Corn Silk

Zea mays

Graminaceae

Collection: The stigmas should be collected just before pollination occurs, the timing depends upon climate. It is best used fresh as some of the activity is lost with time.

Part Used: Stigmas from the female flowers of maize. Fine soft threads 4-8 inches long.

Constituents:

• Saponins
• Allantoin
• Sterols,
  especially [[beta]]-sitosterol and stigmasterol
• The alkaloid hordenine
• Miscellaneous; Vitamins C & K, cryptoxanthin, anthocyanins, plant acids.

  Actions: Diuretic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, tonic.

  Indications: As a soothing diuretic, Corn Silk is helpful in any irritation of the urinary system. It is used for renal problems in children and as a urinary demulcent combined with other herbs in the treatment
  of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and the like.

  Ellingwood suggests Corn Silk in the following conditions: catarrhalcystitis, lithaemia (stones), bladder irritation, gonorrhoea, all catarrhal conditions of the urinary passages, dropsies due to heart disease, edema.

  Combinations: With Couchgrass, Bearberry, Buchu or Yarrow in the treatment of cystitis.

  
  Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

  Tincture: take 3-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.