How to deliciously prepare Job's tears (Yi Yi Ren 薏苡仁)

In China, a decoction of the Job's tears (YiYi Ren 薏苡仁) has always been considered very healing for seriously ill patients. Chinese medicine describes a so-called slime-like soup that reliably works for stomach and intestinal weakness, binds toxins from metabolism and supports liver function. Holistic medicine considers Job's tears to be a food that can soften and emollient, which is why they are said to help release animal fats and hardened deposits of harmful substances from the body, reduce "bad" cholesterol and women in particular will appreciate its beneficial effect on the skin, which it keeps soft and supple. According to TCM, it even protects against skin inflammation and slows down the graying of hair. During the childhood, we will appreciate its effect in treating warts.

Plain Job's tears

Rinse the Job's tears grains carefully in water, then let them soak in clean water for several hours (3-5 hours). A good practice is to soak them overnight. After soaking, pour out the water and boil them in clean water until soft. You can boil it until it has a mushy consistency based upon your preference.

Job's tears tea

Fry one tablespoon of the grains in a dry pan, then boil in water for about 15 minutes and strain. The tea is excellent for cleansing the body.

Vegetable and seaweed spread

2/3 rice and 1/3 Job's tears grains are cooked together with seaweed. The decoction is to be drunk as a medicinal tea. The cooked cereals can be used as a base for a spread, porridge, casserole, fried patties, etc.

Vegetable soup

In a pan, fry the Job's tears grains for a while, then and warm water, salt, parsley and celery or some herbs, a piece of seaweed, put a carrot, a piece of celery, two small onions, a teaspoon of e.g. hemp oil on the cereal and let it cook. If you don't use a pressure cooker, cook for up to 50 minutes on low heat. Garnish with fermented vegetables on the plate, such as beetroot with horseradish.

Job's tears chicken soup

1 fresh chicken, 2 1/2 l water, 30 g teardrop soaked overnight in water, 5 chopped slices of fresh ginger, 300 g sliced ​​fresh mushrooms, 3 sprigs chopped onion, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Clean the chicken and cut it into slices. Put the slices in a pot with water and pre-soaked Job's tears grains, ginger and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours until the chicken is tender. Add all other ingredients, simmer for about 2 minutes and the soup can be served.

Job's tears with carrot

Chop 500 g carrots and blanch in hot water or lightly boil. In another pot, boil about 1 kg of Job's tears grains. Cook for about 1.5 hours until it becomes a thick and sticky mush. Mix and boil again, or add a little cane sugar.


According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is recommended to use a bowl of Job's tears daily (250ml), because it increases immunity and removes mucus and moisture from the body. For incipient cataracts, it is recommended to use it daily for 60 days.