Corn Silk

Species Name: Various Species; zea mays, graminaceae.

Also known as: Corn Silk, corn, Indian corn, maize jagnog, Turkish corn, yu mi xu.

What is Corn Silk? Corn silks are fine, soft, pale yellow thread like strands, 4-8 inches long, called stigmas.  They are found inside the husks of the female flower of corn, and are collected for herbal use before the plant is pollinated. 

Corn silks contain the following active compounds: saponins, allantoin sterols, especially b-sitosterol and stigmasterol, the alkaloid hordenine, vitamins C and K, cryptoxanthin, anthocyanins, and plant acids.

Home Remedies using Corn Silk:

Benefits of Corn Silk:

Used to soothe the urinary tract, corn silk can give relief to the bladder, kidneys, and small intestines.  Corn silk can help those who suffer from prostate problems, bed wetting, carpel tunnel syndrome, edema, and obesity.  It has been used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and promotes relaxation.

Uses of Corn Silk:

Corn silks are used as diuretics, demulcents, anti-inflammatory agents, tonics, anodynes, and to dissolve and discharge urinary and gall bladder stones and gravel.

As a soothing diuretic, Corn Silk is highly valued as a herbal remedy, and useful in supporting the urinary system, and is helpful in any irritation of the urinary system.  It is used for renal problems in children and as a urinary aid combined with other herbs in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and other urinary disorders.

Contemporary herbalists recommend corn silk for cystitis, kidney stones, bladder irritation, gonorrhea, all catarrhal conditions of the urinary tract, and edema (swelling.)

Corn silk contains silicon, B vitamins, PABA, and small amounts of iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Corn silks are best used fresh, since some of the potency and effectiveness are lost with time.  They come in various forms, and are an ingredient in many products.  To achieve the best results, follow directions. Corn silk is available in caplet form, and as infusions, and tinctures.

To prepare infusions, pour a cup of boiling water onto two teaspoonfuls of dried corn silk, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.  Strain and drink these three times daily.

Take 3-6 ml of corn silk tincture three times a day.

Side Effects of Corn Silk:

There are no known safety issues associated with Corn silk.  It is generally considered safe, except for those with corn allergies. It’s recommended that young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease not use corn silk.