Corn Stigma
Corn Stigma
玉米须 · Yù Mǐ Xū
Zea mays L.
The silky threads of the corn plant — Corn Stigma gently clears dampness, promotes urination, soothes the Liver, and supports healthy fluid metabolism with its mild, sweet, and approachable nature.
Taste & Nature
Sweet & Neutral
Part Used
Stigma
Channels Entered
Bladder, Liver & Gallbladder
TCM Category
Dampness-Draining & Diuretic
Family
Poaceae
What Is Corn Stigma?
Corn Stigma (Yu Mi Xu, 玉米须) — the fine, silky threads that emerge from the top of a corn cob — is one of the most accessible and widely used food-medicines in Chinese herbal tradition. Though easily overlooked, these golden strands have been treasured in Chinese folk medicine for their remarkable ability to gently clear dampness and regulate fluid balance in the body.
Sweet and neutral in nature, Corn Stigma enters the Bladder, Liver, and Gallbladder channels. Its primary action is to promote urination and drain dampness — gently and without harsh side effects — making it ideal for long-term use and suitable for people of all ages. It is also used to soothe Liver Qi, support Gallbladder function, and address patterns of Damp-Heat in the urinary system and lower body.
History & Origin
Corn Silk (Yu Mi Xu) comes from maize, a New World crop that reached China in the 16th century, and was quickly adopted into folk medicine as a gentle diuretic and Damp-draining remedy.
Ming Dynasty (16th Century)
Maize was introduced to China through maritime and overland trade; its silk soon entered folk use for promoting urination and reducing swelling.
Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912)
Recorded in regional materia medica and folk practice for oedema, jaundice, and urinary difficulty.
20th Century
Included in modern Chinese herbal references as a safe, mild diuretic used in teas and decoctions.
Modern Research
Studied for diuretic, blood-sugar, blood-pressure, and liver and gallbladder-supporting effects.
Traditional Uses
Promotes Urination & Drains Dampness
The primary action of Corn Stigma — gently stimulates urination to clear pathological dampness from the body, used for oedema, puffiness, and difficulty urinating.
Clears Damp-Heat from Liver & Gallbladder
Used for jaundice, Gallbladder conditions, and Liver-Damp-Heat patterns with yellow discolouration, bitter taste, and flank discomfort.
Soothes the Liver
Gently supports Liver Qi flow and eases Liver-related tension, used as a mild daily tea for those with Liver Qi stagnation.
Supports Blood Sugar Balance
Traditionally used for patterns of excessive thirst and urination (Xiao Ke, the classical TCM description of diabetes-like patterns) — a use now supported by modern research.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Used in folk medicine for hypertension associated with Liver Yang rising and dampness accumulation.
Safe for Daily Use
Its mild, neutral nature makes Corn Stigma one of the safest TCM herbs for long-term daily use as a wellness tea or soup ingredient.
Health Benefits
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Fluid BalanceGently promotes urination to reduce puffiness, oedema, and the heavy, bloated feeling of excess dampness.
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Liver & Gallbladder SupportClears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, supporting healthy bile flow and liver function.
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Blood Sugar SupportTraditionally and scientifically associated with supporting healthy blood glucose metabolism.
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Blood Pressure WellnessFolk medicine use for Liver Yang hypertension now supported by research into its flavonoid content.
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Gentle Daily WellnessOne of the safest, mildest TCM herbs — ideal as a regular tea for ongoing fluid balance and liver support.
Soups Featuring Corn Stigma
Corn Stigma is a key ingredient in these Food Art no-cook herbal soups, thoughtfully formulated to deliver its nourishing benefits in a convenient, ready-to-brew format.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
