College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Cornsilk Herbal Powder (Zea mays)

Urinary restorative & diuretic. Contains silica.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

As a cooling, nourishing, and antiseptic diuretic, Cornsilk was renowned among Native Americans for urinary tract infections. Like horsetail, cornsilk contains silica. But corn silk is more demulcent, while horsetail more astringent.

Metabolic Nature of Cornsilk

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Cornsilk
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Antilithic

STRONG ANTILITHIC

An herb that dissolves / breaks up stones (gallstones or kidney stones) so that it can be passed.

SEE ALL 'ANTILITHIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Soothing

SOOTHING

Calms and alleviates irritation, discomfort or pain in a particular region.

SEE ALL 'SOOTHING' FOODS / HERBS

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Demulcent

DEMULCENT

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

SEE ALL 'DEMULCENT' FOODS / HERBS

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Vulnerary

VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

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Antiseptic

ANTISEPTIC

Capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Helpful in infections and for those with weak immune systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTISEPTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Alterative

STRONG ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

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Refrigerant

STRONG REFRIGERANT

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

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Hemostatic

HEMOSTATIC

An herb that stops bleeding.

SEE ALL 'HEMOSTATIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Hypotensive

HYPOTENSIVE

An herb that lowers blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Urinary Tonic

URINARY-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection.

SEE ALL 'URINARY-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

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Hepatoprotective

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SEE ALL 'HEPATOPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:

Foods with a Similar Nature to Cornsilk

  • Chickweed

    Chickweed has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Diuretic, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

  • Stinging Nettles

    Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

    Antilithic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Diuretic, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory, Hemostatic, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Nutritive, Antilithic, Diuretic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Cucumber

    Cucumber has these Actions in Common

    Antilithic, Internal-detoxicant, Diuretic, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory, Hypotensive, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

  • Burdock Root (Gobo)

    Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Nutritive, Alterative, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Pomegranate

    Pomegranate has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Cholagogue, Nutritive, Alterative, Hemostatic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Carrot

    Carrot has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Diuretic, Nutritive, Antilithic, Hypotensive, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Antilithic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Hibiscus

    Hibiscus has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Hemostatic, Vulnerary, Cholagogue, Hypotensive

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Hemostatic, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Hepatoprotective

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Cornsilk

  • Gokshura

    Gokshura has these Actions in Common

    Antilithic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Nutritive, Alterative, Soothing, Analgesic, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Horsetail

    Horsetail has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Echinacea

    Echinacea has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Alterative, Vulnerary, Analgesic

    LEARN MORE

  • Red Clover

    Red Clover has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Nutritive, Alterative, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Alterative, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Vulnerary, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Vidari

    Vidari has these Actions in Common

    Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Nutritive, Soothing, Alterative, Urinary-tonic, Demulcent, Diuretic, Hemostatic

    LEARN MORE

  • Cleavers

    Cleavers has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antilithic

    LEARN MORE

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Refrigerant, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Cholagogue, Hemostatic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Cornsilk may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Cornsilk may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Cornsilk. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.