Corn Silk (Zea mays) – Dried Herb, Organic

Corn Silk, or maize tassel, is the glossy, thread-like material that serves as a cushion between an ear of corn and its outer husk. Corn Silk is simply one of the female parts of the corn plant. The male part of corn is the tassel, which sprouts from the top of the plant. The pollen comes from the tassel. Corn Silk is actually a tiny tube where grains of pollen will land. The pollen will travel down the Silk tube to the unfertilized ear inside the husk.

Corn (Zea mays Linnaeus) is a member of the family Poaceae or Gramineae. It is indigenous to Mesoamerica and was domesticated in Mexico some 9000 years ago, then it spread throughout the American continents Now, it is widely cultivated all over the World. The native corn includes 10,000 species, grouped in 600–700 different genera and this family includes wheat, oats, barley and rice.

While most people discard corn silk when preparing corn-on-the-cob, the silky string was considered a valuable raw material to Native Americans, as well as to the indigenous peoples of Central and South America. Zea mays, the botanical name for corn comes from Greek, meaning “to live”. Mays comes from Spanish, the same word as a term in a native Mexican language meaning “mother” or “mother of life”, reflecting the central importance of corn in the lives of early Americans.

It has been used as traditional medicine in many parts of the world such as China, Turkey, United States and France. Corn Silk, when prepared as a tea, can be used topically to address minor skin irritations. Aside from a refreshing, mild flavour, Corn Silk offers a healthy dose of potassium and vitamins C and K. The herb is also a good source of dietary polyphenols, plant-based compounds with antioxidant activity.

Corn Silk tea has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine as a diuretic used to treat chronic inflammation in the urinary tract or kidneys. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) describes the actions of Corn Silk as “diuretic & antilithic” (stone-preventing) and it is also indicated for cystitis, urethritis, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) and as a  prostatitis – specifically indicated for acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary system. Thomas Bartram recommended Corn Silk for bedwetting when combined with Agrimony in equal parts.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Corn Silk is slightly sweet, bland, astringent, moistening and cooling. Corn Silk has an affinity towards the urinary system, cardiovascular system, liver and gallbladder. Combine Corn Silk with Chicory Root, Birch Leaf or Gentian Root to support the gallbladder. For kidney or urinary system support combine Corn Silk with Hydrangea Root, Goldenrod or Dandelion Leaf.

How to use:

Add 3 to 4 Tablespoons of Corn Silk to one cup of boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.