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CORN SILK 玉米
Zea Maïs
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Obesity, cellulite, disorders of the kidney and urinary bladder, kidney stones, edema, rheumatism, gout, arthritis ...
Description
Composition :
Capsule, 100% Zea maïs (Graminae) - 350 mg
Part used :
Silks of the female inflorescence
Corn silks are elongated stigmas which emerge from the whorl of husk leaves of the female inflorescence of Corn, aka Maize, a grain plant in the family of True Grasses (Poaceae), native to Central America, and having been domesticated by indigenouis peoples as early as prehistoric times (2500 B.C.). There are over 50'000 different types of Corn.
The leafy stalk, which typically grows to a height of 2.5 meters (8ft) – though some natural strains can grow to 12 meters (40ft) – has internodes of 18 cm (7in) with a leaf each (similar to Bamboo), which typically is 1.2 meters (4ft) long and 9 cm (3.5in) wide. Ears develop above a few of the leaves in the midsection of the plant, between the stem and leaf sheath, about 60 cm (24in) long and 18 cm (7in) wide. Elongated stigmas, called silks, emerge from the whorl of husk leaves at the end of the ear. They are often pale yellow and 7 in (178 mm) in length, like tufts of hair in appearance. At the end of each is a carpel, which may develop into a ‘kernel’ if fertilized by a pollen grain. The pericarp of the fruit is fused with the seed coat referred to as ‘caryopsis’, typical of the grasses, and the entire kernel is often referred to as the ‘seed’. The cob is close to a multiple fruit in structure, except that the individual fruits (the kernels) never fuse into a single mass. The grains are about the size of peas.
Corn silk (Zea mais stigmata) is a strong diuretic which also has beneficial properties for treatment of kidney and urinary bladder disorders, as well as arthritis and rehumatism. It contains 5% minerals, including potassium, and is also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (polyphenols), including sitosterol, which is a natural ‚fat burner‘ (a fact which is highly appreciated when it comes to weight loss in general, and treating cellulite, in particular).
Corn silk also contains salicylic acid and vitamin K, which have pain reducing and anti-inflammatory properties. Additional bio-active ingredients include essential oils, saponins, flavanoids, bitterns, polyphenloic tanning agents, mucilage and potassium salts.
In China, tea made from Corn silk is traditionally used to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels ; within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Corn silk is considered ‘neutral’, i.e. its ‘thermal’ impact is neither warming nor cooling.
History: The Olmec and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout Mesoamerica. Beginning about 2500 BC, the crop spread through much of the Americas. The region developed a trade network based on surplus and varieties of Corn crops. After European contact with the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, explorers and traders carried Corn back to Europe and introduced it to other countries. Corn spread to the rest of the world because of its ability to grow in diverse climates. Sugar-rich varieties called sweet corn are usually grown for human consumption, while field corn varieties are used for animal feed and as chemical feedstocks.
Note: Corn silk promotes body (re-)shaping by way of reversing water retention. For use in weight loss programs, please refer to the information provided under ‘Phyto-Joule - The 100% Natural Weight Loss and Weight Management Program’.
Counter indication: No negative side effects are known; Corn silk may be used over extended periods of time, also during pregnancy and lactation.
Dosage
Take 2-6 capsules daily, with plenty of water