🌾 Job’s Tears: The Grain That Soothes from the Inside Out

Superfood Spotlight: Job’s Tears (Coix Seed / Yi Yi Ren)

Don’t let the name fool you—Job’s Tears are all about comfort, not sorrow. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this pearl-like grain is prized for its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to gently detox and restore balance.

Why It’s Super:

- 🌿 Anti-inflammatory & detoxifying — Supports lymphatic drainage and reduces internal dampness

- 💧 Skin-soothing — Traditionally used to clear acne, eczema, and puffiness

- 🦴 Joint-friendly — Believed to ease arthritis and promote mobility

- 🍚 Gut-calming & diuretic — Aids digestion and reduces bloating

🍲 Ritual Recipe: Job’s Tears + Lotus Root Healing Congee

This gentle, grounding porridge is a staple in East Asian kitchens—perfect for recovery days, seasonal transitions, or when your body craves calm.

Ingredients:

- ½ cup Job’s Tears (soaked overnight)

- ¼ cup white rice

- 1 cup sliced lotus root (fresh or frozen)

- 6 cups water or light broth

- Optional: goji berries, ginger slices, or a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse soaked Job’s Tears and rice.

2. Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until creamy and soft.

4. Serve warm, topped with scallions or sesame oil for a savory twist—or honey and dates for sweet comfort.

Flavor Notes:

Mild, nutty, and deeply soothing—like a spa day in a bowl.

🛒 Where to Find It:

- Asian grocery stores (look for “Coix Seed” or “Yi Yi Ren” in the grains or herbal section)

- Herbal apothecaries or TCM shops

- Online retailers like iHerb, Mountain Rose Herbs, or Amazon

Have you ever cooked with Job’s Tears? What did you make—and how did it make you feel? Share your experience or your family’s favorite way to use this healing grain 🌾💬

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