Uses of Corn Silk

Corn silk, the stamen of a corn plant's flower, has long been valued for various medicinal and nutritional properties. American Indians, the Chinese and other cultures have utilized the plant material for centuries as an agent used in treating or alleviating urinary issues. The silk typically contains a high amount of potassium, which makes it a strong diuretic. Corn silk is usually brewed as a tea or sold in capsule form.

Diuretic Properties

• Due to its high potassium levels, corn silk is widely used for the treatment of common urinary disorders. The substance acts as a sort of detoxifying agent. It can help resolve urinary tract or kidney infections, and may help relieve problems such as cystitis, prostate trouble, weak urine stream or kidney stones. When these more severe problems are present, however, corn silk should be accompanied by other treatments or medicines.

Water Retention

• In Chinese culture, corn silk is used to relieve edema, or water retention, within the body. The plant matter may therefore help treat frequent urination and an overactive bladder. The silk is sometimes used to treat bedwetting, a common problem, especially among young children.

Reduce Blood Sugar

• Corn silk can play a role in reducing blood sugar levels of humans. For this reason, it is sometimes used in the treatment of diabetes, particularly diabetes mellitus. Because it promotes bile function within the body, corn silk may help improve liver function.

Other Uses

• The fibrous material may also aid in lowering blood pressure. In China, the silk is regularly used to treat jaundice, a condition that causes yellowing of the skin due to bile duct obstruction, generally caused by liver disease.

Dosage Methods

• A corn plant's stamens can lose their diuretic potency over time, thus corn silk is usually harvested immediately prior to pollination. Fresh or dried corn silk may be steeped in water to produce a tea-like drink that is then consumed. The plant matter may also be ground up and made into pill or capsule form, or can be made into a concentrated extract that is added to liquids or taken orally.