Cornsilk / Kidney, Bladder, Prostate

Herb Of The Week / Cornsilk / Kidney, Bladder, Prostate


CORN SILK (Stigmata maydis) is traditionally used as a natural
diuretic and is helpful in any irritation of the urinary system. The
silky tassel inside the cornhusk is not often considered a food, but
it is highly valued in herbology as a support to the urinary system.
It'll also lessen the incidence of bedwetting when taken a few hours
before bedtime. Since it is a diuretic it is good for edema, obesity
and other related "water-weight". It is good for the bladder and the
kidneys troubles and is usually used in combination with other kidney
and urinary tract herbs for renal problems in children and as a
urinary demulcent combined with other herbs in the treatment of
cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis etc.

The diuretic action is in part due to the high concentration of
potassium. French herbalists use it to thin the bile and promote bile
flow, and Chinese research confirms this action. It is also believed
to lower blood pressure.

Cornsilk is both mild and non-toxic, and is contained in several
over-the-counter (OTC) type diuretic products in Europe and America
(where it use to be an officially recognized medicinal agent), and is
also popular in China. Most herbalists around the world agree that
cornsilk directly reduces painful symptoms and swelling due to several
inflammatory conditions, including cystitis, pyelitis, oligouria
hepatitis, and all edematous conditions.

Nowadays, however, one of the most prominent uses for cornsilk is to
improve the health of the male prostate, such as prostatitis. For
example, it has been found to harbor anti-inflammatory properties,
which may explain why it may help urethritis (inflammation of the
urethra). Cornsilk may hold the most promise for men who are
experiencing prostate problems, such as prostatitis or BPH.


Cornsilk refers to the stigmas from the female flowers of maize. The
"silk" on corn..., the fine soft threads 15 30 inches long. When
fresh, they are like silk threads of a light green or yellow-brown
color; when dry, they resemble fine, dark, crinkled hairs.


But..... of course... IT'S YOUR HEALTH. Why take my word for it?

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor