As a traditional Chinese medicine, Coix seed has many medicinal properties and functions. Let's take a look at the botanical morphology and main functions of Coix seed together.
Picture of Coix seed
【Botanical Morphology of Coix seed】
Coix seed is a perennial herb, growing up to 0.6-2.5 meters tall. It blooms and bears fruit from July to November. It has a mild aroma and a spicy, astringent taste.
Coix seed grows in valleys, along the edges of forests, or in damp areas at an altitude of 900-3200 meters. It is distributed in Shaanxi, Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet, and other regions.
The rhizome of Coix seed is cylindrical and slightly curved, measuring about 11 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter. The surface is blackish-brown, with numerous wart-like protrusions at the base, and visible root scars and residual fine roots.
The upper stem base is densely covered with brown scales and long soft hairs. It is hard and not easily broken, with a powdery texture and reddish-brown color. The whole plant of Coix seed is wrinkled. The stem is thick and flattened cylindrical, with a brownish-black surface and brown glandular hairs.
The pinnate compound leaves are often fragmented, and the intact leaflets are ovate or rhomboid-elliptic in shape, brownish in color, with heavy serrations on the edges. Both the leaflet petioles and leaf axils are covered with brown long soft hairs.
The inflorescence is a rounded cone, and both the inflorescence axis and pedicel are covered with brown curled glandular hairs. The sepals of Coix seed are 4-5, ovate and membranous, brittle in texture, and has no petals. It has a mild aroma and a spicy, astringent taste.
【Main Functions】
Coix seed has the functions of promoting blood circulation, dispersing stasis, dispelling wind, and removing dampness. It is mainly used for treating rheumatic joint pain, chronic gastritis, and injuries from falls.
Picture of Coix seed
"Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine": "Promotes qi circulation, relieves pain, activates blood circulation, and disperses stasis. It is used to treat chronic gastritis and injuries from falls."
"Selected Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine": "The whole plant dispels wind and removes dampness. It is used to treat rheumatic pain."
"Dian Nan Ben Cao": "Specifically treats women's blood deficiency caused by irregular menstruation."
【Common Recipes】
1. Treatment for non-perforated measles in children: Take 20 grams of Coix seed, decoct in water, and take orally.
2. Treatment for oral ulcers: Take 20 grams of Coix seed, decoct with rock sugar, and take orally.
3. Treatment for chronic diarrhea and rectal prolapse: Take 30 grams of Coix seed fruits, add an appropriate amount of pig large intestine, simmer and take orally.
4. Treatment for yellow vesicles: Grind the roots of Coix seed into powder, mix with sesame oil, and apply to the affected area.
5. Treatment for injuries from falls, rheumatic pain, and chronic nephritis: Take 6-12 grams of Coix seed root, decoct and take orally. Alternatively, soak 30 grams of Coix seed root in 500 ml of wine for 7 days, and take 10 ml twice a day thereafter.
