Corn silk is the glossy thread like strands that serves as a cushion between an ear of corn and the outer husk. We all know how irritating it is to pull off the silk from the cob. What we may not know is that the corn silk tea has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine. Native Americans have used it as a herbal remedy since 5000 B.C. The silk is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin K, C, and potassium.
Research shows it’s a mild but very effective diuretic which helps flush out excess fluids. It’s used in treating urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, kidney stones and bladder infection. In addition, corn silk is traditionally served to prevent bed wetting in children and is also a remedy for urinary conditions experienced by the elderly.
This herbal medicine has antiseptic properties and when applied externally, can relieve pain and itching related to rashes, bug bites and minor wounds.
Corn Silk can also be used to treat pets. Use fresh corn silk if you are targeting the urinary tract.
Fresh or dried corn silk can be made into tea by steeping it in boiling water. A usual dosage would be 15gm of chopped corn silk in 1 cup boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes. Try to use organically grown corn as conventionally grown corn may be sprayed with pesticides.