Beverages & Teas
Corn silk
玉米須Yu Mi XuNutritional Value
3 / 5
Organ Affinities
Therapeutic Properties
Quick Facts
AHM Properties
Corn silk (Yu Mi Xu) is a well-established AHM herb that drains Dampness and promotes urination, used traditionally as a tea for edema, urinary tract inflammation, painful urinary dysfunction, and kidney stones. Its sweet, bland, and neutral nature leaches fluid downward without damaging Qi. Beyond its diuretic action, Yu Mi Xu clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, making it applicable for hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and jaundice of either Yin or Yang type. It also treats Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome). Corn silk is distinct from corn the grain — the silk is the medicinal part, brewed as a decoction or tea, while the kernel is a food.
Corn silk contains flavonoids including maysin, along with vitamin K and potassium, providing gentle antioxidant and diuretic support. The silk contains bioactive compounds — including polyphenols and phytosterols — that support urinary tract function and have documented mild blood pressure–lowering effects. Traditional preparation involves simmering 9–30g of dried corn silk in water; larger doses of 60–90g are used for acute edema.
Contraindications
Monitor carefully when used with warfarin (Coumadin), as corn silk contains vitamin K which may reduce its anticoagulant effect. Concurrent use with diuretic medications may lead to increased elimination of water and electrolytes. Use with caution in Qi deficiency patterns.
Clinically authored and reviewed by Dr. Katrina Chojnicki-Hill, DAOM, AP, Dipl. OM. Cross-referenced against American Dragon Herbs and classical AHM sources. For educational purposes only — consult a qualified AHM practitioner for personalised advice.