Diuretic, protection of the internal mucous membranes, anti-inflammatory, liver stimulation, astringent

A low-alcohol tincture or infusion of the fresh silk is best.

Corn silk is very useful whenever there is chronic inflammation in the urinary tract or kidneys. Specifically, corn silk is helpful in treatment of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), because it reduces inflammation without adding irritation.

Corn silk can help improve kidney function in early-onset kidney failure because it does not contain volatile oils that may compound the disease. It can also help reduce pain and inflammation when passing kidney or bladder stones.

Corn silk can also help tighten and strengthen the bladder lining and smooth muscle of the urinary tract, making it useful in treating chronic urinary incontinence.

Corn silk can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and stimulate the liver in laboratory animals. These also help make corn silk effective as a general kidney tonic.

Fresh herb is always preferable to dried herb.

Dosage is highly variable, but a good starting point is 1 millilitre of low-alcohol tincture per 20 pounds of the animal’s body weight, twice daily. An alcohol-free tincture can be administered directly to the mouth. A tincture containing alcohol should be diluted with at least an equal amount of water, and should have no more than 25% alcohol.

To make a tea of the silk, chop it finely and steep a tablespoon of the herb in near-boiling water until the mixture cools. Strain the tea, then feed to the animal at a dose of 1/4 cup per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily.

• Animals with pollen allergies may have adverse reactions to corn silk.
• Corn silk can stimulate uterine contractions, so should not be used in pregnant animals.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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