Yu Mi Xu (玉米须) is corn silk, the styles of the maize flower, recorded as Stigma Maydis. It is sweet and bland in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Liver, Gallbladder and Bladder channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that drain Dampness.

Pinyin

yu mi xu

Chinese

玉米须

Latin Name

Stigma Maydis

English Name

Cornsilk

Japanese

gyokumaishu

Korean

okmisu

Actions and indications

Promotes urination, reduces edema and relieves painful urinary dysfunction

Lin syndrome from Damp-Heat, above all Stone Lin, with hot, burning or dribbling painful urination
Edema and swelling
Edema from nephritis, where it can be given on its own

Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder

Damp-Heat of the Liver and Gallbladder, as in hepatitis, cholecystitis and gallstones
High blood pressure showing Damp-Heat signs

Resolves jaundice

Jaundice of either the Yin or the Yang type

Treats Xiao Ke

Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting disorder), also used for diabetes

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any

9-60 g

—

Cautions

caution As a diuretic it can upset fluid and electrolyte balance, particularly with impaired kidney function

caution Yin deficiency or dehydration, where draining fluids is counterproductive

pregnancy No traditional prohibition in pregnancy, but professional guidance is advised

caution People treated for diabetes or high blood pressure should keep their prescriber informed, since it can lower both blood sugar and blood pressure

caution Allergy to corn

Interactions

Drug interactions

Prescription diuretics: adding a herbal diuretic without supervision risks fluid and potassium imbalance (precautionary; no adverse event documented)
Blood pressure medicines: corn silk lowered blood pressure in a human study, so an added effect is plausible
Glucose-lowering medicines: human studies report lower fasting and after-meal blood sugar, so combined use should be monitored

yu mi xu

About yu mi xu

Names

Classification