Ingredient Spotlight

Coix Seed / Yi Yi Ren

Traditionally supports: Gut health, Digestive discomfort, Joint health, and Skin health

How It's Used

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Coix Seed is used to strengthen the Spleen and drain Dampness, making it a go-to herb for easing bloating and digestive troubles. It’s often described as a gentle internal “cleanser” that helps the body release what it doesn’t need while strengthening what it does, leaving you feeling lighter, calmer, and more energized.

From a Western perspective, Coix Seed contains natural compounds that have been studied for their ability to reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants. Research suggests Coix Seed may help keep the gut microbiome balanced, protect gut lining, boost metabolism, and promote clear, healthy skin.

Fun Fact: Coix Seed is food as medicine. Across Asia, it’s commonly cooked into soups, porridges, and teas to promote daily health and longevity. At Elix, we love it in a nourishing congee with jujube dates, goji berries, and ginger, a delicious way to start the day with both comfort and care.

“Coix Seed supports digestion and a healthy gut microbiome. Research suggests it may boost levels of Akkermansia, a beneficial bacteria linked to natural GLP-1 activity, helping maintain steady energy, balanced metabolism, and reduced cravings.”

- Dr. Liem Le, DAOM, MS

What the research says.

Proven by 560 studies (and counting), doctors of all backgrounds can finally agree on the healing properties of this powerful herb.

Structural modulation of gut microbiota reveals Coix seed contributes to weight loss in mice

Results indicate Coix seeds may be used as prebiotic agents to lose weight and prevent obesity-related metabolic disorders

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Coix Seed Oil Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Intestinal Barrier Repair and Ferroptosis Regulation

Coix seed helps the body by easing inflammation, protecting the gut lining, restoring healthy gut bacteria, and supporting overall balance.

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Research on Coix seed as a food and medicinal resource, it's chemical components and their pharmacological activities: A review

In addition to its anti-tumor effect, Coix seed also has pharmacological effects such as hypoglycemia, improving liver function, regulating intestinal microbiota, improving spleen function, and anti-inflammatory effects.

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Dietary Oligosaccharides Isolated from Coix Seed Mitigate Hyperuricemia through Modulation of Lipid Metabolites and Intestinal Homeostasis

Coix seed restored lipid imbalances and modulated gut microbiota by increasing Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, and Lachnospiraceae abundance.

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Feel the difference for yourself.

Your cycle is unique, and the only way to know if Elix will work for you is to try your personalized blend. We’re here to listen to your body, adjust your blend as needed.

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