Description
Botanical: Zea mays
Other common names: Indian Corn, Maize Silk, Zea, Maidis Stigma, Stigma Maydis
Corn Silk is an old remedy for urinary tract ailments, including bed-wetting, painful and frequent urination, stones, bloating, gravel in the bladder and chronic cystitis and prostatitis. It is also thought to help relieve edema and the painful swelling of carpal tunnel syndrome and gout. Corn Silk is an old-fashioned, gentle, but effective, diuretic - without the loss of potassium!
Country of Origin: Bulgaria
Beneficial Uses:
Corn Silk is an old and effective diuretic that promotes the flow of urine, relieving excess water retention, and it has been used to treat acute and chronic bladder infection, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis (and other prostate disorders) and also combat urinary stones.
Unlike other diuretics, however, the high level of potassium in Corn Silk offsets potassium loss caused by the increased urination when used as directed. The herb is also believed to relieve bladder irritation caused by the accumulation of uric acid and gravel and eases the pain of burning urination. When Corn Silk is given to children (or adults) several hours prior to bedtime, it is said to diminish the occurrence of enuresis (bedwetting). Because it soothes bladder irritation, Corn Silk generally helps to reduce the occurrence of frequent urination problems.
Corn Silk helps to ease edema and swelling caused by many inflammatory conditions, such as gout and carpal tunnel syndrome, and as a demulcent, it helps to soothe inflammation, especially inflamed mucous membranes. It is also used to alleviate the bloating and discomforts of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Corn Silk is thought to be a mild stimulant that promotes bile flow and prevents the formation of gallstones. In Chinese medicine, Corn Silk is used to treat jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Some new research claims that Corn Silk may help to lower blood sugar levels and reduce blood-clotting time.
Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Corn Silk Herbal Supplement.
