Medicinal Plants : Zea mays

Name

Corn Silk

Biological Name

Zea mays
Graminaceae

Other Names

Corn Silk, corn, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu

Parts Used

Stigmas from the female flowers of maize. Fine soft threads 4-8 inches long. (silk)

Active Compounds

Saponins

Allantoin

Sterols, especially b-sitosterol and stigmasterol

The alkaloid hordenine

Miscellaneous; Vitamins C & K, cryptoxanthin, anthocyanins, plant acids.

Remedies For

Diuretic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, tonic, anodyne, alterative, lithotriptic.

As a soothing diuretic, Corn Silk is helpful in any irritation of the urinary system. It is used for renal problems in children and as a urinary demulcent combined with other herbs in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and the like.

Contemporary herbalists recommend corn Silk for the following conditions:

catarrhal cystitis,
lithaemia (stones),
bladder irritation,
gonorrhoea,
all catarrhal conditions of the urinary passages,
dropsies due to heart disease, and
edema.

Combinations : Cornsilk may be combined with Couchgrass, Bearberry, Buchu or Yarrow for the treatment of cystitis.

Dosage

The stigmas should be collected just before pollination occurs, the timing depends upon climate. It is best used fresh as some of the activity is lost with time.

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 3-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.