Use of Yu Mi Xu (corn silk) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Extract the fibers and use fresh or dry

Dosage: 6- 20 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Encourages urination. Stimulates the Gallbladder and eliminates jaundice. Regulates blood sugar for wasting and thirsting disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Stops bleeding.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Yu Mi Xu may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Jaundice Oliguria Diabetes Edema High blood pressure Clogged milk ducts Gallstones Cholecystitis Nosebleed Bleeding gums

Key TCM concepts behind Yu Mi Xu's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yu Mi Xu belongs to the 'Herbs that drain Dampness' category. These herbs are typically diuretics, meaning that they promotes the increased production of urine in order to remove Dampness that has accumulated in the body. According to TCM Dampness accumulates first in the lower limbs, causing edema and impaired movement. From there, if unchecked, it can move upward and impair digestion and eventually the respiratory system.

Furthermore Yu Mi Xu is Neutral in nature. This means that Yu Mi Xu typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Yu Mi Xu means that you don't have to worry about that!

Yu Mi Xu also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Yu Mi Xu tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Yu Mi Xu is thought to target the Bladder, the Liver and the Small intestine. In TCM the impure water collected by the Kidneys that cannot be used by the body is sent to the Bladder for storage and excretion as urine. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. Like the Stomach, the Small Intestine has a digestive role, extracting the "pure" part of what we injest to the Spleen and the "impure" down to the Large Intestine.

Research on Yu Mi Xu

Corn silk is an inhibitor of melanin production and has thus an inhibitory effect on skin pigmentation.¹

Sources:

1. Choi, Sang Yoon; Lee, Yeonmi; Kim, Sung Soo; Ju, Hyun Min; Baek, Ji Hwoon; Park, Chul-Soo; Lee, Dong-Hyuk (2014-03-03). "Inhibitory Effect of Corn Silk on Skin Pigmentation". Molecules. 19 (3): 2808–2818. doi:10.3390/molecules19032808.

Use of Yu Mi Xu as food

Yu Mi Xu is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Corn silk tea.