Poaceae
Corn Silk
Zea mays
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Central America (domesticated globally)
Also known as: Maize Silk, Cornstalk Hair, Stigmata Maydis
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Stigma/silk
Therapeutic Uses
Urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethritis, kidney stones (prevention), prostatitis, BPH (urinary flow), edema. Gentle, food-based urinary herb — suitable for children and elderly.
Herbal Actions
Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antilithic (prevents kidney stones), urinary demulcent, hypoglycemic
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (maysin, quercetin glycosides), saponins, alkaloids (hordenine), allantoin, vitamins C and K, potassium, tannins
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried silk per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3–4x daily with high water intake |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3–4x daily |
| Notes | Fresh silk (harvest when corn harvested) far superior to dried. Drink with large amounts of water for UTI and kidney stone prevention. Gentle and safe — excellent for children with UTI. Combine with goldenrod for comprehensive urinary support. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with diuretic medications and antidiabetics. High vitamin K — caution with warfarin. Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: Mild diuretic effect. Rare allergic reactions. Very well tolerated.