Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Zea mays

Plant Family: Poaceae (Grass family)

Botanical Description:
Corn silk, scientifically known as Zea mays, refers to the thread-like structures that protrude from the tops of ears of corn (maize) (Zea mays). These structures are the stigmas of the female flowers of the corn plant. Corn is an annual grass plant belonging to the Poaceae family. It grows in tall stalks with large leaves and produces ears that contain rows of kernels, each covered by husks. The silk, or stigma, emerges from the tip of each developing kernel and is typically yellowish-green or light brown in colour. Corn silk is harvested while the ears of corn are still in the green, immature stage, and is dried for later use in herbal preparations.

Introduction:
Corn silk has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems around the world, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Native American herbalism. Corn silk is believed to support urinary tract health.

Preparations:
Corn Silk Tea: Prepare corn silk tea by steeping dried corn silk in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink as needed. Corn silk tea can be consumed hot or cold and may be sweetened with honey or lemon, if desired.
Corn Silk Tincture: Corn silk tincture is made by macerating dried corn silk in alcohol or glycerin to extract its medicinal properties. The tincture is then strained and diluted with water before consumption. Corn silk tincture can be taken orally.
Corn Silk Capsules: Corn silk capsules are a convenient way to consume corn silk as a dietary supplement. The dried herb is encapsulated in gelatin or vegetarian capsules for easy ingestion.