Cornsilk Zea mays
A member of the Graminaceae family
Habitat: The hardy plant it is, corn can grow nearly anywhere with a warm enough climate for growing season.
Found: Can be found nearly anywhere in the Midwestern portion of the US in fields; however, I did not locate this plant in a natural location aside from a field
Parts Used: Stigmas from female flowers, fresh or dried
Collection Time: Just before pollination occurs, which varies with climate
Preparations: Decoction: 2 teaspoons of dried material steeped in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, taken three times a day. Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 5-15 ml taken three times a day
Energetics: Sweet, mucilaginous; cooling and drying
Historical Uses: For more than a century, cornsilk has been a remedy for urinary conditions such as acute inflammation of the bladder and painful urination. It has also been used in treating the prostate.
Use in Chinese Medicine: Known as Yu Mi Xu, cornsilk is taken orally for cystitis, urethritis, nocturnal enuresis, prostatitis, and acute chronic inflammation of the urinary system. It is also used to treat fluid retention and jaundice.
Flower Essence Usage: For those with patterns of imbalance, the inability to stay centered in the body and disorientation and stress, particularly in urban environments. Cornsilk flower essence creates a grounding presence.
Native American Usage: The corn plant has long been used by American Indians both medicinally and nutritionally. In particular, cornsilk was used to treat urinary disorders.
Folk Uses: Cornsilk has long been used in folk medicine to treat urinary conditions including inflammation of the bladder and painful urination.
Personal Experience: I took cornsilk as relief for symptoms from a urinary tract infection, and found it to be beneficial. The degree of pain associated with urinating was definitely lessened and was tolerable until I was able to make it to a doctor.
Indications for Use: Cystitis; urethritis; prostatitis; catarrhalcystitis; lithaemia; bladder irritation; gonorrhea; catarrhal conditions of the urinary passages; edema associated with heart disease; urinary infections; ammonia in the urine in infants; bedwetting in children
Possible Side Effects: No known side effects when used properly
Expected Outcomes from Usage: Cornsilk is a soothing and toning demulcent. It is also a diuretic and has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. In the urinary tract, it helps to restore normal tissue tone and function and helps to reduce frequent urination caused by bladder irritation. Studies indicate that cornsilk can reduce blood clotting time, thus possibly proving beneficial in childbirth. Reduces high blood pressure.