Cornsilk, c/s

herb
Cornsilk, cut & sifted
Zea mays

common names
German chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Pin Heads

active compounds
Allantoin, Sterols, Saponins, Hordenine, Plant acids, Vitamins C and K (potassium)

possible therapeutic uses
When you think of corn, you're probably imagining the most generic vegetable around. But it wasn't that long ago that corn was the center of life in North America. Even today, American Indians revere the corn plant for all that it can provide. And while you're probably aware of all the things you can cook and make with corn, you may not know that even the silk around the corn has value.

The major nutrient in cornsilk is potassium. It is this potassium that is responsible for all of the benefits that come from this part of the corn plant. It is believed to act as a powerful diuretic and that probably accounts for the help that cornsilk can provide for the urinary system.

If you're having problems with urinary tract infections, it's been found that the potassium in cornsilk can help with the pain you're feeling and restore you back to health. One of the ways it does this is by soothing the inflamed tissues that are causing the problem.

When you have a urinary tract infection, you often feel like you need to urinate frequently, but the actual process of urinating is difficult. Cornsilk may help to relieve your difficulty and it decrease the frequency that you need to go to the bathroom.

If you're suffering from kidney stones, you may also find this herb helpful. Cornsilk may help to relieve the pain and symptoms associated with them.

Cornsilk may also improve your blood pressure, thin your blood, and it may even support your liver to function better when it comes to producing bile.

You can use cornsilk in the form of a decoction, tincture, or you can take cornsilk capsules to bring relief.

The next time you're preparing an ear of corn for dinner, you'll think twice before you throw away all of that healthful cornsilk. But in the meantime, you may want to order some for your pantry today.

safety
There is no negative safety information available. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of Cornsilk or any herb.

habitat/range
Native to Central America and the Andes.

Monterey Bay Spice Company's Cornsilk originates from Eastern Europe.

a bit of botany
The corn plant is a common annual plant. It can grow up to 10 feet high. Female flowers produce corn. The stamens of the flower are called cornsilk and are long, silky threads. Corn grows all over the world, but is native to Central America and the Andes. Cornsilk is harvested at the same time as the corn cob in summer.

More information on the corn plant.