Medicine of the Plants - Corn Silk

Did you know that Corn Silk has medicinal properties?

Corn Silk (Stigma maydis), those golden thread-like fibres covering the cob, is the female reproductive part of the plant that, traps pollen for pollination ensuring kernel growth. Each individual strand connects to a potential kernel on the cob, a fine thread that helps turn the pollen into the corn we love to eat.

Corn Silk has been weaving its way through tradition cultures for centuries. Native American communities and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbalists were among the first to recognise its potential, incorporating these gentle, balancing plant fibres into their healing practices.

Corn Silk is neutral in nature, meaning it doesn't affect the Yin/Yang balance, and in the Five Phases theory of TCM, the taste of the ingredients is key in determining the action that results in the body. Sweet ingredients, like Corn Silk, slows down acute reactions and detoxifies the body while having a tonic affect on the Blood and Chi.

In TCM, Corn Silk belongs to the group of herbs whose function is to 'drain dampness from the body', which are typically diuretics. Starting in the lower limbs, dampness over time causes edema which, if left untreated, can move to the digestive tract and respiratory system. Diuretics promote the increased production of urine, in order to remove the dampness that has accumulated within the body.

Corn Silk is seen to have a 'cooling' nature, making this herb particularly beneficial during warm seasons, or conditions considered to be 'heat-related'.

As our bodies are constantly working to maintain balance, Corn Silk helps by supporting our natural fluid regulation processes. Through the increased fluid release, this herb helps flush toxins and bacteria out of the body, lessening the risk of infection and soothing the lining of the bladder and urinary tubules, reducing irritation and inflammation.

The rich nutrient profile of Corn Silk includes anti-oxidants quercetin and rutin, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, calcium, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, poly saccharides and essential oils.

The health benefits of these medicinal properties are due to the synergistic interaction when the herb is taken as a whole. The flavonoids and tannins help reduce oxidative stress, the saponins and polysaccharides improve immune function and stabilize blood sugar levels and the anti-oxidants form a protective barrier protecting cells from daily wear and tear.

Corn Silk has long been seen as a symbol of fertility and sustenance, strengthening the connection between the Earth and Sky. In ceremony, her natural fragrance and cooling properties were thought to bring balance to the body and spirit.

Corn Silk has been regarded as a particularly gentle herb, widely regarded as safe, and mild enough for regular use. The beauty of this herb is its accessibility, being a byproduct of corn growing, it is essentially free medicine!

As always, I recommend, undertaking your own research when contemplating including a new herb into your body, to determine whether it is right for you.