Christopher Hobbs Media

Online Database of Ailments and Herbs


Information on Corn Silk

Latin Name
Zea mays
Part Used
Stigma
Affects
Urinary system
Herb Forms
Tinctures, bulk herb.
Dosages
Infusion: 1-2 cups 2-3 x daily
Tincture: 1-2 droppersful 3 x daily
Cautions
None noted.
Botanical Information
A coarse erect annual with long sword-shaped leaves from the grass family--the familiar source of edible corn.
Description
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.
References
  • Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
  • Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
  • McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

  • Ailments treated by Corn Silk

    Ailment
    Treatment Support
    Application
    Gravel diuretic, demulcent fresh tincture
    Bladder infection soothing diuretic tincture, tea
    Bladder, irritated soothing demulcent tea, tincture