Maize

corn silk (Maydis stigmata)

Maize (Zea mays) is the well known field crop of which herbalism uses not the grain but the silk, that is the long silky styles of the female flower head that show at the top of the cob.

The silk is gathered while it is still pale and silky, that is at the time of pollination, before it turns brown and dries on the cob; it is taken off the cob and dried at once in the shade, in a thin layer, because it is damp and tends to stick together. Dried, it is pale yellow to brownish.

It is gathered only from maize that has not been sprayed, because the silk stands at the top of the cob and is exposed. In Ašič's collection corn silk gives the infusion its golden colour and appears in the UroSIT and VodaSIT blends.

Use and evidence

The EMA recognises corn silk as traditional use to increase the urine in minor urinary complaints. Claims about weight loss, diabetes or treating the kidneys are not confirmed. EMA.