I came across this quite interesting herb a couple of weeks ago as I spent some time watching a plant documentary on TV. I got amazed at the many things this herb can do, and I was slightly ashamed I hadn`t ever heard of it, considering its wide acceptability. It has got lods of benefits that just makes you want to have it asap. Not only are its uses and benefits worth talking about, its name leaves you wondering too. Job`s Tears? Does it have any correlation with the biblical Job who cried? Well, I wondered as much as you probably are. You will get to know the reason(s) for the name before you are done reading this article.
I deemed it fit to write about it after I saw the documentary. I even discovered more wonders while conducting my research. Job`s Tears is one herb that is worth reading about. Let us take a look!
It`s got a number of interesting names such as Adlay, Yi Yi Ren, Chi Shihi, Djali Batre, and Coix. I think all its names are just unique. It is popular in Asian countries (the names look it) as a food source and for making jewelry. Interesting! This annual grass was initially from India, and it is currently indigenous to south-east Asian regions such as Japan, China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Burma. It grows to a height of about 3 feet, with knobbly, bamboo-like stems. Its glossy deep green leaves are up to 2 inches wide with slightly wavy edges. Its flowers are monoecious and pollinated by the wind. Its seeds are utilized to make a number of products. In China, Job`s Tears is used as traditional medicine as well as supplementary medicinal food. In Thailand, its seeds are boiled to make beverages. The herb is beneficial in protection against viral infections, safeguarding from tumor compounds, decreasing coronary artery disease, decreasing liver fat accumulation, treating atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. This herb is amazing. I got engrossed in it when I saw its benefits. I guess you are more interested in it too.
Let`s Discuss some of its Benefits
It Decreases Allergic Reactions
For a long time, this herb has been long enjoyed for this benefit. Its extracts are beneficial in treating allergic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, known as eczema, and contact dermatitis. So you know what to use when you have allergies on your skin. No more tears with Job`s Tears. *smiles*
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Cancers of the colon, pancreas, lung, liver, breast, and leukemia all answer to this powerful herb. Its extract inhibits fatty acid synthase activity in the liver, and this is essential because human cancer cells contain high levels of fatty acid synthase which is responsible for aggressive tumor cell growth. So we have another defender against this terrible health condition. Job`s Tears is such a darling.
It Lowers LDL Cholesterol
Are you wondering what LDL is? It is Low-Density Lipoprotein, and it is the not-so-good cholesterol in the body, the one which puts the heart at risk. Regular consumption of Job`s Tears will lower LDL cholesterol. It is getting more interesting.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
This amazing herb has got strong inflammatory properties, protecting the body`s tissues from damage. This its anti-inflammatory effect makes it effective in reducing pain and swelling.
Stomach Cancer Prevention
Did you know that about 11,0000 Americans die because of stomach cancer every year? Job`s Tears reduces stomach ulcers and inhibits gastric cancer cells.
Loving Job`s Tears already? We are not done yet!
Great Potassium Source
Potassium keeps blood pressure healthy and balances minerals and fluids in the body. It is also essential for proper functioning of cells. Potassium, together with sodium, does well in controlling blood pressure. How great! You should know, however, that a number of Americans do not get 50% of the recommended amount of potassium. This is a reason you should welcome Job`s Tears to get the amount of potassium you need.
It Improves Skin Health
Job`s Tears controls acne breakouts and sebum production. It also brightens pigmentation and moisturizes dry skin.
What Else should you Know?
There are still loads of Job`s Tear’s benefits and uses that have not been discussed here yet. If we discuss all, this article may take days to read. Let us take a look at a few more.
- Job`s Tears contains essential amino acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. All these are needed for the improvement of your health.
- Job`s Tears tastes good, whether used as tea, syrup, soap, or in meals. Wow! That feels like having all in one, a fabulous package: Great benefits and a good taste.
- It has been grown for over 40 years in Southern India.
- In Japan, its seeds are known as Juzu Dama, meaning prayer beads used by Buddhists for their meditations. So it`s useful in the spiritual domain too, cool.
- In the 1400s, South European monasteries strung 150 seeds of Job`s Tears together to recite the Psalms daily.
- Its seeds consist of 52% starch, 18% protein, and 7% fat.
- A tea can be made out of its patched seeds.
- Beers and wines are made out of its fermented grains.
- A coffee is made out of its roasted seeds.
Special Precautions and Warnings
- It is unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to take Job`s Tears, as it may poison a developing embryo, and cause the uterus to contract.
- The intake of Job`s Tears should be stopped two weeks before a scheduled surgery, as it may interfere with blood sugar.
- In Korea, a thick drink called yulmu, that is, Job`s Tears tea is made from the powdered form of Job’s Tears.
- In China, Yi Ren Jiang, which is in Chinese cuisine, is made by simmering whole polished Job’s Tears in water and sweetening the resulting thin, cloudy liquid with sugar. The grains are usually strained from the liquid but may also be consumed separately or together. Job`s Tears` nutrition benefits are enjoyed in that form.
- In both Korea and China, distilled liquors are made using the grains of Job`s Tears. The South Korean liquor, okroju, which is made from rice and Job’s Tears is an example of this. A kind of vinegar is made from the grain in Japan.
- In southern Vietnam, sâm bổ lượng, a sweet cold soup, has Job’s Tears as one of its ingredients.
- In Thailand, Job`s Tears is usually consumed in teas and other drinks such as soy milk.
Final Words…
Really, now I feel like going to Asia already. All these amazing benefits and uses of Job`s Tears are mind-blowing. It is an amazing herb, I must say. Being a fan of herbs, this is one herb I have not had. I really must. I still have not got over the name though. So I did some light research on the name and realized that the herb`s droplet-shaped pearly white bead-like look brought about the name. What else did I discover? It actually does have some connection with the biblical Job in the Old Testament. Interesting, yeah?
So, as you have some Job`s Tears tea, and use its grains, powdered form and other forms of it for the benefit of your health, do remember to tell others about it, so we can all benefit of the tear-wiping benefit of this amazing herb.
