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Corn Silk

(Zea mays)

Botanical Information

A coarse erect annual with long sword-shaped leaves from the grass family–the familiar source of edible corn.

Working with Corn Silk

Part(s) Used

Stigma

Herb Forms

Tinctures, bulk herb.

 

 

“Corn silk is a mild soothing diuretic used in cystitis or prostatitis as well as for gravel or incontinence. It is important to make a tea of the fresh corn silk or take an extract made from fresh corn silk to insure effectiveness. In France, it has been used traditionally to stimulate weight loss. Chinese herbalists consider corn silk to be beneficial for digestion, jaundice, diabetes, and edema and to promote urination.

Corn Silk has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.”

Historical Uses: Corn silk (the silky strands found inside the corn husk) has been used for centuries, particularly in Native American and traditional Chinese medicine, as a remedy for urinary issues, such as cystitis and kidney stones. It was also employed for its diuretic effects and to reduce edema.

Modern Clinical Uses: In modern herbalism, naturopaths and herbalists often recommend corn silk for urinary tract support. It is used as a gentle diuretic, to reduce inflammation in the urinary tract, and for kidney and bladder health. Corn silk is also sometimes suggested to help manage hypertension, high blood sugar, and gout.

Chemistry: Corn silk contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and alkaloids. It is particularly rich in maysin, which has been noted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other compounds, like allantoin and various polysaccharides, contribute to its soothing effects on the urinary tract.

Pharmacology: Corn silk has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild diuretic properties in laboratory studies. The antioxidants help to scavenge free radicals, which may benefit tissue health. Its diuretic effects are mild but help support kidney function and can reduce fluid retention without significantly altering electrolyte levels.

Clinical Trials: Clinical trials on corn silk are limited but promising. Some small studies indicate that it may help reduce symptoms of urinary tract infections and support blood glucose regulation in diabetes. However, more research, particularly large-scale human trials, is necessary to establish its efficacy for these uses conclusively.

Summary

Corn silk has a long history of use for urinary and kidney health and continues to be used by herbalists and naturopaths for its mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compounds show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, and current research hints at benefits for urinary and blood sugar support, though more clinical data is needed.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs

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Cautions

Corn silk is generally considered safe with few reported side effects when taken in moderate amounts. However, in high doses, it may reduce potassium levels due to its diuretic effects, so caution is advised. Typical dosages include 400-900 mg per day in capsule form, or 1-2 cups of tea made with fresh or dried corn silk, but always under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

Conditions treated with Corn Silk

Condition

Treatment Support

Application

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Condition

Treatment Support

diuretic, demulcent

Application

fresh tincture

Dosages

Capsules

400-900 mg daily

Infusion

1-2 cups daily

The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.

The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.

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