Corn Silk Uses & Remedies
By Amy Lupton
When summer comes around each year, you can be sure that corn on the cob will be a feature in meals, picnics, and backyard barbecues. But did you know that this famous staple in summer cooking is medicinal as well?
Corn silks (Stigma maydis) are the long, silky threads that grow on corncobs and are found under the husk, close to the kernels. Corn silk is part stigma and part style, providing a female flower surface to which pollen grains can adhere and defining the path through which the pollen must travel. Kernel formation in the cob requires pollination of the external corn silk by wind or insects.
They are usually annoying to many and immediately thrown away by the preparer. But wait! Before you throw them out, these silky tassels have many uses, of which you might need right now. :)
Medicinal Uses of Corn Silks:
Corn silks have been used in cultures all over the world, mainly in Asian and Native American traditions.
Many studies have cited using corn silk and its potential antioxidant and healthcare applications as a diuretic agent, hyperglycemia reduction, and as anti-depressant and anti-fatigue agent.
Other uses of corn silk include teas and supplements to treat urinary related problems, address metabolic disorders, regulate hormonal issues, help liver and stroke recovery.
Corn silks are commonly used as a warm water infusion with fresh silks, but the silks can also be used in a tincture, glycerite or even eaten with your food.
Nutritionally, corn silks are high in potassium and Vitamin K, and energetically used to “strengthen” your vitality for life and mental fortitude.
Here are a few ways to use this amazing herb and nourishing superfood!
As a Tea or Infusion:
Harvest fresh silks from the cob, collect in a bowl and use or store in air tight container for up to a week in fridge. Can also dehydrate or dry on towel on kitchen counter for later. Stronger medicinal quality when fresh.
U-Tea-I -This is a great herb for urinary tract or bladder issues and can be paired with Cranberry (Vaccinium spp.) or Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos) for added benefit. Add 1-2 tsp of silks to hot water and let steep for 30 min. Strain and sip. Can add lemon, honey for added taste.
Fat Metabolism- Corn silk paired with lemon balm can help regulate fat metabolism and help the liver process it correctly. A tea made with equal parts (only need a tsp of each, or make a bigger batch and sip throughout the day) can help digestive health.
As a food:
The silks do have a mild corn taste so can be added to salads, pan fried or sauté with veggies or stir fry. Used in many cultures as a garnish.
Hormone Balance Salad
1/4 cup Shredded Raw Carrots, thinly sliced
1 tsp coconut oil
2 tsp fresh corn silk, chopped
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch good quality salt
Eat a few times a week to flush excess estrogen and create your balance. :)
Pub Med Sources for further research: