Yu Mi Xu (Cornsilk)

Herb 26 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:
BL, GB, LIV

Properties:
Sweet, Neutral

Latin Name:
Stylus Zeae Mays

Yu Mi Xu means "Jade Rice Whiskers"

Actions

Promote and Unblocks Urination, Reduce Edema
For edema especially if due to nephritis, swelling, painful urination that is hot or burning with possible dribbling, and painful urination with stones. Also for diabetes.
Clear Damp-Heat from Liver and Gallbladder
For hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and hypertension with signs of damp-heat.

Contraindications and Cautions

None Noted

Herb-Drug Interactions

Caution should be used when using prescription diuretics though adverse interactions are undocumented.
Caution should be used when taking coumadin since this herb contains vitamin K, which affects clotting time.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

15-30 grams or 45-60 grams in severe cases in decoction ¹²
15-30 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

The sweet and bland taste of this herb flushes dampness from the body.

Clinical Studies and Research

Yu Mi Xu has been shown to have several physiological effects including diuretic(1), antihypertensive (2), cholagogic (3), hemostatic (4) and antidiabetic (5). (Chen)
Yu Mi Xu has demonstrated a significant effect on chronic nephritis in human trial(6). (Chen)

1. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
2. Zhong Yao Da Ci Dien; 1037
3. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
4. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
5. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
6. Zhong Hua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1956; 10:922
Phytomedicine. 2005 May;12(5):363-9.
Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats.
Ren Fail. 2005;27(6):763-70.
Effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) [Hypoxidaceae] corm (African Potato) aqueous extract on renal electrolyte and fluid handling in the rat.
Exp Mol Med. 2004 Dec 31;36(6):545-50.
Corn silk induces nitric oxide synthase in murine macrophages.
Pharmazie. 2004 Dec;59(12):967-71.
Diuretic activity of Maydis stigma extract in rats.
J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 Nov;56(11):1443-7.
Corni fructus as the major herb of Die-Huang-Wan for lowering plasma glucose in Wistar rats.

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.