Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), also known as adlay or coix seed, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian traditional medical systems. It is often prescribed for conditions characterized as "dampness" and "wind-dampness," which in TCM theory are associated with joint discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility. The seeds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic properties, and are commonly included in herbal formulas intended to alleviate joint pain, rheumatism, and arthritis-like conditions.

From a scientific perspective, there is some preliminary research suggesting that extracts from Job's Tears may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Laboratory studies have shown that certain compounds in Job's Tears, such as coixenolide and coixol, can inhibit inflammation-related pathways in cells and animal models. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans specifically assessing its efficacy for joint health or arthritis are lacking. Most of the available evidence remains preclinical or based on traditional use rather than robust, modern clinical data.

In summary, while Job's Tears has a traditional reputation for supporting joint health, especially in East Asian herbal medicine, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose is limited and not yet conclusive.