--- title: "Corn Silk: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Corn Silk Zea mays T Traditional use A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Corn silk is the silky styles at the tip of a corn cob. It contains flavonoids and potassium salts. It is traditionally used to increase urine flow and flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints; the EMA's draft assessment also classes this as traditional use. It has not been shown to clear kidney stones or cause weight loss. **Parts used:** styles **Key constituents:** Flavonoids (Maysin), Potassium Salts, Saponins Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used to increase urine flow and help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Infuse 1 tablespoon (about 2–4 g) of dried silk in 200 ml of boiling water for 10–15 minutes; drink plenty of fluids. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily **Duration limit:** 2 weeks \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 12 years - Do not use for swelling caused by heart or kidney failure. - See a doctor if fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in the urine occur. - Do not use if allergic to corn. - Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown; ask a doctor before use. \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Diuretic medicines, lithium | May affect fluid and salt balance. [2] | Moderate | | Diabetes and blood pressure medicines | Lowered blood sugar and blood pressure in animal studies. [2] | Minor | ### Side effects - Rarely allergy or skin rash #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Each strand of corn silk is attached to a single kernel; a kernel whose strand is not pollinated does not develop. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Does corn silk clear kidney stones? No reliable study shows this; see a doctor if you suspect kidney stones. Does corn silk help weight loss? No. The diuretic effect is water loss, not fat loss. How is corn silk tea made? Infuse 1 tablespoon of dried silk in 200 ml of boiling water for 10–15 minutes. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009 ### Cite This Page Corn Silk (Zea mays). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Horsetail](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/) T Traditional use Equisetum arvense Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Milk Thistle](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/milk-thistle/) T Traditional use Silybum marianum Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion. 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[Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.