Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Job’s Tears
The Herbs

(Coix lachryma-jobi) P

Folk Name: Tear Grass

Powers: Healing, Wishes, Luck

Magical Uses: The seeds are strung onto a necklace and placed around a child’s neck to aid in teething, and are also worn by adults in the same manner for sore throats and colds. The seeds absorb the pain or illness.

Three seeds can be carried for good luck. For wishing magic, make a wish holding seven seeds (or “tears,” as they are known) and then throw into running water. Alternately, count out seven seeds, concentrating on your wish. Carry these seeds for a week, and your wish should come true.