-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.