Corn Silk: Surprising Health Benefits & Uses

Do you love munching fresh corn? Well, who doesn’t! Now what if we say that corn silk (which we generally toss into the garbage bin) can benefit you in amazing ways? Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?

That is what this post is all about. To know more, keep reading!

How Corn Silk Is Procured For Usage:

Once you take off the greenish cover surrounding the corn cob, you get another layer of stringy stuff. This is known as the corn silk. You can use it in both fresh and dried forms. You need to pull out the golden-green strands off the corn and store them in a pot. If you want to store them fresh, put them in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It lasts for a couple of weeks this way. Based on the weather, you may need to completely dry the silk for a few days, after which it can be stored for a long time.

How To Make Corn Silk Tea:

There is no way you can eat the corn silk directly – it is not much palatable. You should take organic and fresh corn and gather the corn silk to get the maximum benefits. If you do not have access to organic or fresh corn, resort to the corn silk powders and capsules available in the market.

Below listed are two methods to prepare corn silk tea.

Method 1:

This is the usual method. You will need ingredients like:

• Dry or fresh corn silk
• Water
• Lemon juice

1. You will need to boil water for some time.
2. When it starts boiling, drop the dried or fresh silk atop.
3. Let it boil for a few minutes and steep for a few minutes.
4. This will turn into a brown hued caramel-like liquid.
5. Strain and serve the tea. You may have it both cold and warm.
6. Some people prefer adding lemon juice to add to the taste and flavor of this tea.
7. Leftover tea can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

Method 2:

This method is ideal for those who want to obtain the natural benefits of corn silk. The ingredients are:

• Dried corn silk, chopped
• Water
• Honey

1. This method does not need boiling.
2. Pour some water in a glass jar with a lid.
3. Add the dried silk corn in the water.
4. Put on the lid and then keep the jar out in the sun for an entire day.
5. At the end of the day, bring the jar inside and add some honey to it and stir well.
6. Keep it in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Corn silk has been used by various races since the ancient ages, and it is said to possess a number of healing properties. Native American tribes, in particular, have used corn silk over the centuries for medicinal and healing needs. While a few such benefits have been found to be effective by scientific studies, the same cannot be said about all the claimed benefits. However, its nutrients and antioxidant content indicate that there are certain great benefits one can obtain by using it. It contains key nutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamins B2, C and K, among others.

Below listed are the prominent health benefits offered by corn silk:

1. Treats Urinary Tract Infections:

Corn silk works as an anti-inflammatory agent for urinary tract infections (1). It basically coats the urinary tract lining and thwarts further irritation. Corn silk tea consumption helps soothe the inflamed bladder and the urinary tract. It makes you urinate, and thus reduces the risk of bacteria build-up in the urinary tract. It is also used to soothe the irritated prostate gland.

2. Works As A Diuretic Agent:

For ages, corn silk tea has been used as a natural potent diuretic agent. It helps flush out excess water and waste from the body, thereby reducing complications related to water retention. According to studies, usage of diuretics helps get rid of several health hazards including congestive heart failure and kidney diseases in the long run.

3. Keeps Kidney Stones At Bay:

Kidney stones are made of small crystallized deposits that can cause pain and annoyance. Corn silk has been used since the ancient days to prevent the occurrence of kidney stones. Corn silk usage can increase urine flow and decrease the chances of sediment formation in kidneys, which otherwise can eventually lead to kidney stone formation. However, remember that its use will not treat kidney stones that are already present.

4. Facilitates Blood Clotting:

It contains vitamin K that helps in the blood clotting process. This ensures you do not experience excessive blood loss in the event of an injury.

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