Tear-worm (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Other names: porcelain teardrop, Job's tears, white pearl of the east, pearl barley

Tearwort (Coix lacryma-jobi), also known as porcelain tearwort, Job's tears, white pearl of the east, or pearl barley, is an herbaceous plant that is often used as a medicinal herb. The plant, native to Southeast Asia, is often cultivated in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its teardrop-shaped fruits contain white globules that are sometimes called "white pearls". In its homeland, this plant is considered a food source, especially as an alternative to rice.

The uses of the teardrop are truly varied. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, which include pain relief, inflammatory conditions and aiding digestion. In Vietnam, for example, a sweet drink is made from the fruit and is popular in summer. And in Indonesia, the young leaves are used as a vegetable. In China, the tealeaf is often used to make drinks, but also to prepare tasty desserts. In the form of flour, it can be used as an ingredient in baked goods, which is particularly popular in countries such as India and the Philippines. In the world of cosmetics, the oil is widely used for the production of soaps, creams and shampoos, thanks to its moisturising and nourishing properties. However, if we were to come across teasel in a regular supermarket, we are most likely to find it as part of birdseed or as a decorative component in floral arrangements.