Corn silk is a very appropriate name for the golden fibers from the corn cob. The silk fibers are used on the corn cob for pollination and reproductive purposes. However, cornsilk has played an essential role in traditional medicine and naturopathy.
What makes cornsilk’s role crucial in the world of traditional medicine?
Corn silk was believed to have many health benefits for its users for various purposes.
1. UTI and kidney stones: corn silk helps promote diuresis or urine formation and is therefore helpful in the treatment of UTI and kidney stones.
2. Blood sugar control: Corn silk is also said to have blood sugar regulation abilities.
3. blood pressure management: Corn silk was traditionally used to manage hypertension.
4. Treating skin ailments: topical preparations can treat inflammation and skin rashes.
5. Management of inflammatory conditions: Corn silk has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can manage inflammatory conditions like gout and arthritis.
6. Helps in blood clotting: Corn silk is rich in Vitamin K, which plays an essential role in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding due to injuries.
These are only some of the uses of corn silk known to us. These benefits of corn silk and other benefits need to be further studied.
What are the active components in corn silk?
Corn silk from different varieties of corn will have different concentrations of the following active ingredients, such as:
1. Flavonoids: they are potent antioxidants.
2. Terpenoids are biologically active compounds yet to be studied and contribute to the medical properties of corn silk.
3. Alkaloids: these are organic compounds with potential health benefits.
4. Vitamins and minerals: corn silk is a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
5. Protein and amino acids are essential for many physiological processes in the body.
6. Polysaccharides: these are complex carbohydrates useful in the medication’s diuretic properties.
These active components’ presence is responsible for corn silk’s medicinal properties, and their in-depth roles need to be studied further.
How do I use cornsilk?
Corn silk can be used for medicinal purposes in various ways.
1. Corn silk tea: boil fresh or dried corn silk in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. You can then strain the liquid and drink the tea. Drinking the tea 2-3 times a day is best to see the most benefit. However, do avoid drinking tea before bed.
2. Corn silk tincture: soak fresh corn silk in alcohol or glycerine for several weeks and use the concoction in small amounts by diluting it with water.
3. A corn silk compress using fresh or dried corn silk can be made to apply to an area and soothe inflammation.
You can make these preparations with fresh corn silk, or if you don’t have it available, you can buy corn silk powder or capsules from shops and marketplaces.
How do I store cornsilk?
First, separate the corn silk from the cob and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you wish to store it for a longer duration, you can also sun-dry it for a few days and store it as dried cornsilk.
How long does it take for corn silk to work?
Corn silk should be taken in small amounts and regularly over time. With regular intake of corn silk, its effects can be seen within a few weeks. Effects are seen much sooner with topical preparations of corn silk, like tinctures and compresses.
What are the safety issues to be considered while using corn silk?
Corn silk is a medicinal preparation that needs further evaluation to understand its properties and side effects in detail. Therefore, it should be used for medicinal purposes after clearance from a certified doctor.
1. Allergy to the corn silk
2. Lactating mothers and pregnant women should avoid corn silk because it stimulates uterine contractions.
3. Corn silk should not be used with diabetic medication as both preparations cause a fall in blood glucose, harming health.
4. Corn silk may interfere with the activity of blood thinners.
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