Biological Name: Zea mays

Family: Graminaceae

Other Names: yu mi xu, Corn Silk, Turkish corn, corn, maize jagnog, Indian corn

Elements Applied: Stigmas found in the female flowers are applied in herbal medicine.

Active Components:

• Allantoin
• Saponins
• Hordenine, an alkaloid
• Sterols, particularly stigmasterol and b-sitosterol
• Other: plant acids, Vitamins C & K, anthocyanins, cryptoxanthin.

Used For: The herb is known to induce urination, relieve pains, treat inflammations, stimulate the digestive tract and improve metabolic rates.

Possessing a mild diuretic property, Corn Silk can be applied for any irritable condition in the urinary tract. It is beneficial for renal diseases in children, and can be used to reduce pains when applied in conjunction with other herbs as a cure for prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, and so on.

Modern homeopathists prescribe Corn Silk for the range of conditions, listed below: edema, dropsy, associated with heart condition, inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, gonorrhoea, bladder irritability, bladder stones, and inflammatory cystitis.

Commonly mixed with: To relieve cystitis, Cornsilk may be applied in conjunction with Yarrow, Buchu, Bearberry, and Couchgrass.

Preparation and Intake: Only the stigmas gathered before pollen appearance can be used for medical preparations. The period of collection is dependent on the climate. Fresh stigmas are best for application, as they lose their effect with time.

To prepare an infusion, take 2 teaspoons of dry herb extract for a cup of boiling water, and steep for ten to fifteen minutes. The result in consumed thrice per day.

Safety: There is no data concerning the plant’s safety level. It is possible that the herb interacts with the medicine you use. Speak to your health-care provider before using it.