Botanical Overview
Zea mays (family Poaceae), commonly known as corn silk or maize silk, refers specifically to the stigmas of the maize plant. Native to Central America and now cultivated globally, corn silk has a long history in traditional herbal medicine where the stigma is harvested and used medicinally. Common names include Corn silk, Maize silk, and Stigma of maize.
Energetics
The corn silk is considered energetically neutral in temperature, moistening in moisture quality, with a sweet taste. Its energetic action is generally descending with a relaxing tonicity, particularly influencing body fluids (termed “fluid” in qi/blood/fluid classification).
Primary Actions
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Mild hypoglycemic
Indications
Western
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Edema
- Kidney stones
- Cystitis
- Dysuria
Syndromes
- Urinary retention
- Mild urinary infections
- Mild peripheral edema
TCM
- Lin syndrome (urinary difficulty)
- Damp-heat in bladder
Syndromes
- Dampness in lower jiao
- Heat strangury syndrome
Ayurveda
- Difficult urination
- Edema
Syndromes
- Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria)
- Apachi (dropsy)
Unani
- Dysuria
- Edema
Syndromes
- Warm humors buildup causing urinary disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Corn silk contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sterols, and polysaccharides, which are thought to contribute to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried stigma in 150 mL hot water, 2-3 times daily
- Extract standardized: 10-20 mL per day
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol: 2-4 mL, 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used as a tea or extract; however, caution is advised in persons allergic to maize and in diabetic patients due to mild hypoglycemic effects. Limited safety data for pregnancy suggests avoiding excessive use. Possible additive effects with diuretic drugs.
Astrological Correspondences
Astrological planetary and elemental rulers are not established or verified for this plant in reputable sources and thus are omitted.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future Database: Zea mays – Corn silk
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 2002: Zea mays L.
- Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases (USDA) – Zea mays
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Bensky et al., 2004 – Corn silk (Yu Mi Xu) in TCM