Corn silk is usually thrown away when corn is prepared for eating. But did you know that corn silk is good for your kidneys?

Corn silk can also be used to treat a urinary tract infection. Here are some of the incredible health benefits of corn silk, an unusual superfood that’s rich in vitamin K.

How do you use corn silk?

Corn silk comes from the stigmas, or the long, shiny fibers, of female corn plants. It aids in the pollination and growth of corn and is used in traditional medicine.

Research suggests that corn silk contains different plant compounds that offer many health benefits.

Corn silk is used in Traditional Chinese and Native American Medicine to treat different conditions like malaria, prostate problems, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and heart disease. Recent studies show that corn silk can also be used to help reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol and inflammation.

Corn silk can be used fresh or dried before being consumed as a tea or extract. You can also take corn silk capsules.

Health benefits of corn silk

Corn silk contains essential nutrients like vitamin K. The superfood can be combined with other herbs for different types of treatment, especially if you need a natural remedy for urinary tract infections.

Kidney health and circulation

Corn silk can be used to treat and prevent the development of kidney stones in adults. If you already have a kidney infection, you can treat your condition by taking corn silk daily.

Studies show that corn silk can boost your kidney health and help lower high blood pressure.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Corn silk is a natural, soothing diuretic that can benefit your urinary tract in several ways. You can give it to children to treat enuresis or bed wetting.

Corn silk is also a common alternative to antibiotics when treating a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria.

Note that excessive use of antibacterial medications can give birth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Worse, complications can arise in children who take pharmaceutical medications.

Corn silk can also be used to treat inflammation in the bladder or urethra. To make corn silk tea, steep two teaspoons of corn silk in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink corn silk tea up to three times daily.

You can also use corn silk tinctures as an alternative. Take three to six milliliters of tincture three times daily.

Other benefits of corn silk

Taking corn silk is also said to treat other conditions like:

• Boils
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Obesity
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Prostate disorders

Considerations before taking corn silk

While considered generally safe for use, not everyone can take corn silk. Don’t take corn silk capsules or tea if you have experienced an allergic reaction to corn or corn products.

You should also avoid corn silk if you take any of the following medications:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood pressure drugs
• Blood thinners
• Diabetes medicine
• Diuretics

Don’t use corn silk if you’re taking potassium supplements or have been treated for low potassium levels since it can increase excretion of the mineral. When buying supplements, purchase them from a trusted supplier.

Corn silk recipes

You can use corn silk to make tea or a flavorful corn silk spice.

Corn silk spice

Use corn silk spice when making savory oatmeal or sprinkle it on soups, stews, or a breakfast omelet.

Ingredients:

• Corn silk from 16 corn cobs

Preparation:

1. Gather the silk from the corn cobs by carefully removing all of the leaves of the husk surrounding the cob. Try not to disturb the long, shiny, white fibers of corn silk on the inside.
2. After removing all of the leaves, grip the bundle of corn silk at the top of the cob with one hand. Grab the rest of the corn cob with the other hand then pull gently to separate them. Pull off any additional fibers and set them aside with the corn silk bundles.
3. When you’re ready to make the spice, cut off the brown sticky tops from each of the corn silk bundles.
4. Lay each of the bundles gently in dehydrator trays. Spread them out so they get dehydrated evenly. If you don’t have a dehydrator, dry them out in the sun on cookie sheets. Alternatively, you can dry corn silk in the oven on its lowest setting.
5. Set the dehydrator to fruit and vegetables and turn it on.
6. Dry the corn silk until it is no longer soft and wet. If using a different method, it will take at least 24 hours.
7. When the corn silk is dry, transfer the dried bundles to the bucket of the food processor. Process down as fine as possible.
8. Pour the corn silk powder into a glass jar, label the lid, then seal. The corn silk spice should last indefinitely.

Corn silk summer sun tea

If you want to try another kind of tea, try this recipe for corn silk summer sun tea.

Ingredients for 1 servings:

• 4 cups purified water
• 4 tablespoons fresh corn silk, chopped

Preparation:

1. Put the corn silk and water in a half-gallon glass jar. Cover with a lid and place in the sun for?four to six hours. Strain.
2. Add honey and lemon or lime to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Treat UTIs and boost your kidney health with homemade corn silk tea.

Sources:

Healthfully.com

Healthline.com

Delishably.com

Fork-Road.com