name: 薏仁 / 薏米, Yi Ren/ Yi Mi
Common English Name: coix seed, Chinese pearl barley, Job's tear
Common Form: White, dried, round kernels. Note that if the body of the seed is small and narrow, it is not the coix seed in TCM, but western Pearl barley.
TCM Five Flavors: Sweet, bland
TCM Energetics: Cooling
Meridian Affiliation: Stomach, Spleen, Lungs
Nutritional Science:
-
Nutrients: rich in antioxidant, fibre, and many phytonutrients specific to coix seed, 15.4g of complete protein/100g
- Functions: lowers blood sugar, boosts immunity against cancer cells, relieves muscle spasm, regulates blood sugar, relieves abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reduces fever
TCM Benefits:
- Helps with digestion and relieves diarrhea
- Relieves facial edema and dull complexion
- Relieves pain within joints and tendons
- Decreases fatigue due to summer heat and dampness
Cooking Suggestions:
- Average serving size: 30-50g dried.
- Rinse well before using. Soak for at least 1 hours and then boil until it is soft, about 40 minutes.
- Make soup, porridge, and more. You can also drink the liquid leftover from boiling yi ren!
Notes and Safety:
- Generally safe for consumption. It has a very long history of being used in cuisine.
- Best suitable from mid-spring to late autumn.
- You can purchase organic yi ren here.
