Corn Silk Herbal Remedies

Corn silk is a mild soothing diuretic used in cystitis or prostatitis as well as for gravel or incontinence. It is important to make a tea of the fresh corn silk or take an extract made from fresh corn silk to insure effectiveness. In France, it has been used traditionally to stimulate weight loss. Chinese herbalists consider corn silk to be beneficial for digestion, jaundice, diabetes, and edema and to promote urination. Corn Silk has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.

Corn Silk Proper Dose

TypeDossage
Corn Silk Infusion1-2 cups 2-3 x daily
Corn Silk Tincture1-2 droppersful 3 x daily

Corn Silk Reference Information

Latin NameZea mays
Other Names
Part UsedStigma
Herb FormsTinctures, bulk herb.
AffectsUrinary system
CautionsNone noted.
Botanical InfoA coarse erect annual with long sword-shaped leaves from the grass family--the familiar source of edible corn.

Supporting Research

Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.

Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

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