Zea mays also known as corn is an annual grass which was originated in Central America and belongs to the grass family Poaceae. It is one of the top three cereals in the world following rice and wheat. Corn silk is the long and shiny fibers found at the top of ear of a corn. The silky threads are single, whitish to green that grows from eyes of seeds that hang outside a husk in order to catch pollen. It has various medicinal uses. It is useful for prostate inflammation, urinary inflammation, bladder infections, bed wetting and kidney stones. Corn silk is also used as a treatment for diabetes, congestive heart failure, fatigue, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It contains vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and proteins. It could be used in both fresh as well as dried forms. It could be stored in an airtight container and keep in fridge which lasts for about two weeks. Corn silk has high content of potassium and possesses a mild sweet flavor which makes the summer tea nutritive, good tasting and refreshing. The countries China and France use it for treating various ailments such as bladder irritation and bedwetting. It strengthens as well as restores mucous membranes of urinary tract that helps in prevention of incontinence.

Health benefits of Corn silk

 Cornsilk are found on the stigmas of female corn plant. It has been used as a cure for various health ailments. It is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin K that is helpful for urinary tract.

1. Aid urinary tract infections

Corn silk possesses anti-inflammatory properties that is helpful for urinary tract infections by coating urinary tract lining and also provides relief from irritation. The intake of Corn silk tea helps to soothe urinary tract and inflamed bladder. It lowers the chances of build up of bacteria in urinary tract and also soothes irritated prostate gland. (1)

2. Diuretic activity

Corn silk tea is used for its diuretic activities that flush out excess presence of waste and water from the body. It lowers the health problems that are associated with water retention. The use of diuretics prevents the chances of kidney diseases and congestive heart failure. (2)

3. Prevent kidney stones

Kidney stones cause annoyance and pain due to the formation of small crystallized deposits. Since ancient days, it is used for the prevention of kidney stones. It increases the flow of urine and lowers the chances of formation of sediment in kidneys. But it does not treat the already presence of kidney stones. (3)

4. Blood clot

Corn silk possesses vitamin K that plays a vital role in the process of blood clotting. It prevents the chances of excessive blood loss in an injury.

5. Reduce blood pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension has become a common health problem in these present days. Corn silk tea could be consumed to lower high blood pressure. (4)

6. Lowers blood sugar levels

An intake of Corn silk tea is useful for treating the blood sugar problems. The study shows that the application of Corn silk lowers the level of blood sugar. The high level of blood sugar results in health ailments such as kidney problems, stroke and diabetes. The other study found that the intake of corn silk tea assist insulin generation in body. (5)

7. Treats inflammation

Corn silk possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help to lower pain that are caused due to inflammatory health problems such as arthritis and gout. Corn silk has diuretic properties that prevent the excess formation of uric acid in the body joints that could result in gout pain. It is not an aid for conditions related to arthritis. (6)

8. Maintains cholesterol levels

The presence of cholesterol in the bloodstream is the cause for various ailments such as cardiac problems. The low presence of cholesterol level helps the human to avoid heart problems and remain healthy. The study conducted in China by Jilin University scientists helps to lower cholesterol. (7)

9. Enhance immunity

Corn silk has vitamin C that enhances immunity that helps to regulate myriad functions in human body. (8)

10. Treat obesity

Obesity has become a major problem nowadays. Obesity is caused due to put on of excess weight that leads to excess water retention as well as toxic accumulation in the human body. It assists the people by lowering the chances of weight gain as it eliminates excess waste and water from the body. The tea could be consumed twice or thrice in a day to receive health benefits. (9)

Additional benefits of Corn Silk

Since these are not yet accepted scientifically, consuming corn silk tea can offer you many more health benefits. Following are the additional health benefits of corn silk:

1. Helps Relieve Skin Pigmentation Issues

Researches have shown that the consumption of corn silk helps in coping with skin pigmentation issues. This can be helpful for people distressed with vitiligo.

2. Balances Mineral Levels In the Body

Regular use of this tea helps in balancing the levels of vital minerals in the human body, which is vital for healthy living. It helps preserve the ideal level of sodium in your body. In addition, corn silk can also eliminate extra potassium from the body. Sodium plays a key role in the development of mental and cognitive abilities and the regulation of blood pressure.

3. Facilitates Recovery from Edema

Edema occurs when the heart either fails to function or becomes weak. In this situation, the heart will not be able to pump enough blood to several body parts. This leads to weakened kidneys and fluid storage in the knees and lungs. According to research, using corn silk may aid recovery from pulmonary or peripheral edema.

Traditional uses

• It is useful for bladder irritation as well as bed wetting.
• It is used to prevent incontinence.
• Topically apply corn silk tea to treat skin problems such as rashes and boils.
• It provides relief from itching and pain caused due to wounds.
• Corn silk tea helps to lower oxidative stress and prevents the onset of cancer.
• An intake of two cups of Corn silk tea for several weeks helps to cure urethritis, cystitis and prostatitis.
• It served as a remedy for heart trouble, jaundice, malaria, and obesity.
• Corn silk is rich in vitamin K, making it useful in controlling bleeding during childbirth.
• It has also been used to treat gonorrhea.
• It has been a remedy for urinary conditions such as acute and inflamed bladders and painful urination.
• Corn silk is a contemporary remedy for all conditions of the urinary passage.
• Drinking corn silk tea is a remedy to help children stop wetting their beds.
• Corn silk is used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones in adults.
• Corn silk is used in combination with other herbs to treat conditions such as cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and parostitis (mumps).
• The herb is believed to be helpful in treating high blood pressure and water retention.
• It is also used as a remedy for edema (the abnormal accumulation of fluids).
• In China, corn silk as a component in an herbal formula is used to treat diabetes.

Precautions

• It causes allergic reactions such as urticarial and contact dermatitis.
• Pregnant women and people with medications should consult the doctor before using.
• It is not palatable to consume corn silk directly.
• Corn silk could lower the level of potassium in blood which could result in allergies and skin problems.
• Breast feeding mothers should consume it in moderate amounts.
• Do not use by the people who are allergic to corn.
• Not to be used along with blood thinning medications.
• Diabetic people should not use it because it interferes with the level of blood sugar.
• Red skin, rash and itchiness are its side effects.

How to Eat         

• The organic or fresh corn silk is used to make Corn silk tea.
• It could be found in the form of powder or capsules.
• It could be dried.

Corn silk tea

Ingredients:

• Water
• Fresh or dry corn silk
• Lemon juice

Method:

1. Boil water for some time.
2. Put fresh or dried silk when the water starts boiling.
3. Let it remain boiling for minutes. Then it turns to brown hued caramel like liquid.
4. Then strain and serve it cold or warm.
5. Lemon juice could be added to enhance the flavor.
6. The remaining tea could be kept in refrigerator for few days.

Corn silk summer sun tea

Ingredients:

• Four tablespoons of chopped fresh Corn silk
• Four cups of water

Method:

1. In a half gallon Mason jar, put water and herbs for half a day in the sun.
2. Then strain the herbs.
3. According to taste, add lime, lemon and honey.
4. Then serve chilled.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt? search_topic=TSN&search_value=42269#null

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=42207

http://livingawareness.com/make-corn-silk-tea/

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-corn-silk/#gref

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-140-corn%20silk.aspx?activeingredientid=140&activeingredientname=corn%20silk

http://www.livestrong.com/article/499226-health-benefits-and-digestion-of-corn/

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