Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Neutral
- Nature & Flavour
- Sweet, Neutral
- Channels Entered
- BL, GB, LIV
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Stylus Zeae Mays
- Chinese
- 玉米须
- Tone Marks
- yù mĭ xū
- Translation
- Jade Rice Whiskers
Chinese Herb Actions
- Promote and Unblocks Urination, Reduce Edema For edema especially if due to nephritis, swelling, painful urination that is hot or burning with possible dribbling, and painful urination with stones. Also for diabetes.
- Clear Damp-Heat from Liver and Gallbladder For hepatitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and hypertension with signs of damp-heat.
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 15-30 grams or 45-60 grams in severe cases in decoction 12
- 15-30 grams in decoction 13
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- None Noted
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- None Noted
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Caution should be used when using prescription diuretics though adverse interactions are undocumented.
- Caution should be used when taking coumadin since this herb contains vitamin K, which affects clotting time.
Western / Biomedical Research
Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research
Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.
- Yu Mi Xu has been shown to have several physiological effects including diuretic(1), antihypertensive (2), cholagogic (3), hemostatic (4) and antidiabetic (5). (Chen)
- Yu Mi Xu has demonstrated a significant effect on chronic nephritis in human trial(6). (Chen)
1. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
2. Zhong Yao Da Ci Dien; 1037
3. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
4. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
5. Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 362:363
6. Zhong Hua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1956; 10:922
- Phytomedicine. 2005 May;12(5):363-9.
Zea mays L. extracts modify glomerular function and potassium urinary excretion in conscious rats. - Ren Fail. 2005;27(6):763-70.
Effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) [Hypoxidaceae] corm (African Potato) aqueous extract on renal electrolyte and fluid handling in the rat. - Exp Mol Med. 2004 Dec 31;36(6):545-50.
Corn silk induces nitric oxide synthase in murine macrophages. - Pharmazie. 2004 Dec;59(12):967-71.
Diuretic activity of Maydis stigma extract in rats. - J Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 Nov;56(11):1443-7.
Corni fructus as the major herb of Die-Huang-Wan for lowering plasma glucose in Wistar rats.
Chinese Herb Notes
- The sweet and bland taste of this herb flushes dampness from the body.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt