Individual Herbs Notebook

Yi Yi Gen

Pharmaceutical: Radix Coicis
Taxonomy: Coix Lacrymina-jobi

Other names: Job's Tears Root

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Sweet, bland, slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen and Bladder


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Clears Damp-Heat
    Jaundice
    Morbid leucorrhoea
    Difficult urination
  2. Strengthens the Spleen
    Herniation due to sinking Spleen Qi
    Amenorrhoea due to Spleen not generating Blood
  3. Kills Parasites
    Abdominal pain due to parasites
    Expels the Three Worms according to the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, which also gives the alternative name Jie Li 解蠡 (Untie Woodworm).

Suggested Daily Dosage: 30-60g in decoction.


Cautions: It is contraindicated to pregnant women.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
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