✵The article documents the herb Corn Stigma, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, botanical source—namely the plant species Zea mays L.—and a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species, as well as the characteristics of the herb Corn Stigma, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Stigma Maydis (Corn Stigma)
Pinyin Name: Yù Mǐ Xū
English Name: Corn Stigma
Latin Name:Stigma Maydis Properties and Flavor: Neutral in nature; sweet and bland
Brief Introduction: The herb Stigma maydis consists of the dried styles and stigmas of Zea mays L. It is used (1) to induce diuresis in the treatment of edema, (2) to promote bile secretion in cases of jaundice, and (3) to lower blood pressure in hypertension. It is commonly known as Stigma maydis, Corn Stigma, or Yù Mǐ Xū.
Botanical Source: The herb Stigma maydis (Corn Stigma) is the dried styles and stigmas of Zea mays L., a plant belonging to the genus Zea, family Poaceae (Gramineae, grass family), order Poales. This widely used species is described below:
(1) Zea mays L.
Botanical Description:Zea mays L. is an annual, cultivated, tall herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family (Gramineae) and genus Zea. Its stem and culm are stout and upright; the plant typically grows 50–100 cm tall, though it may reach 1–4 meters. It is usually unbranched, with aerial roots often arising from basal nodes. The primary root is hypertrophied, woody, frequently branched, and off-white. Stems are upright and may branch in the upper portion; they bear fine longitudinal ribs and are covered with white pubescence.
Leaves are alternate and simple; leaf blades are linear-lanceolate, 5–10 cm long, with undulating margins and prominent midribs; the upper surface is green and nearly glabrous, while the lower surface bears white pubescence. Stipules are free, ovate to lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 4–10 mm long; the lower portion is white, soft, and glabrous. Petioles are absent (the leaf blade is sessile).
Male inflorescences are dense panicles bearing 10–20 flowers, located at the apex of the culm; branches of the male inflorescence are prismatic, with two male spikelets per node—one sessile and one pedicellate. Each male spikelet contains two florets; glumes are membranous with acute apices; the lower palea (lemma) and upper palea (palea) are both transparent and membranous. Female inflorescences are cylindrical and emerge from leaf axils; the outer bracts (glumes) are sheathing; female spikelets are densely arranged in rows on a stout rachis; glumes are broad with rounded or slightly emarginate apices; the lower palea (lemma) is membranous and transparent. Flowering and fruiting occur from July to September.
Ecological Environment:Zea mays L. is now widely cultivated worldwide. It is native to South America and was likely first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico approximately 10,000 years ago.
Growth Characteristics:Zea mays prefers warm temperatures, requires ample water, and thrives in loose, fertile soil. It is extensively cultivated as a staple crop.
Characteristics of the Herb: The herb is commonly found in loose clusters. The styles are linear or filamentous; intact styles measure up to 30 mm in length and approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, ranging in color from pale green to yellowish green or reddish brown; they are lustrous and slightly translucent. The stigma is bifurcated (two-lobed), divergent, and up to 3 mm long. The texture is soft. High-grade herb material is soft and lustrous.
Medicinal Efficacy: Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; clears heat; calms the liver; promotes bile secretion. It is indicated for nephritis, edema, dysuria, beriberi, jaundice, hepatitis (including hepatitis-associated jaundice), hypertension, cholecystitis, gallstones, diabetes mellitus, hematemesis, epistaxis (nasal bleeding or bleeding from orifices or subcutaneous tissues), acute and chronic sinusitis, lactation failure (agalactia), and acute mastitis.
Administration of Stigma maydis (Yù Mǐ Xū):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Stigma maydis (Yù Mǐ Xū)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 3–9 grams; (2) Internally: water decoction, 1–2 liang (approximately 30–60 grams); alternatively, the herb may be charred (while retaining its medicinal properties) and ground into a fine powder. External use: burn and inhale the smoke. (3) Internally: water decoction, 15–30 grams; higher doses may reach 60–90 grams; alternatively, the herb may be charred (while retaining its medicinal properties) and ground into a fine powder. External use: burn and inhale the smoke.
Precautions and Adverse Reactions: The corn silk should be removed before cooking. It should not be used except as a medicinal herb.
✵The article documents the herb Corn Stigma, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, botanical source—namely the plant species Zea mays L.—and a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this species, as well as the characteristics of the herb Corn Stigma, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Yù Mǐ Xū
Botanical Description: Zea mays L. is an annual, cultivated, tall herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family (Gramineae) and genus Zea. Its stem and culm are stout and upright; the plant typically grows 50–100 cm tall, though it may reach 1–4 meters. It is usually unbranched, with aerial roots often arising from basal nodes. The primary root is hypertrophied, woody, frequently branched, and off-white. Stems are upright and may branch in the upper portion; they bear fine longitudinal ribs and are covered with white pubescence.
Ecological Environment: Zea mays L. is now widely cultivated worldwide. It is native to South America and was likely first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico approximately 10,000 years ago.
Characteristics of the Herb: The herb is commonly found in loose clusters. The styles are linear or filamentous; intact styles measure up to 30 mm in length and approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, ranging in color from pale green to yellowish green or reddish brown; they are lustrous and slightly translucent. The stigma is bifurcated (two-lobed), divergent, and up to 3 mm long. The texture is soft. High-grade herb material is soft and lustrous.
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