Zea mays

Zea mays                                                   Common name: Corn silk

Family: Poaceae

Part used: Stigmas & styles (fresh or dried; harvested from the unripe corn), kernels

Constituents: Amines, fixed oils (glycerides of linolenic, oleic, palmitic, stearic acids), tannins, allantoin, nutrients (Vitamin C, K), Mg, saponins, bitter glycosides, phytosterols, flavones, gums, resins, cyanogenetic compounds, alkaloids, anthocyanins, VO, mucilage

Actions: Demulcent, vulnerary, cholagogue, diuretic, anti-lithic, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, alterative, hypotensive, tonic

Medical uses: A soothing diuretic helpful in any irritation or inflammation of the urinary system. Is used for renal problems in children (eg. enuresis, infection) and as a urinary demulcent combined with other herbs in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, urinary retention and kidney or urinary stones/gravel.

Pharmacology:

• Mucilage is demulcent & vulnerary
• Tannins are astringent
• Allantoin is a potent connective tissue healer

Pharmacy: Dried parts: 4-8g TID. Infusion: 3-4 tsp/cup, infuse 15 min, drink freely. Tincture: (1:5, 25%), 5-15 ml TID. As poultice or food (kernels). Note: best given as infusion.

Contraindications: None known.

Interactions: None reported.

Toxicity: None expected, however long-term & excessive use may cause hypokalemia.