Common Names: Corn, Indian corn, maize.

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

Description: From the husks or ears hang many soft filaments called "the silk". This is the part that has medicinal properties. It is out off before the pollen drops from the flowers and dried quickly in the shade. 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.

Cultivation: Grows well in warm climates.

Constituents: Saponins, allantoin, sterols. The alkaloid hordenine, anthocyanins, plant acids. Corn Silk contains iron, silica, potassium and vitamins B, C and K. It also contains moderate amounts of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It's key constituents are considered to be maizenic acid, fixed oil, resin and mucilage.

Uses: Diuretic, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, tonic. 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. Corn Silk may be helpful in bladder irritation, gonorrhea, all catarrhal conditions of the urinary passages, dropsies due to heart disease and edema. Corn Silk is effective information of stones, gout and rheumatism. It has been found successful in countering bedwetting of children or older people. It has been used as a harmless weight-reducer. Combines well with Couchgrass, Bearberry, Buchu or Yarrow in the treatment of cystitis. I make a prostate blend for tea, composed of Cornsilk, Saw Palmetto, Uva Ursi and Juniper Berries that my husband finds very effective for his prostate problems.

Miscellaneous: Chinese research indicates that Corn Silk reduces hypertension and reduces blood clotting time. A North American native plant first grown by farmers in Mexico, Corn (Zea mays) has been harvested for over 7000 years. By the time Columbus arrived in the New World, Corn was being grown from Canada to the tip of South America, but was largely unknown in Europe. Columbus recorded in his journal the many virtues of corn as taught by the Indians. It is also used in cosmetics as a fine grade, soothing face powder.