Anyone who has boiled corn has faced the dilemma of whether to throw out the corn silk or cook it with it. Many people have heard that this part of the head of cabbage is beneficial for the body, but only a few can voice specific beneficial properties. That is why today we will understand what stigmas are, what their composition is, and why they are so useful for our body. Let's talk about in what form this part of corn is most useful.
- Chemical composition
- What are the benefits of corn silk and what are they used to treat?
- When and how to harvest for medicinal purposes
- Folk recipes Infusion
- Decoction
- Herbal tea with stigmas
Chemical composition
It’s worth clarifying right away that we are talking specifically about the threads that form at the top of the cob. That is, the composition will correspond exclusively to this part, and not to the entire cob.
The threads include:
- vitamins, ,;
- carotene;
- alkaloids;
- essential oils;
- fats;
- tannin;
- saponin (used as a stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions);
- cryptoxanthin (food coloring, abbreviated E161c);
- gum (frozen, glue-like plant sap);
- inositol (chemical name for vitamin B8);
- trace elements (copper, iron, chromium, aluminum, manganese).
As you can see, the composition of corn threads is rich in various vitamins, minerals, as well as complex substances that are used in the food industry.
Learn more about the benefits of other corn products - corn porridge and corn oil.
Beneficial features
Properly prepared and processed stigmas have enormous benefits for humans:
- normalization of the metabolic process (in particular carbohydrate and protein);
- maintaining a high level of the body's defenses;
- neutralization of penetrated harmful components;
- antioxidant effect;
- reduction in sugar levels;
- improvement and stimulation of normal pancreas function;
- choleretic and diuretic effects;
- decreased appetite;
- calming effect on the human nervous system, improving sleep, relieving irritability;
- improvement of cerebral circulation.
A decoction prepared from this part of the corn is usually used either as a sedative or as a choleretic agent.
What are the benefits of corn silk and what are they used to treat?
Let's move on to discussing the real benefits of corn silk.
Threads of the plant are used to treat the following diseases and ailments:
- inflammatory processes of the excretory tract;
- cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
- nephritis (inflammatory kidney disease);
- for stones and sand in the kidneys, regardless of the chemical composition of the formations;
- swelling;
- gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa);
- hepatitis;
- cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
- diabetes;
- tuberculosis;
- excess body weight;
- high blood pressure;
- anemia (lack of hemoglobin, as well as a decrease in red blood cells in the blood);
- various skin diseases;
- varicose veins;
- thrombophlebitis (blockage of veins with blood clots, resulting in inflammation);
- skin damage of varying severity;
- diarrhea;
- infertility and impotence;
- CNS disorders;
- prevention of atherosclerosis (a chronic disease of the arteries, which is characterized by the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels).
A rather large list of diseases that can be cured with the help of corn silk suggests that this remedy is quite universal.
It is worth noting that for the treatment of many of the diseases described above, stigmas are used not only as part of folk medicines, but also traditional ones, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. For diarrhea, they resort to wormwood, mulberry, angelica, pomegranate, St. John's wort, quince, and viburnum.
Pharmacological properties of corn silk
Preparations from corn pistillate columns have the following properties:
- reduce the degree of viscosity of bile, thus activating its outflow;
- have a pronounced diuretic effect;
- stop bleeding;
- lower bilirubin levels;
- block the spread of inflammatory processes;
- lower blood sugar levels;
- help remove excess cholesterol from the body;
- strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- eliminate headaches;
- have a general sedative effect;
- help cope with sleep disorders;
- strengthen the immune system;
- dulls appetite;
- help cope with some dermatological diseases and skin injuries.
When and how to harvest for medicinal purposes
Now let's talk about when to harvest corn threads in order to obtain the most useful raw materials for the manufacture of various medicines. Let's also learn about storage.
Collection time. The stigmas should be collected at the moment of milk maturity of the corn, that is, when the cobs are picked for sale or cooking. At this time, the threads are colored light green or yellowish. They are quite moist and elastic.
Collection can also be carried out at the moment when the stigmas dry out and have a red-brown color, however, such a product does not differ in the concentration of useful substances, and it is quite difficult to collect it, since it crumbles in the hands.
Harvesting is not tied to a specific month, since different varieties of corn ripen at different times. At the same time, the variety does not affect the quality of the raw material in any way; the only important thing is that hazardous chemicals do not accumulate in the stigmas.
Important! It is forbidden to collect stigmas after treating fields with chemicals.
Direct collection of raw materials. To get the maximum number of corn threads, you should first select those heads of cabbage on which the largest and longest “braids” have formed, then carefully bend the leaves, slowly tear out or cut the threads so as not to damage the cob itself and not expose it.
Next, each “braid” is touched to remove various insects, as well as damaged threads. After this, the raw materials are sent for drying.
Drying. First you need to prepare the place. Drying should be done exclusively in the shade, giving preference to places with good air circulation (drafts).
First, we cover the drying area with natural material that allows air to pass through. Next, the “braids” are laid out in one layer.
During the drying process, you need to regularly turn the raw materials so that they do not become damp. In damp and rainy weather, the stigmas should be removed indoors to prevent them from becoming damp. It is important that you remove the raw materials before they turn black, otherwise the product will be partially spoiled.
Celery, sandy immortelle, strawberries, milk thistle, feijoa, chaga, calendula, and horsetail will help get rid of varicose veins.
Drying in an oven or special dryer. You can use special equipment, but it is worth remembering that while drying slowly on the street you can very easily miss the moment of collection, then with artificial drying you must constantly be near an electrical appliance, otherwise the stigmas will turn into “dust.”
Dry in the oven at a temperature not exceeding +40 °C. Storage. Store the finished dried product in special linen bags to ensure good air circulation. You can also store and store “braids” in boxes or drawers, but the room where the products will be stored must be warm and dry throughout the year.
Important! The maximum shelf life of a dry product is 12 months. After this, the “braids” lose their beneficial properties.
Composition, directions of use in medicine
Corn silk is one of the remedies widely used in official and traditional medicine. They contain several dozen useful substances. The list of these elements includes:
- vitamins B, K, PP, C, A, E, D,
- biotin;
- calcium, potassium, selenium, fluorine, zinc, chromium, manganese, iodine, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, aluminum;
- starch;
- polysaccharides;
- saturated fatty acids;
- essential oils;
- saponins.
A rich set of microelements and vitamins allows the use of stigmas for the treatment of the genitourinary system, liver, stomach, intestines, diabetes, atherosclerosis, kidneys, and nervous disorders. Remedies from stigmas have the following effects:
- Accelerate urine excretion, eliminate swelling.
- Gently remove sand from the kidneys.
- Relieves inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
- Suppresses the development of cells that cause cancer.
- Normalize the state of the nervous system.
- Improves blood clotting.
- Reduce inflammation in prostatitis.
- Increase potency.
- Accelerate the elimination of excess weight.
- Reduce appetite.
- Normalize blood sugar levels.
- Increases the body's ability to resist infections.
Folk recipes
Let's move on to traditional medicine recipes that will help you cure many diseases using corn braids. Let's look at the main medicines and also indicate the recipe for their preparation.
Infusion
The infusion is used to treat the following diseases: atherosclerosis, edema, cystitis, gallbladder diseases, liver diseases, gastritis, as well as various gastrointestinal diseases.
Preparation. Take 5 g of crushed stigmas, pour a glass of boiling water, then leave for 1 hour. Next, cool at room temperature and strain.
Use. You need to drink 100 ml of infusion after meals. The course of treatment is 14 days.
Important! The finished infusion can be stored for no more than 2 days. Storage temperature – +8…+15
°
C. Cannot be frozen.
Decoction
The decoction is used to treat hepatitis, anemia, obesity and kidney disease.
Preparation. We take the dried “braid”, chop it, and then measure out 3 tbsp. l. Next, place the raw materials in an enamel bowl and pour 200 ml of boiling water. After this, boil for 15 minutes in a water bath.
For anemia, use red rowan, hematogen, kombucha, quinoa, pumpkin, chicory, avocado, apricot, dogwood, buckwheat, beets, viburnum, seaweed, durian, apples, figs, parsley, watermelon.
When the infusion is ready, it should be cooled for about 45 minutes at room temperature. Next, strain and dilute with clean water at room temperature in a volume of 200 ml.
Use. You should take 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-3 months. Every 14 days they must take a break.
Herbal tea with stigmas
Herbal tea based on corn threads is not only a tasty drink, but also quite healthy. It helps get rid of the following ailments: irritability, anxiety, overexertion, obesity.
Preparation. Take 1 tsp. crushed stigmas, then mix with mint, black currant leaves, rose hips and medicinal chamomile flowers. Pour boiling water over the resulting mixture and leave for about an hour. After this, all that remains is to strain and drink delicious and healthy tea.
Motherwort, valerian, unabi, oregano, linden, tea tree oil, oats, pumpkin seeds will calm the nervous system.
Can it be taken during pregnancy and children?
In most cases, pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of this remedy, but it all depends on the specific situation. Often, stigmas are used to relieve swelling during pregnancy and to treat cystitis, but only a doctor can authorize such treatment. Caution is required when using the medicine while breastfeeding. It is worth noting that if a woman was allowed to use this product, it was only in the form of aqueous infusions, since alcohol-containing extracts and tinctures can negatively affect the body.
In childhood, it is possible to use products based on corn silk, but only after the permission of the attending physician. There is no data regarding the safety of the product for infants, so you can start exchanging it only after reaching one year old if the need arises. For example, if there are problems with the urinary tract, the child can be given a teaspoon of water infusion a quarter of an hour before meals.
How to use for hair health and beauty
Corn infusion can be used as a hair rinse to improve the condition of the scalp and also strengthen the hair.
To prepare the cosmetic product, we need to take a quarter cup of crushed corn “braids” and the same amount of crushed dry nettle leaves. The resulting composition must be poured with a liter of boiling water, then left to infuse until cooled. After this, strain and use a little to rinse your hair after a shower.
Did you know? Corn is so high in sugar that one bucket of fresh kernels can extract enough sweetness to sweeten 115 cans
"
Coca-Cola
"
. Unfortunately, after 6 hours of storage, the amount of sugar is halved.
How to brew and drink corn silk for weight loss
At the pharmacy you can purchase a ready-made dry version of the corn product, the instructions for which describe the use of the drug for weight loss.
We need to take 1 tsp. stigmas and pour 200 ml of hot water over them, then bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat for one minute. After this, leave the broth to cool and brew. You should take a third of a glass three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
To lose weight, it is important not only to drink teas and go on diets, but you should also increase physical activity - do yoga, Tabata, Marquez, Shaun T training, dancing, fitness.
Contraindications and harm
We will conclude the article with contraindications, as well as potential harm to the body.
Let's start with the fact that it is not recommended to use infusions and decoctions in the following cases: in the absence of appetite, with increased blood clotting, with increased sensitivity to the drug.
Corn silk is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with allergies. In other cases, no negative manifestations are observed, but a consultation with a doctor would not be superfluous.
Did you know? Corn cannot be sifted in nature without human intervention. When the cob with seeds gets into the ground, it begins to rot, causing the seed to die. It is for this reason that it is impossible to find corn in the wild.
Now you know the benefits of corn scythes, how to use them correctly, and whether they can harm your health. Remember that to prepare the medicine you need to take a high-quality product, since its benefits to the body will depend on this. Do not forget that traditional medicines should be given to children with extreme caution so as not to cause allergies or a negative reaction from the gastrointestinal tract.
Corn Traditional medicine Traditional medicine recipes
Indications for use of the drug
Products based on corn “hairs” are prescribed for the following diseases and problems:
- cholecystitis (inflammatory process in the gallbladder);
- swelling syndrome - accumulation of excess fluid in tissues;
- disruption of the biliary system;
- the presence of small stones in the kidneys;
- chronic hepatitis;
- atherosclerosis;
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- bleeding resulting from a reduced blood clotting rate.
