Zea mays (Cornsilk) Flashcards
How do you recognise Cornsilk ?
- A tall, fast growing annual grass originating from Mexico but grown for food all over the world
- Corn is very important foodstuff for many
- Its ‘tassels’ are from the male and female flowers
What are Cornsilk ‘s main constituents?
Constituents:
* Flavonoids & flavonoid glycosides – many chemicals/ sugars based upon maysin & rhamnose – antibacterial
* Mucilages.
* Tannins.
* Allantoin - also in comfrey, promotes healing
* Saponins - a small amount, maybe slightly duiretic
* Phytosterols
What family is Cornsilk in?
A member of the Poaceae
What is Cornsilk good for?
Summary: Soothing demulcent herb used for cystitis/ UTIs/ prostitis. Antiinflam.
Actions:
* Diuretic.
* (Urinary) demulcent.
* Anti-inflammatory.
* Cholagogue - Bendle not used it for this.
* Hypotensive & hypoglycaemic actions being researched.
Applications:
* Urinary tract infections.
* Kidney infections.
* Benign prostatic hypertrophy.
What is Cornsilk ‘s Latin name?
Zea mays
What parts of Cornsilk do you use?
Part used: the long (up to 15cm) stigmas & styles = cornsilk.
What safety issues might Cornsilk have?
Safety: some books say long term use may possibly lead to hypokalaemia - so best used as & when for infections
What useful research does Cornsilk have?
External link:
Corn Silk (Stigma Maydis) in Healthcare: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review
The information available on this herb seems to be either pharmacological screening for possible uses divorced from traditional applications (as above) or nasty animal experiments re the urinary system. Amongst the latter, experiments on both rats and rabbits hint that corn silk may help to repair damaged kidney tissue.
What remedies might you use Cornsilk in?
Dosage: use liberally as a tea, you can use it straight off the cob. When fresh the goldeny/ greeny tassels, makes a nice tea.
