10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Corn Silk Tea

While you may have enjoyed corn on the cob, or its kernels boiled, crispy-fried, or popped, have you ever wondered about its silky hairs that you unpeel and throw away? Surprisingly, those silvery corn strands can be made into corn silk tea! Corn silk tea benefits, though not very popular, are significant nonetheless! The use of corn silk in traditional medicine goes back several centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and is also known to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-diabetic, and anti-fatigue benefits (1). Read on to learn more about these amazing benefits and how you can prepare corn silk tea to avail of them.

Know Your Ingredient: Corn Silk Tea

What Is It?
Tea made from the yellowish thread-like stigmas of female corn flowers.

What Are Its Benefits?
Its vitamin C content may prevent cardiovascular disease and it may also regulate insulin levels, keeping blood sugar levels in check.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can consume this tea except they should be aware if it will interfere with any medication that they might be taking.

How Often?
It can be consumed daily in moderation.

Caution
Avoid taking it if you have allergic reactions such as rash, redness, and itching.

Corn Silk – An Overview

Corn silk contains stigmasterol and sitosterolⁱ  Cholesterol-like substance present in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that is used to lower cholesterol levels and cure heart diseases. , which are highly effective in preventing heart disease and high cholesterol (1). It also has plant acids that help in improving oral and skin conditions as well as regulating glucose levels in your body (2). The most common way to make use of corn silk is in the form of tea. You should definitely make corn silk tea a staple in your home.

Trivia

In folk medicine, corn silk is used to prevent melanin production and hyperpigmentationⁱ  It occurs when patches on the skin become darker than their surrounding area due to the excessive secretion of melanin. .

Top Health Benefits Of Corn Silk Tea

Jesse Feder, a Clinical Dietitian with the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “Corn silk has been used as a medicinal herb around the world to treat several different types of medical conditions (chest pain, blood pressure, acid reflux, digestion, glaucoma, etc.). However, there is limited research that it truly works for these conditions.”

Let’s take a look at the many corn silk benefits below:

1. Provides Vitamin C

With corn silk tea, you get loads of Vitamin C. This is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent the damage of free radicals and cardiovascular diseases (2). It also stimulates blood circulation, which is essential for the optimal functioning of all the vital organs of the body.

2. Reduces Blood Sugar

Corn silk tea is great for people with high blood pressure (3). It helps in reducing the levels of blood sugar by regulating insulin levels in the body (4). It is also an excellent natural treatment for congestive heart failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.

3. Reduces Gout

Corn silk tea has many wonderful properties. These help in reducing pain that is associated with gout. Start by drinking 2-3 cups of corn silk tea a day. Once you gain relief from the pain, cut it down to 1 cup a day.

4. Treats Bedwetting

This is a problem that children and adults face. Corn silk tea is a very effective home remedy for bedwetting. Experts recommend drinking 1 cup of corn silk tea before going to bed to treat this problem.

5. Helps Cope With Kidney Problems

Corn silk tea is also a wonderful home remedy for kidney problems

(5). It acts as a diuretic agent (1) and is highly effective in treating conditions that are related to the kidneys, including painful urination, urinary tract infection, bladder infection, inflammation of the urinary system, and kidney stones.

6. Boosts Digestion

This beneficial tea helps in boosting digestion and treating digestive problems (6). Research has shown that corn silk tea can stimulate the secretion of bile by the liver. This bile is stored in the gallbladder, resulting in proper digestion of food.

7. Controls Bleeding

One of the many benefits of drinking corn silk tea is that it provides your body with Vitamin K in a good amount. This vitamin is important for controlling bleeding, especially for women who are going through childbirth.

8. Increases Urine

As mentioned earlier, corn silk tea is an effective natural treatment for kidney problems. This is because it helps in increasing the amount of urine. When this occurs, you can avoid many kidney problems as toxins and other harmful substances are efficiently flushed out of your body.

9. Provides Nutrients

Corn silk tea is also a great source of beta-carotene, riboflavinⁱ  A type of vitamin B that plays a crucial role in cell development, energy synthesis, and the disintegration of lipids, steroids, and drugs. , menthol, thymolⁱ  A white crystalline material with potent antibacterial effects found in the oil of thyme and ajwain. , seleniumⁱ  Both naturally present in food and a dietary supplement, it plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA and defense against cellular damage. , niacin, and limonene, among other essential nutrients. These are not available in all plant foods, and this makes this tea highly beneficial for your health.

10. Treats Rashes And Boils

Corn silk tea can also be used topically to treat skin problems such as rashes, boils and helps in relieving itching and pain caused by insect bites, scrapes, and minor cuts. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help in preventing infections.

How To Make Corn Silk Tea

Making corn silk tea is not difficult. All you need to do is:

1. Boil 1 tablespoon of corn silk (dried and chopped) in 1 cup of water.
2. Once it is done, cover the pan and allow it to steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. When it is cold enough to drink, you can add 1 teaspoon of raw honey if you desire. This sweetens the tea for those who prefer it that way.
4. You can store the remaining tea in your refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Note: You may also add some fresh herbs like mint or lemon balm while steeping the brew to boost the tea’s flavor. This elevates its taste while adding to its nutritional value.

The dose depends on the condition that you suffer from as well as your body weight. The general recommendation for adults is 1 cup, two to three times a day. Experts recommend not drinking corn silk tea right before you go to sleep. The dose for children should be reduced accordingly. Before you use this tea as a treatment for any condition, make sure that you consult your health care provider to make sure that it does not interfere with any medication.

Trivia

A cup of corn silk tea contains zero calories and zero grams of sugar, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber.

How To Make Corn Silk Alcohol Tincture

To make a tincture out of corn silk, all you need to do is:

1. Take a small jar and fill it about ¼ with chopped corn silk.
2. Fill the rest of it with vodka or any other high proof alcohol.
3. Cover the jar and let the two ingredients infuse for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Make sure that you shake it occasionally.
4. Strain and take about ¼ to ½ teaspoon a few times every day. You should reduce the dose for smaller children.
5. You can mix a spoonful of honey to make it taste better, especially if you are giving it to children.

You can store this corn silk alcohol for over a year as it has a long shelf life.

How To Make Glycerite Or Glycerin Tincture

Another way to preserve your corn silk is to use vegetable glycerin, instead of alcohol, to make a tincture. A glycerite is a better option for children, pets and those who do not consume alcohol. All you need to do is:

1. Take fresh corn silk and glycerin (about 2 to 3 times its amount).
2. Blend the two in a food processor until it has macerated thoroughly.
3. Pour the mixture into a jar, cover and store in a cool, dark place. Make sure that you shake it every day.
4. After 2 weeks, remove it, and using a fine mesh sieve, strain the glycerite. You can also use several layers of cheesecloth.
5. Experts recommend a starting dose of ¼ to ½ teaspoon several times every day. Reduce the dosage for children.

Like the alcohol tincture, this glycerite has a long shelf life and can be stored for about a year.

Corn Silk For Pets

As mentioned earlier, corn silk can be used to treat your pets as well. It is considered to be an effective natural treatment for feline lower urinary tract disease. Using fresh corn silk tea is the best option if it is the urinary tract that needs treatment. However, you can also use a glycerite.

Dosage For Pets

Corn Silk Tea:

this suggested dose of this tea is about ¼ cup per 20lbs of body weight 2 times a day.

Glycerite: The suggested dose of this tea is ¼ teaspoon per 20lbs of body weight two times a day. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant animals.

You should consult your vet for further guidance to treat your pet’s particular condition.

Corn Silk Tea And Its Goodness

There is constant research being conducted on corn silk tea and how it can benefit your health. If you are looking for a mild, natural remedy that helps in improving your health, this is an excellent option that you should definitely try out. It has a great taste and is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains polyphenols that keep a wide range of diseases away. This makes corn silk tea a beneficial beverage, whether you are trying to treat a specific condition or simply want to improve your general overall health.

According to researchers, corn silk has other benefits as well. It is found to be an effective natural treatment for conditions including disorders of the prostate, obesity, PMS and carpel tunnel syndrome. It may also have anti-aging benefits (7) and improve skin, and may also have positive effects on hair. So, as you can see, drinking a cup or two of corn silk tea every day can have many wonderful effects on your body and give you many benefits.

As with all natural remedies, it is important to consult a doctor before starting. It is vital to make sure that you are not taking any medications that have an adverse effect on your health when combined with a natural remedy. You should also make sure that you don’t have any conditions that lead to further complications when you use remedies like corn silk tea. Whether you are taking corn silk tea to treat a medical condition or want to gain all the nutrients it has to offer, make sure that you discuss it with your health care provider beforehand.

While corn silk tea offers various health benefits, one should be aware of its potential side effects before including it in their diet. Take a look.

Side Effects Of Corn Silk Tea

• A study found that the ceremonial use of oral corn pollen may cause hypersensitivity in native Americans (8). It was also found that the infusion of corn silk in traditional herbal medicine may cause an allergic reaction.

• An animal study found that excess consumption of corn silk may cause allergic reactions and uterine contraction (9). However, more studies are warranted to study the detailed side effects of corn silk and its mechanisms in humans.

• Anecdotal evidence suggests that corn silk tea may decrease potassium levels in your body, which may cause itching and rashes.

As with any herbal remedy, you need to exercise caution as everyone’s body reacts differently to different ingredients. So, always consult with your healthcare professional before consuming corn silk tea, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medication.

Infographic: Top 7 Health Benefits Of Corn Silk Tea

Whether you are looking for a healthy alternative to coffee or want a delightful new addition to your tea collection, you need to get your hands on corn silk tea! Corn silk is packed with nutrients just like its kernels that boost your health.

Discover more benefits of the delicious tea these silky strands can offer in the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does corn silk reduce belly fat?

Jesse Feder says, “In some research studies, corn silk has been shown to curb fat synthesis and reduce belly fat in humans.”

How long does it take for corn silk to work?

According to Jesse, “There is still limited research on corn silk. However, the studies that showed a positive effect took place over 4-8 weeks. So, it is best to assume you should wait around 4-8 weeks to see an effect.”

Is corn tea the same as corn silk tea?

“No, they are made using different parts of the vegetable and are not the same,” says Jesse.

Is cornsilk tea good for acid reflux?

Jesse says, “Corn silk tea can help improve digestion and reduce acid reflux.” It exerts a cleansing action and soothes the stomach lining.

How do you dry corn silk for tea?

Place the corn silk on a paper towel and leave it in the sun for a week. You can then use this dried corn silk to make tea.

Does corn silk tea contain caffeine?

No. Corn silk tea is naturally caffeine-free.

What does corn silk tea taste like?

Corn silk tea has a delectably earthy and slightly sweet flavor.

Discover the best way to make corn silk tea in this video! This delicious recipe is a great way to fight bladder infections. Check it out!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Garima SinghMSc (Nutrition), DNHE, DDHN

   

Garima Singh is a certified nutritionist and dietitian with over 7 years of experience. She provides both in-office and virtual consultations and works with individuals, groups, offices, and schools. She has a passion for cooking foods in a way to make them healthy as well as palatable.

Read full bio of Garima Singh

• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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