Cornsilk (Zea mays) — Bulk Dried Herb

Cornsilk (Zea mays)

Cornsilk — the long, silky threads that emerge from the tip of a corn ear — is one of the most gentle and accessible botanicals in the North American herbal tradition. While the corn plant itself is one of the most important food crops in human history, its delicate stigmas have been used as a botanical preparation by Native American peoples and Western herbalists for centuries, valued for their mild, soothing character and their connection to one of the most culturally significant plants on earth.

Our Cornsilk is certified organic, carefully dried to preserve its delicate botanical character.

Botanical Profile

• Botanical Name: Zea mays (stigma/style)
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Common Names: Cornsilk, Corn Silk, Maize Silk, Yu Mi Xu (TCM)
• Plant Part Used: Stigma and style (the silky threads of the female flower)
• Preparation: Dried whole threads
• Cultivation: Certified Organic
• Appearance: Fine, silky, pale yellow to light brown threads
• Aroma: Mildly sweet, faintly grassy
• Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, delicate

About the Plant

Zea mays is one of the most important cultivated plants in human history — a tall annual grass domesticated from the wild grass teosinte in southern Mexico approximately 9,000 years ago and now cultivated on every inhabited continent. The corn plant produces separate male flowers (the tassel at the top) and female flowers (the ear), with the cornsilk representing the elongated stigmas of the female flowers — each silk thread corresponding to a single kernel on the cob. Cornsilk has been used in TCM, where it is known as Yu Mi Xu, and appears in the botanical traditions of numerous Native American nations. It was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1894 to 1946.

Traditional Context

Cornsilk has been used by numerous Native American peoples, including the Cherokee, Ojibwe, and Navajo nations, as a botanical preparation. It was adopted by 19th century Eclectic physicians in North America and listed in official pharmacopoeias. In TCM it is classified as a sweet, neutral botanical associated with the Liver, Gallbladder, and Urinary Bladder meridians. It remains a popular botanical in contemporary Western and Chinese herbal traditions.

Suggested Preparations

• Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried cornsilk in hot water for 10–15 minutes for a mild, pleasant tea
• Tinctures: Suitable for alcohol or glycerin extraction
• Herbal Blends: Pairs well with Cleavers, Nettle, and Dandelion Leaf

Quality & Sourcing

• ✓ Certified Organic
• ✓ Identity Verified
• ✓ Ethically Sourced
• ✓ Small Batch
• ✓ No Additives or Fillers

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Cornsilk maintains its quality for 1–2 years.

A Note on Use

This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.

Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.