Yi Yi Ren, also known as Coix Seed or Job's Tears, is a commonly used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine. The medicinal use of Yi Yi Ren was first recorded in "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing" (Shen Nong's Herbal Classic), which stated that Yi Yi Ren is effective in treating rheumatism and can dispel dampness from the body. Long-term consumption of Yi Yi Ren can also benefit the body and improve qi. There is a legend about the medicinal origin of Yi Yi Ren!
I. Legend of Yi Yi Ren
In Guilin, Guangxi, a picturesque place known as "Fubo Scenic Area" is located by the Li River. Under the Fubo Mountain, there is a cave called Huanzhu Cave, which is home to an interesting story. According to historical records, in the 18th year of the Jianwu period of the Eastern Han Dynasty (42 AD), General Ma Yuan was ordered to lead a large army to Jiaozhi (now within Guangxi) to suppress a rebellion. When the army arrived at a place called Langpo in Dongguan County, Jiaozhou Prefecture, the soldiers and officers, who were not used to the southern climate and suffered from the hot weather, contracted a strange disease characterized by numbness, pain, swelling starting from the lower limbs, and eventually resulting in general edema caused by "miasma".
In desperation, with the help of the local people, Ma Yuan used a local herb called Ganqiu (the old name for Yi Yi Ren) and ordered all the soldiers to consume it. Miraculously, shortly after the army consumed Yi Yi Ren, the epidemic was brought under control and all the soldiers recovered. From then on, the soldiers' morale soared, and the rebellion was successfully suppressed. General Ma Yuan was astonished by the remarkable effect of Yi Yi Ren and believed that it could "lighten the body and overcome miasma". When the army triumphantly returned, he brought back some Yi Yi Ren seeds on the ship, intending to cultivate and propagate them in the outskirts of the capital city to relieve the suffering of more people in the future.
When the ship passed by Guilin, it docked at a riverside pavilion by the Li River. The people on the shore saw round and shiny particles on the ship and falsely accused Ma Yuan of embezzling a large number of treasures from Guangxi, including Hepu pearls, and using them for personal gain. Ma Yuan was deeply insulted by this accusation. He ordered the soldiers to open the cargo hold, show the Yi Yi Ren seeds to everyone, and then poured them all into the river.
Later, in order to commemorate this brave and righteous general, the mountain where the ship stopped was named "Fubo Mountain" and the cave at the foot of the mountain was named "Huanzhu Cave".
From then on, Fubo Mountain and Huanzhu Cave in Guangxi became famous tourist attractions due to the reputation of General Ma Yuan and this legendary story.
II. Modern Application of Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren can be used as a food staple, with a taste similar to rice and easy to digest and absorb. It can be cooked as porridge or added to soups.
In summer and autumn, when boiled with winter melon, it can be used as a side dish and also help to clear heat and dampness from the body. Due to its rich nutrition, Yi Yi Ren is a good medicinal food for people with long-term illness, post-illness recovery, the elderly, pregnant women, and children, and can be consumed regularly.
Whether used for nourishment or for treating diseases, Yi Yi Ren has a mild and gentle effect. It is slightly cold but does not harm the stomach, and it benefits the spleen without being greasy.
According to reports, the active ingredient in Yi Yi Ren, Coixol, not only has nourishing effects but also acts as an anticancer agent. It can inhibit ascitic carcinoma cells and can be used for gastric cancer and cervical cancer.
Yi Yi Renol, found in the roots of Yi Yi Ren, has the same effects as Coixol mentioned above, as well as lowering blood pressure, diuresis, reducing fever, and expelling intestinal worms. It is suitable for conditions such as hypertension, urinary calculi, urinary tract infections, and intestinal worm infestations.
Yi Ren is also a beauty food. Regular consumption can keep the skin smooth and glossy and eliminate acne, freckles, age spots, pregnancy spots, and butterfly spots. It also has a good effect on dandruff, acne, chapped skin, and rough skin.
