Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Zea mays (Stigma maydis)

Common Names

Cornsilk, Maize Silk

Plant Family

Poaceae

Part Used

Silky threads (styles and stigmas) from the female flowers of maize

Taste Profile

Mildly sweet, grassy

Energetics

Cooling, drying, soothing
Cornsilk

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Cornsilk is a soothing urinary tract herb traditionally used to relieve inflammation, irritation, and water retention. It acts as a gentle diuretic and anti-inflammatory, making it useful in urinary tract infections, cystitis, and prostatitis.

Herb Actions

anti-inflammatory, diuretic, demulcent, urinary tonic, antilithic

Herbal Category

urinary & kidney support

Medicine System

western, native american medicin

Active Ingredients

Mucilage
,
Flavonoids (maysin)
,
Saponins
,
Allantoin
,
Potassium Salts
,
Phytosterols
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Mucilage soothes inflamed mucous membranes in the urinary tract, while flavonoids and potassium salts promote gentle diuresis and reduce urinary irritation. Allantoin contributes to tissue healing and anti-inflammatory effects

Modern Applications

Used in urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination, kidney stones, bladder irritation, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Long used by Native American tribes and Western herbalists for bladder, kidney, and prostate support. Also used for oedema, bedwetting, and high blood pressure in traditional folk remedies

Preparation & Usage

Commonly prepared as tea, tincture, or added to diuretic and urinary blends. Best used fresh or freshly dried.

Recommended Dosage

Tea: 1–2 tsp dried cornsilk per cup, steeped 10–15 min, up to 3x/day; Tincture: 2–4 ml, 2–3x/day.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Avoid in severe kidney disease unless supervised. May aggravate low blood pressure due to diuretic effect

Drug Interactions

May enhance the effect of diuretics or antihypertensive medications.

Pregnancy & Lactation

use only under professional supervision.

Side Effects

Rare. Very high doses may cause excessive urination or electrolyte imbalance in sensitive individuals.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Velazquez, D.V. et al. (2005). Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity of Zea mays L. Stigma maydis. – El-Mahmood, A.M. et al. (2010). Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial evaluation of cornsilk extracts.

Sourcing Notes

Best harvested fresh and dried immediately to preserve mucilage and flavonoids. Should be free from pesticides or contaminants (non-GMO maize preferred).

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Kidney & Bladder capsules

Kidney & Bladder 120’s

R440.00