Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coix (Coix lacryma-jobi), also known as Job’s tears or Yi Yi Ren in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is traditionally used to support the Lung system. In TCM, coix seeds are believed to promote the drainage of dampness and strengthen the Spleen, which in turn can indirectly benefit Lung function since Spleen health is considered fundamental for Lung Qi. Coix is commonly included in herbal formulas for conditions like cough with phlegm or chronic respiratory issues attributed to "dampness" or "phlegm" obstructing the Lungs. There is a long history of use for coix in this capacity, documented in classical Chinese medical texts. From a modern scientific perspective, coix seeds contain bioactive compounds such as coixenolide, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, and have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in some laboratory and animal studies. However, direct scientific investigations specifically examining coix for Lung health in humans are lacking. No robust clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy for respiratory diseases or Lung function. Therefore, while there are plausible mechanisms and traditional theoretical support, the evidence for supporting the Lung system is primarily based on tradition rather than validated by modern clinical science.

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