Zea mays(Poaceae) Maize, Corn

Zea mays (Corn/Maize)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Zea mays

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Zea

Related Herbs from the same family: Triticum aestivum - Wheat, Cynodon dactylon - Durva grass, Orzya sativa- Rice etc.)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Zea mays | English: Corn, Maize | Sanskrit: Makka, Yavanala | Hindi: Makkai, Bhutta | Tamil: Makka Cholam | Telugu: Mokka Jonna | Kannada: Musukina Jola | Malayalam: Cholam | Marathi: Makka | Bengali: Bhutta | Urdu: Makkai | French: Maïs | Spanish: Maíz | German: Mais | Chinese: Yùmǐ (玉米) |

3. Medicinal Uses:Diuretic, Mild Demulcent, Nutritive Tonic, Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering).

Medicinal Parts:The styles and stigmas of the female flower, known as "Cornsilk," are the primary medicinal part. The whole grain is consumed as a nutritious food.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cornsilk-specific Phytochemicals:Flavonoids (Maysin): Potent Antioxidants that contribute to the anti-inflammatory and diuretic actions.Alkaloids (Maysin): Believed to contribute to the Diuretic effect.Potassium: A key mineral that makes Cornsilk a potassium-sparing Diuretic, unlike pharmaceutical diuretics which can deplete potassium.Saponins and Sterols: Contribute to the Hypolipidemic potential.

Grain-specific Phytochemicals:Carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin): Found in yellow corn, these are critical for Eye Health, protecting against blue light damage and age-related macular degeneration.Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Supports digestive health and provides a Laxative effect. Soluble fiber contributes to Hypocholesterolemic effects.Ferulic Acid: A powerful Antioxidant linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Bastishula (Bladder Irritation)

Formulation: Cornsilk tea or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction is made by boiling a handful of fresh or dried cornsilk in water for 10-15 minutes. This tea is consumed 2-3 times a day to soothe urinary tract irritation and increase urine flow.

Reasoning: Cornsilk is a renowned demulcent diuretic; it soothes the lining of the urinary tract while promoting the elimination of excess fluid and toxins.

Ashmari (Urinary Stones/Gravel)

Formulation: Cornsilk decoction.

Preparation & Use: The decoction is used not only to relieve pain but also to help prevent the formation of small stones and to facilitate the passage of gravel.

Reasoning: Its diuretic action helps flush out small particles, and its anti-inflammatory action reduces the pain associated with passing stones.

Medoroga (High Cholesterol)

Formulation: Corn oil and whole corn.

Preparation & Use: Including whole corn and using corn oil in the diet is believed to help manage cholesterol levels due to its unsaturated fatty acids and plant sterols.

Reasoning: The compounds in corn can help reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines.

Dhatukshaya (Tissue Deficiency)

Formulation: The whole grain.

Preparation & Use: Consumed as roasted corn on the cob, boiled corn, or as a flour (makki ki roti), it serves as a hearty, nutritious food that provides energy and supports weight gain.

Reasoning: It is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, acting as a general Nutritive Tonic.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Corn is consumed worldwide as a vegetable, ground into flour, and popped as a snack.

Cornsilk Tea for Urinary Health

Purpose: To soothe UTI symptoms and act as a gentle diuretic.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 2 teaspoons of dried cornsilk per cup of water.

• Boil for 10 minutes, then steep for another 10.

• Strain and drink up to 3 cups a day.

Makki ki Roti with Sarson ka Saag

Purpose: A classic North Indian winter dish that is highly nutritive and warming.

Preparation & Use:

• Make a dough from maize flour and water.

• Roll into flatbreads and cook on a griddle with ghee.

• Serve with a curry of mustard greens, providing a complete and balanced meal.

Boiled Corn as a Nutritive Snack

Purpose: A wholesome, high-fiber snack.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil fresh corn cobs until tender.

• Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

7. Disclaimer:Zea mays is generally safe as a food. Cornsilk is very safe for most people, but as a diuretic, it should be used with caution by individuals on prescription diuretic medication or with known kidney conditions without consulting a doctor. A large portion of modern corn is genetically modified. This information is for educational purposes only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Complete Herbal Guide by Dr. Earl Mindell

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)* Species: Equisetum arvense | Family: Equisetaceae | Genus: Equisetum* Similarities: Both Horsetail and Cornsilk are excellent, gentle diuretics used for urinary tract health, cystitis, and to help with the passage of urinary gravel. They are often used interchangeably in herbal practice for these purposes.

2. Hordeum vulgare (Barley)* Species: Hordeum vulgare | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Hordeum* Similarities: Both are cereal grains from the Poaceae family with diuretic properties. Barley water is a classic diuretic and cooling beverage, similar in use to cornsilk tea, though the latter is more specific for bladder irritation.

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