Urinary burning can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, or UTI, but it can also be a sign of a more serious disorder. Cornsilk, the soft tassels that develop on an ear of corn before the kernels are ready to harvest, may be beneficial in reducing urinary burning in some cases. The FDA does not oversee the production of herbal remedies, so there is no guarantee of efficiency, safety or quality. Visit with your doctor about your symptoms, and use cornsilk under your doctor's supervision.
Urinary Burning with UTIs
Painful urination is a fairly common problem and an infection somewhere along the urinary tract is usually the cause. This may include an infection of the kidneys, the bladder and the tubes that carry the urine. Additional symptoms include discolored urine, lower back and abdominal pain or pressure and the desire to urinate frequently, according to Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Cornsilk may alleviate or reduce some of these symptoms but clinical evidence confirming the herb's benefits is lacking.
Cornsilk: The Herb
Corn silk, or Zea mays, contains volatile oils, saponins and tannins, which may produce a diuretic effect, meaning that they may increase the flow of urine out of the body, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Cornsilk also contains alkaloids that may promote healing and it may act as an anti-inflammatory in the urinary tract.
Products
Cornsilk is a centuries-old remedy for treating urinary disorders, ranging from painful urination to bedwetting and incontinence in the elderly, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Cornsilk is available in health food stores in freeze-dried capsules. Herbal remedy manufacturers may pair cornsilk with other herbs thought to be beneficial to the urinary tract, including yarrow, lemon balm, horsetail and wild oat. Follow the dosage instructions on individual products. As of 2011, there are no studies verifying that cornsilk will successfully treat urinary burning.
Considerations
Burning and painful urination may be a symptom of a serious disease, such as a sexually transmitted disease, a yeast infection, inflammation of the bladder, kidney stones or irritants in the urine, so it's imperative to seek medical advice for your symptoms. The "Gale Encyclopedia" lists no known side effects from using cornsilk but that may be, in part, because studies determining the herbs safety are insufficient. Self-treating with herbal remedies cannot take the place of professional medical care. See your doctor if you experience urinary burning.
References
- Medline Plus: Urination -- Painful
- Medline Plus: Urinary Tract Infection -- Adults
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
