Medicinal Uses for Corn Silk and Spices

Corn Silk can now be associated with a healthy lifestyle and medicinal benefits, but, as a teenager, my memories of using the corn silk was as an alternative cigarette. I was told stories of these people in the dirty thirties who regularly rolled this dried corn fiber in cigarette papers, tobacco, since it was prohibitive. While I do not recommend this practice today, the story shows that desperate people use creative tactics to an end! 

The silk from ears of corn, ironically, has a significant medicinal benefit and use, unlike tobacco. It is used to treat cystitis, prostatitis and urethritis, and has a long history in the treatment of bedwetting, kidney stones, jaundice and edema. Studies have found that reduces the time of blood clotting and blood pressure. As a gentle treatment for gout, which rivals the effectiveness of cherries. (As a gout sufferer, I can attest to the effectiveness of both.) 

Rick in vitamin K, which is a good diuretic, to remove the fluids but not decrease potassium within the body. Since it contains potassium significant, what is being lost through the diuretic effect of corn silk is more than compensated but its input levels? While the most popular method of consumption of corn silk is to make a tea or infusion by steeping a handful of fresh or dried silk in two cups of boiled water, there is a wealth of other options in the use of this valuable grass in recipes.

I wipe my silk (preferably outdoors, as opposed to a dehydrator), then crumble a small handful of grain above the mine, similar to sprinkle flaxseed over of cereals. It tastes slightly sweet and nutty. In early summer, I picked up the silk cool, chop it fine, and use it in salads. I have found that silk is fairly complete stringy, unless you cut it. In soups, I use silk trimmed with creamed corn and potatoes finely chopped parsley, a little tarragon, pepper, chopped onions and cayenne pepper. Sometimes I toss in chunks of pumpkin and squash or pumpkin spice little as an alternative. Dried and chopped corn silk also works well in breading for chicken and pork chops.

Ideally, the material should be collected just before the forming of the ears, so that the pollen is captured as well. Because of its high moisture content, do not store in plastic, and dry each silk that will not be used immediately. To dry the corn silk, spread on a thin screen fiberglass in an area without direct sunlight, but moderate the movement of air. In a dehydrator, corn silk tends to congregate. There have been reports of significant side effects as regards the consumption of corn silk. However, as in all foods and medicines, moderation is recommended.

* Note : Image from Internet