Not only can corn be made into a delicious movie snack...
But if you have ever shucked a fresh cob, then you may be familiar with these magical golden strands that most people throw straight in the bin.
These golden strands are known as corn silk and are a natural source of vitamin K, vitamin C and potassium.
What caught my attention to these amazing fibres was that they are packed full of phytochemicals to help cleanse the urinary system.
Corn silk may help with:
+ Urinary tract infections (UTI's)
+ Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis)
+ Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
+ Gout
+ Kidney stones
+ Kidney inflammation
+ Bedwetting
+ Blood sugar problems
+ General detoxing
My favourite way to use cornsilk is to make a cup of hot or cold tea.
To use teas medicinally it's often beneficial to drink about three cups a day, for at least one to four weeks depending on the plant.
Personally I always find this a little difficult and find myself getting into bed saying-
"Oh no, I only had one cup of that tea today".
So after many tea-less days, I decided to start making large jugs of cold tea.
The cold tea is refreshing, it's ready for me at any time and makes taking a bottle to work a breeze.
You may have also heard that it is better to drink our fluids/teas at room temperature or warm but I feel it is better to get it in anyway you can, rather than not at all.
Here's how to make corn silk tea:
1. Always try to buy organic corn as this is a crop that may be effected by many pesticides, GMO's and other nasties. Or even better, if you have the space, grow your own!
2. Take a pot to the stove and add a litre of water with the cornsilk of about 3-5 corns.
3. Heat on a low-medium heat for 10 minutes with the lid on to save the evaporation of volatile oils and nutrients.
4. Leave it off the heat for another 5 minutes to continue brewing. I normally drink a warm cup and add the rest of the mixture to a jug (With a lid) to be stored in the fridge for cold tea.
5. Drink your stored tea within 3 days to avoid loss of nutrients.
6. Your tea should have a lovely yellow colour with a sweet natural flavour. If you want to add a little flavour then add a little honey or fresh lemon.
An important tip when drinking corn silk tea is to not drink it too late in the day or it may keep you up at night, especially for children.
I like to finish my three cups before 4pm each day.
Enjoy and good luck with your corn silk adventures!
I hope you have enjoyed this post and learnt something new...
HAPPY HEALING!
Maddy King X
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