maizenic acid. Solvents: Water, dilute alcohol. Medicinal Part: The green pistils. Bodily Influence: Diuretic, Demulcent, Alterative. Uses: So well known and yet not recognized by most for its purpose in aiding mankind. Herbalists and naturopaths think first of Corn silk when dangerous deposits of brick dust are present in the urine and for removing the condition which is responsible for the disturbance in cystic irritation due to phosphatic and uric acid build up. Stigmata maydis will assist all inflammatory conditions of the urethra, bladder and kidney, which is the cause of much local and general malfunction of the body due to uric acid retention. So often the scanty and offensive release of urine of the aged calls for the appreciable comfort of Corn silk. Also indicated in local dropsy and heart trouble.
Children of uncontrolled, often swollen, bladder tissue will be happy to know Corn silk tea prevents bed wetting. Dose: Tincture of Corn silk( Stigmata maydis) 15 – 30 drops, tincture of Agrimony( Agrimonia eupatoria) 10 – 30 drops, in water between meals and at bedtime. For more advanced urinary complaints combine 4 oz. Corn silk, 2 oz. Dandelion root( Leontodon taraxacum), 1 oz. Golden seal( Hydrastis canadensis). Steep 1 teaspoonful to 1 cup of boiling water. Take every three or four hours or as needed. Sweeten with honey to taste. Homoeopathic Clinical: Albuminuria( st), Cystitis( st), Dropsy( st), Gonorrhoea( chronic)( st), Heart( failure of)( st), Malaria( chronic)( sh), Renal colic( st), Pyelitis( st), Urine( retained; suppressed)( st). Russian Experience: Kukuruza, or Maize, is well known to Russian Folk Medicine. Lately they have found that Corn oil is prophylactic for high blood pressure, Cholesterol, Arteriosclerosis, to promote bile, activate the liver and many other benefits.
CORN SILK Stigmate maydis, L.( Vishaya Schkolla, Moscow, 1963)
Folk Medicine: The use of Corn silk tea, or decoctions, has material Folk Medicine history for bleeding, as it is rich in Vitamin K, bedwetting, high blood pressure, cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. Externally: As a Corn silk powder, or ointment, with corn oil for wounds and ulcer-like skin disturbances. Clinically: Given medicinally in extract, powder and tablet decoctions for gall-bladder conditions, kidney and bladder stones, inflammation, slow urination, bed-wetting and all involvements of the urinary tract.
Common Name: Cotton Root.
COTTON ROOT Gossypium herbaceum, L.( N. O.: Malvaceae)