The Power of Corn Silk

We are now entering into the sweet corn season-Yummy! Nothing like a deliciously sweet cob of corn dripping with butter to really make it feel like summer. The satisfying popping sounds as you nibble your way down the cob. The beautiful bright yellow. Then there is the satisfaction shucking the ears. That delightful squeak as you pull off the leaves and reveal the beautiful corn underneath and the soft strands of corn silk.

It is the silk that I want to talk about today. This soft, slightly sticky silk, that is almost always thrown away, is actually a wonderful medicinal part of the plant and has been used in teas for thousands of years in Native American medicine and other folk and traditional medicine practices. So simple, beautiful and effective.

What is Corn Silk Tea Good For?

Corn silk has been shown to contain vitamin K & C, rich in magnesium, potassium, antioxidants and minerals. So that list right there is enough to make a good case for keeping the silk. On top of all this people have used the tea to:

• Regulate blood sugar

• Bed wetting

• Lower blood pressure

• UTI

• Congestive Heart Failure (Diuretic)

• Kd & water retention problems (Diuretic)

• Support digestion & in doing so support weight loss (Diuretic also)

• Control bleeding

• Inflammation

It can also be used as a general health tonic.

Precautions and Contraindications:

Like with most herbs there are some precautions that you should consider before trying to use this tea to address a specific condition or using it on a long term basis. Because it is a diuretic, meaning it is going to drain fluids out of the body, there is the risk that with the fluids that you want to be drained are also draining important minerals with them. So even though it is rich in vitamins and minerals you can be loosing them at the same time. So don’t use corn silk tea if you are taking/using:

• Diuretics of some kind

• Are already taking blood pressure medications

• Are taking medication for diabetes

• Blood thinners

• Anti-Inflammatory drugs

• Avoid if you have problems with potassium levels or have to be on a potassium supplement (because of its diuretic properties and increased secretion of minerals)

• Also if you have corn allergies (had to say it)

Making Corn Silk Tea

According to The Nerdy Farm Wife

To make a tea: Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped corn silk per cup of almost boiling water. Cover and let this steep for fifteen to twenty minutes or until cool enough to drink. Strain. Sweeten with raw honey to taste, if you wish. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for two to three days. Doses vary depending on your body weight and condition, but a general recommendation for adults is up to 1 cup of tea, two to three times during the day – avoiding the hours right before bedtime. Reduce doses for children accordingly.

So next time you are enjoying a nice cob of corn perhaps consider keeping the silks and making a cup of tea. Enjoy!