Single Herb Glossary
Yu Mi Xu 玉米鬚
| Pharmaceutical name | Maydis Stigma Corn silk “jade rice whiskers” |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Reduces edema and pain due to painful urinary dribbling |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Neutral |
| Tropism | UB, GB, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promote Urine, Reduce Edema, Unblock Lin 2) Clear Damp Heat from LV/GB (Modern use: diabetes, HTN (hypervolemia)) |
| Dosages | 15-30 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Crytoxanthin, resin, saponins, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, vitamin K, sitosterol, stigmasterol, malic acid, palmitic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, pantothenic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Diuretic: associated with increase in excretion of urine and chloride in humans and rabbits • Antihypertensive: intravenous injection in dogs associated with reduction of blood pressure; continuous administration for 3 weeks, however, showed no permanent change of animals' blood pressure • Cholagogic: stimulates production and excretion of bile acid; also decreases the viscosity of bile • Others: antidiabetic and hemostatic effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Warfarin (Coumadin): Yu Mi Xu contains vitamin K, which may reduce anticoagulant effect of warfarin; concurrent use of the herb and the drug should be monitored carefully to avoid the formation of blood dots • Diuretics: prudent to avoid combination of herbs and drugs that exert diuretic effects, as there may be additive or synergistic effects; combination therapy may lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.