ZINGIBER 355 



ZEA STIGMATA MAYDIS (Corn Silk) 



Mentioned in but two editions of U. S. P., in 1890 and 1900. 

 Corn silk, Zea, or Stigmata maydis, seems to have 

 crept into the notice of the medical profession in Europe 

 before it had any conspicuity in America. In 1878 

 (Revista de Madrid) a Dr. Betherand mentioned it in 

 print. Long preceding that date, however, a tea of 

 corn silk had been employed in American domestic 

 practice as a remedy for acute affections of the bladder. 

 Dr. John Davis, a well-known Cincinnati physician of 

 the highest reputation, repeatedly informed the writer 

 that, in his opinion, a decoction of corn silk, together 

 with a decoction of dried pods of beans, was the most 

 effective of all diuretics he had employed in his practice, 

 as well as being most satisfactory in acute cystitis. 

 The Medical News, August 10, 1881, commended a de- 

 coction of corn silk in the above named directions, and 

 in the Therapeutic Gazette (634), February, 1881, Pro- 

 fessor L. W. Benson reported that in his practice the 

 remedy acted very favorably and kindly. Following 

 this, various contributions appeared in the foreign 

 medical journals, one by Dr. Dufau in the London Medi- 

 cal Record, speaking of it as a little known, newly intro- 

 duced remedy. Following this came many commend- 

 atory articles in European medical journals, which 

 fact, together with the increased demand for the prep- 

 aration, led to its introduction into the Pharmacopeia 

 of the United States. 



ZINGIBER (Ginger) 

 Official in all editions of U. S. P., from 1820 to 1910. 



Ginger, Zingiber officinale, a reed-like plant, native 

 to Asia, has been introduced to most tropical countries, 



