Coix Seed and Chinese Yam Porridge

Main Ingredients

• Coix seeds (Job's tears) 30g
• Chinese yam (iron yam preferred) (peeled net weight) 100g
• Japonica rice (or regular rice) 80g
• Goji berries 5g
• Rock sugar to taste
• Water 1.2-1.5L

Steps

1. Rinse the coix seeds and soak in water for at least 2 hours (or overnight in the fridge), then drain. Peel the yam (wear gloves), cut into chunks, and soak in water to prevent oxidation. Rinse the rice twice and soak for 30 minutes. Rinse the goji berries.

   

2. Bring water (approx. 1.4L) to a boil in a pot. Add the soaked coix seeds and rice. Bring to a boil again, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes until the coix seeds begin to soften and the rice grains swell.

   

3. Add the drained yam chunks and continue simmering over low heat for 20-25 minutes until the yam is soft and creamy and the porridge thickens.

   

4. Add goji berries and rock sugar (if using) 5 minutes before turning off the heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

   

5. Turn off the heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to further thicken. Serve warm.

   

TCM Notes

Spleen-strengthening, stomach-nourishing & dampness-relieving (core benefit): Coix seeds promote diuresis, drain dampness, and strengthen the spleen. Yam strengthens the spleen, nourishes the stomach, and benefits the lungs and kidneys. Together, they remove internal dampness while tonifying spleen qi, significantly improving poor appetite, loose stools, and fatigue caused by spleen deficiency with dampness. Strengthening the spleen, lungs & consolidating kidney essence: Both ingredients benefit the spleen and lungs – yam is more viscous, coix seeds promote drainage, making them suitable for long-term use without side effects. Modern analysis shows yam contains mucilage and diastase, while coix seeds contain coixenolide and amino acids. Diuretic, dampness-draining & heat-clearing: Coix seeds promote diuresis, drain dampness, and help expel pus and toxins. They help relieve limb heaviness, edema, and skin issues caused by damp-heat accumulation. Rich in nutrients: This porridge provides complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and various minerals – easily digestible and suitable for post-illness recovery.

Suitable for：Those with spleen deficiency and dampness – poor appetite, loose stools Those with indigestion, post-meal bloating, or fatigue Those with edema, limb heaviness, or damp-heat accumulation Those recovering from illness needing gentle nourishment Elderly individuals and sub-healthy populations General population for daily spleen-strengthening and dampness-relief

Not suitable for：Pregnant women (Strictly avoid!): Coix seeds may stimulate uterine smooth muscle contraction – risk of miscarriage. Strictly contraindicated. Those with yin deficiency and fluid depletion (Use with caution!): The diuretic effect may worsen fluid loss – not suitable for those with dry mouth/throat. Those with severe constipation (Use with caution!): The diuretic effect may reduce intestinal moisture and worsen constipation. Those with excessive internal turbidity or liver fire (Use with caution): May cause bloating or discomfort. Those allergic to coix seeds or yam (Avoid!): May cause rashes, itching, or breathing difficulties. Those with severe spleen-stomach deficiency-cold (Use with caution): Coix seeds are cool in nature – add ginger or red dates to balance.