Yu Mi Xu

Zea mays L.

Genus: Zea Species: mays Pinyin: Yu Mi Xu
Corn silk玉米须

☯ TCM Properties

Category: transforming_dampness
Temperature: neutral
Taste: sweet, bland
Meridians: liver, gallbladder
Functions:

Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema; Clears Damp-Heat and Resolves Jaundice; Calms the Liver; Benefits the Gallbladder; Lowers Blood Sugar

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
diureticdemulcent

Botanical Description

Zea mays, maize or corn, is a robust annual grass in the Poaceae family, domesticated from teosinte in southern Mexico approximately 9000 years ago and now grown globally. The plant reaches 1-4 m with a single stout jointed culm bearing long flat lanceolate leaves arranged distichously. Maize is monoecious: a terminal tassel produces male staminate flowers, while one or more lateral cobs enclosed in husk leaves bear female pistillate florets, each with an elongated silky style (the 'silk') 15-30 cm long protruding from the husk to receive pollen. Yu Mi Xu is the dried styles and stigmas (corn silk), collected at flowering before pollination is complete.

Dosage

FormAmountFrequency DurationPopulationNotes
decoction 9-15g Daily

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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