The Corn Silk Herb

Has Many Health Benefits

Zea mays

The Corn Silk herb is also know as Indian corn, Maidis stigma, Maize Silk, and Zea.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Corn silk is the silky fiber that is found under the leaves and on top of an ear of corn. Corn silks are also known as the stigmas (fine soft, yellowish threads) from the female flowers of maize.

It is the part that we normally clean off our ear of corn before we cook it. Most of the it, used in herbal medicine, comes from Albania, Bulgaria, and from the former Yugoslavia.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* cystitis

* urethritis

* nephritis

* prostatitis

* promoting urination

* improves kidney function

* carpal tunnel syndrome

* edema

* obesity

* premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

* lowering blood sugar levels

* decreasing bedwetting in children

PREPARATIONS

Over the counter:

This herb is available over the counter as extract, in capsules, and tincture.

At home:

Corn silk can be made into an Infusion.

Parts used: Stigmas from the female flowers of the corn plant. Soft fine threads of tassels.

Collection: The stigmas should be collected just before pollination occurs. Time of collection depends on the climate. It is best used fresh.

Constituents: Saponins, volatile oil, flavonoids, sterols, tannins

Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, tonic, anti-lithic

Combinations: This herb can be combined with Couchgrass, Bearberry or Yarrow for treating cystitis.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

None expected.

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