HerbMate Library

Cornsilk

Zea mays (stigma)

Herburinarysoothingdiuretickidneys

Cornsilk is the silky strands from ears of corn. It’s traditionally used as a gentle urinary soother and mild diuretic, often taken for bladder irritation and fluid retention.

Key Benefits

Traditionally used to soothe mild bladder and urinary tract irritation
Mild diuretic effect (may increase urine flow)
May support comfort during occasional water retention

Common Issues It May Help With

urinary discomfort
frequent urination (irritation)
mild water retention

How To Use (Simple)

Tea: 1–2 tsp dried cornsilk per cup, steep 10–15 min; drink 1–3x/day
Infusion (stronger): steep 20–30 min for a deeper extraction
Capsules/tincture: follow label; start low

Taste / Notes

Mild, slightly sweet/plant-like.

Evidence Level

Traditional use; limited modern human evidence. Commonly used as a gentle urinary herb in folk practice.

Cautions

Avoid if you have severe kidney disease unless advised by a clinician. Stop if you develop pain, fever, blood in urine, or worsening urinary symptoms.

Interactions

May add to diuretic medications (water pills). Use caution with lithium (diuretics can affect lithium levels). If you take blood pressure meds or diabetes meds, monitor as increased urination/changes in routine can shift readings.

Debug: Loaded Herb Fields (verification)

{
  "slug": "cornsilk",
  "title": "Cornsilk",
  "latinName": "Zea mays (stigma)",
  "category": "Herb",
  "tagsCount": 4,
  "summaryLen": 175,
  "benefitsBullets": 3,
  "issuesItTreats": 3,
  "howToUse": 3,
  "hasTaste": true,
  "hasEvidence": true,
  "hasCautions": true,
  "hasInteractions": true
}