-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Zea mays (Corn Silk)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Zea mays

synonyms: corn silk

part(s) used: flower pistils (silk) from female flowers; best when collected before pollination and used fresh

qualities:

affinities:

actions: demulcent, diuretic, relaxing diuretic, tonic

dosage:

» infusion: 1 oz. to 1 pint water, drink 1 cup three times daily

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy: urinary tract infection in children, cystitis, prostatitis, urinary tract stones, urethritis and prostatitis; edema of various origins, hepatobiliary disease

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 0

» patient may develop an allergenic response (i.e. to corn oil, pollen, etc.)

» potential carcinogenicity may occur due to the high nitrate levels that develop during periods of drought; systemically, these nitrates may lead to the formation of nitrosamines (Fuller and McClintock, pp. 303-304)

constituents: saponins, allantoin, sterols, alkaloid, anthocyanins, plant acids

footnotes

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

tituents: saponins, allantoin, sterols, alkaloid, anthocyanins, plant acids

footnotes

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Press.