Corn cobs with stigmas are a herbal remedy that is used in folk and official medicine due to its pronounced diuretic, choleretic and hypoglycemic properties. The drug is used for diseases of the liver, kidneys, metabolic disorders and other conditions. Due to their rich chemical composition, corn silk is becoming increasingly popular in herbal medicine and natural medicine.
What are corn cobs with stigmas?
Corn cobs are filamentous fibers located inside corn cobs. Stigmas are their apical part, which takes part in the pollination of the plant. In medicinal raw materials, a combination of them is usually used, which enhances the therapeutic effect.
What is the difference between corn cobs and corn silk?
Although these parts of the plant are often combined into one concept, stigmas have a higher concentration of biologically active substances, while cobs give the raw material physical and chemical properties, enhancing the extraction of useful components during brewing.
Chemical composition
Corn cobs with stigmas contain many active substances that determine their pharmacological properties.
Vitamins (C, K, E, B)
Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting, and E and B-complex support the nervous system and metabolism.
These vitamins also help strengthen blood vessels, normalize cholesterol levels and increase the body’s resistance to stress and infections.
Minerals (potassium, magnesium, selenium, etc.)
The mineral composition is represented by potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and iron. Potassium and magnesium support the cardiovascular system, while selenium has antioxidant properties.
These minerals are involved in the regulation of water-salt balance, normalize blood pressure and play a key role in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones.
Biologically active substances
The most important components are flavonoids, saponins, stigmasterol, fatty and essential oils. These substances cause choleretic, diuretic, hemostatic and hypoglycemic effects, increasing the secretion of bile and accelerating its outflow.
It is thanks to the combination of these components that corn silk has a complex effect, affecting several body systems at once.
Features of the combination of cobs and stigmas
The combined use of cobs and stigmas allows you to achieve a balance between efficiency and softness of action. Due to this, they are safe for long-term use, especially for diseases that require course therapy.
Beneficial features
For the kidneys and urinary system
One of the main effects of corn silk is a pronounced diuretic effect. It has been proven that they increase diuresis by up to 150-160%, helping to remove excess fluid, toxins and salts from the body. This is especially important for edema caused by impaired kidney function, cardiovascular system or metabolism.
The drug is effectively used for cystitis, pyelonephritis and urolithiasis. It promotes the elimination of urate, oxalate and phosphate, which helps prevent the formation of new kidney stones.
For the liver and gallbladder
Corn silk stimulates the production of bile, improves its outflow, reduces viscosity and reduces bilirubin levels. This makes them useful for hepatitis, cholecystitis and cholangitis, especially if there is bile stagnation or digestive disorders.
In addition, they help eliminate the feeling of heaviness after eating, speed up the digestion of fats and prevent the formation of gallstones in the absence of concrements.
With diabetes and overweight
Corn silk has a hypoglycemic effect: it helps to reduce blood sugar levels and stabilize its fluctuations, especially in type 2 diabetes. This is due to the effect on carbohydrate metabolism and improving the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
In addition, they gently suppress appetite, speed up metabolism and maintain normal water-salt balance. Thanks to this, they are used as an adjunct in weight correction programs.
For women’s health
The biologically active substances of corn silk maintain hormonal balance and improve well-being during the menstrual cycle. They reduce pain, nervousness and PMS manifestations due to a moderate hemostatic and antispasmodic effect.
They can also be used during menopause to reduce the severity of symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, fatigue. Due to its ability to increase prothrombin levels, the remedy can be useful for heavy menstruation.
Indications
Corn cobs with stigmas are used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract – such as cholecystitis, hepatitis and cholangitis. They promote the outflow of bile, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
The remedy is also effective for cystitis, kidney inflammation and urolithiasis. Due to its diuretic effect, it helps to remove excess fluid and salts, preventing the formation of stones.
Indications include edema of various origins, overweight and type 2 diabetes, where stigmas help normalize metabolism and blood sugar levels. Additionally, they are used for low prothrombin levels and a tendency to bleeding.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and increased blood clotting. It is also not recommended to use it in the presence of large gallstones (more than 10 mm in diameter), since the increased choleretic action can cause their displacement and blockage of the ducts.
It is forbidden to take it for obturative jaundice and severe exhaustion, including anorexia. It is used with caution in case of low blood pressure and long-term therapy with anticoagulants – an increase in the clotting effect is possible.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug can only be prescribed by a doctor if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risks. The remedy can be used for children from 3 years old, also exclusively as prescribed by a pediatrician.
Methods of administration
To prepare the decoction, use 3 tablespoons of raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiled water, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, then infuse for 45 minutes at room temperature. The resulting liquid is filtered and brought to its original volume. Take warm every 3-4 hours, 1-3 tablespoons for adults and children from 14 years old. Shake the infusion before use.
Filter bags are a more convenient option. Two sachets are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 15 minutes. The method of application is similar. The finished infusion is stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days at a temperature of 8-15 ° C.
The duration of the appointment is determined by the doctor. Usually the course is from 7 to 21 days. For preventive purposes, short courses of 2-3 times a year are allowed.
Corn silk can be combined with other herbs. To enhance the diuretic effect – with bearberry or horsetail, for the liver – with helichrysum, milk thistle. For diabetes, preparations with blueberries and bean leaves are useful, and for hormonal fluctuations – with sage and nettle. Such combinations enhance the healing effect, but require individual selection.
Conclusion
Corn silk and cobs are a natural remedy with a broad spectrum of action, which is effective for diseases of the liver, kidneys, edema, metabolic disorders and high blood sugar levels. Due to their mild effects, they can be used both in treatment and for prevention, especially with a tendency to fluid retention and metabolic failures.
Given its rich composition and proven effectiveness, the remedy is suitable for long-term courses as part of herbal medicine – both independently and as part of a collection. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting to take it, especially in case of chronic diseases and during pregnancy.
Literature:
- Zea mays Linn and Corn Silk: A Phyto-Pharmacological Review and Its Utilization in Unani Medicine (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354342564)
- Anti-Anaemic and Hypolipidaemic Potentials of Corn Silk (Stigma Maydis) Extract on Paracetamol-Overdose in Wistar Rats (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370730849)
- Anti-Anxiety Evaluation of Extracts of Stigma Maydis (Corn Silk) (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282317950)
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Quality Director of the Viola Pharmaceutical Factory
