During summer, farm stands and supermarkets are chock full of freshly picked corn on the cob. Delicious boiled, grilled, or roasted, corn is a versatile staple whether on the cob or off.  It’s so versatile in fact, that a search for “corn recipes” will leave you with a multitude of options, from corn salad to corn pudding to popcorn! But the least explored part of corn is tucked inside the husk—corn silk.

When was the last time you walked into a supermarket and saw a large garbage can next to the ears of corn? As a gesture of good customer service, many markets provide trash cans so that you can peel your corn and dispose of the husks and silks. But while you are leaving the “mess” at the store, you’re also leaving an amazing home remedy behind.

Everything is Necessary

Nothing in Nature is extra. Everything is necessary and every thing—big and small—has a purpose. Corn silks are the shiny, silky fibers that are sandwiched between the ear of corn and the outer husk. The silks are the female flowers of the corn plant and play a major role in the formation of the vegetable. Each strand of corn silk is connected to one kernel of corn. In order for a kernel to form properly, its associated silk must be pollinated. Hence the reason some ears of corn are missing kernels—those connecting silks were not properly pollinated. Isn’t Nature fascinating?

If corn silk is so essential to the formation of corn, it makes sense that Nature would have an even bigger job in store. Corn silk has been used in a traditional setting to improve digestion, acid reflux, constipation and lower blood pressure. These silky fibers are known to strengthen Liver and Gallbladder function and are used to treat bladder infections, inflammation, diabetes and aid in weight loss.

How Are Corn Silks Used?

The next time you buy a few ears of corn, save the silks! If you’ve gathered more than you can use, dry the silks and store them. The dried silks can then be used in the winter to make this nourishing Corn Silk Tea.

Corn Silk Tea

1 gallon water

1 pound fresh corn silk (or 1/2 pound dried)

2-3 Tablespoons brown sugar

4-5 slices fresh ginger, optional

Bring all ingredients to a boil. Simmer for one hour. Then strain out and discard the solids. Drink 1-2 cups per day for ultimate healing.

Visit the Recipe Section of our website to find more eating-for-healing recipes. Want to learn more? Find a Dragon’s Way Qigong® instructor in your area to learn how to bring your body, mind and spirit back into balance.