herb data, Corn Silk, Zea mays, corn, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

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.