Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. mayuen (Roman.) Stapf
Stir‑fried Coix seed is a processed product of the Chinese medicinal Coix seed obtained through stir‑frying.
Efficacy & Actions
Promote diuresis and drain dampness, fortify the spleen and stop diarrhea, clear heat and expel pus, relieve painful obstruction, and resolve toxin and dissipate nodules.
Indications
It is often used for edema, beriberi (wet type), scanty urination, diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, dampness bi with spasm and contracture, lung abscess, and intestinal abscess.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor (coix seed oil is the core active component), immunomodulatory, and hypoglycemic effects.
Ingredients
Fatty acids and esters, polysaccharides (coix seed polysaccharide), flavonoids, sterols (β-sitosterol), lactams, proteins, vitamins, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–30 g in decoction.
Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnant women, in cases of Spleen deficiency without Dampness, and in patients with dry constipation.
Selected Formulas
1. Fortifying the Spleen and Draining Dampness Stir‑fried Coix seed 15 g, Chinese yam (Shanyao) 20 g. Poria (Fuling) and Baizhu may be added. Fortifies the Spleen, drains Dampness, harmonizes the Stomach and promotes digestion. Indicated for Spleen deficiency with dampness retention, poor appetite, and indigestion. 2. Fortifying the Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea Stir‑fried Coix seed combined with Ginseng/Codonopsis, Poria, and Baizhu (as in Shenling Baizhu San). Supplements Qi, fortifies the Spleen, drains Dampness and stops diarrhea. Used for diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency with dampness (manifesting as poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue). 3. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema Stir‑fried Coix seed combined with Alisma (Zexie), Polyporus (Zhuling), and Lysimachia (Jinqiancao). Promotes diuresis and reduces edema. Used for edema, beriberi (wet beriberi), and scanty urine caused by internal retention of water‑dampness. 4. Clearing Heat and Expelling Pus (Lung Abscess) Raw Coix seed combined with Reed Rhizome (Weijing), Wax Gourd Seed (Dongguaren), and Peach Seed (Taoren) – as in Weijing Tang (Reed Rhizome Decoction). Clears Lung heat, transforms phlegm, expels pus and removes stasis. Used for lung abscess with cough of foul‑smelling purulent sputum. 5. Clearing Heat and Expelling Pus (Intestinal Abscess) Raw Coix seed combined with Patrinia (BaiJiangCao), Moutan Bark (Mudanpi), and Peach Seed (Taoren) – as in Dahuang Mudan Tang‑type formulas. Clears heat, resolves toxin, removes stasis and dissipates nodules. Used for early‑stage intestinal abscess (acute appendicitis) with right lower abdominal pain. 6. Reliving Painful Obstruction (Bi Pain) Stir‑fried Coix seed combined with Atractylodes (Cangzhu) and Phellodendron (Huangbai) – as in Simiao Wan (Four‑Wonder Pill). Clears heat, drains dampness, relaxes sinews and relieves spasm. Used for joint pain, swelling and redness of the feet and knees due to damp‑heat pouring downward.
Daily Consumption
. Codonopsis and Astragalus Coix Congee Ingredients: Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) 12 g, Astragali Radix (Huangqi) 20 g, stir‑fried Coix seed (Chao Yiyiren) 60 g, red dates (Jujube) 4 pieces, japonica rice 60 g. Preparation: Wash the Dangshen, Huangqi, red dates, and rice, and soak them in cold water until softened. Place all ingredients into a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook over low heat until congee is ready. Action: Suitable for chronic gastritis of the pattern of Spleen deficiency with dampness retention. 2. Coix Seed Drink Ingredients: Stir‑fried Coix seed 25 g, white sugar to taste. Preparation: Place the stir‑fried Coix seed into a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, decoct for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid. Add white sugar and stir until dissolved. Action: Fortifies the Spleen and drains Dampness. Used for diarrhea and edema due to Spleen deficiency. 3. Coix Seed, Chenpi and Duck Soup Ingredients: Duck meat 250 g, stir‑fried Coix seed 30 g, lotus seeds (seedless, with heart removed) 30 g, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi, aged tangerine peel) 6 g, fresh ginger 4 slices, salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG) to taste. Preparation: Wash the duck meat and cut into pieces. Stir‑fry the Coix seed until lightly roasted (or use pre‑stir‑fried). Remove the heart from the lotus seeds. Wash the Chenpi and ginger slices. Place all ingredients into a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add salt and MSG, bring to a brief boil once more, then serve. Action: Fortifies the Spleen and eliminates Dampness.
Medicinal Parts
This product is the dried ripe seed kernel of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf.
Selection & Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.