Overview

Job's tears is a broad-leaved grass that grows in China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. It is considered a health food in Asian countries. The seeds of Job's tears are tear-shaped and come in several colors. The seeds are sometimes used as ornamental beads. The root and seed of the plant are sometimes used as a medicine.

People have used Job's tears orally for a variety of conditions. While there is some research that supports the use of Job's tears for high cholesterol, there is no good scientific evidence to support its other uses.

How does it work ?

Job's tears contains chemicals that might interfere with cancer cell growth. Other chemicals might also have antioxidant effects and might also decrease growth of bacteria and parasites. But most research on Job's tears is in animals and test tubes. There isn't enough information to know if Job's tears works the same way in people.

However, some research has been done in people. It suggests that fiber contained in Job's tears might decrease how much fat and cholesterol the body absorbs.

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This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.