Corn silk: useful properties and contraindications, instructions for use

In folk medicine, corn silk is very popular: our ancestors, with the help of this natural medicine, successfully fought various diseases. This unique and effective remedy for many diseases should be in every home medicine cabinet, as it can be a good helper for a number of ailments. The article describes in detail the medicinal properties and contraindications of corn silk, as well as ways to use them for weight loss and in cosmetology.

What is corn silk

Corn stigmas are female inflorescences in the form of filamentous fibers, located around the cob. In nature, their task is to collect pollen from panicles (male inflorescences) to form grains. However, people have long been using them for medicinal purposes; and despite some contraindications, the healing properties of these threads are truly unique and extensive.

Corn stigmas contain natural essential oils, fatty acids, phytohormone phytoserrin, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, inosine and tocopherol. They are also famous for their rich vitamin composition (B, C, E, K, D) and many useful microelements. Selenium is one of the most valuable elements in fiber for the human body. It takes part in metabolic processes, improves lipid metabolism, removes toxins, inhibits cancer cells and strengthens the immune system, and therefore endows corn threads with healing properties.

The benefits of corn silk

The medicinal properties of corn are explained not only by the chemical composition, but also by a certain balance between beneficial substances - this is what makes stigmas a highly effective remedy for many health problems. The medicinal properties of corn stigmas are successfully used in the fight against diseases:

  • gastritis;
  • pancreatitis;
  • kidney stones, inflammation of the urinary tract;
  • infertility, uterine bleeding, menstrual pain;
  • diabetes;
  • joint diseases;
  • anemia;
  • disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, corn silk exhibits the properties of a preventive effect against the development of cancer, nervous and muscular tension, as well as a calming effect on the nervous system.

In addition, raw materials have the ability to lower blood sugar levels (which is beneficial for diabetics) and promote the elimination of bad cholesterol.

The therapeutic effect is manifested in strengthening the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity, as well as in normalizing blood pressure and stimulating blood circulation.

The anti-inflammatory and diuretic medicinal properties of the product improve urine flow, relieve spasms and reduce pain syndrome helps with kidney diseases.

However, it is worth remembering that, despite the obvious therapeutic effect, there are contraindications that should not be neglected.

For men

With age, many men develop problems associated with the reproductive system, such as inflammation of the prostate gland and the occurrence of various pathologies of the genitourinary system. As a result, male libido decreases and potency worsens. A medicinal decoction or alcoholic infusion of corn silk tends to solve this problem without resorting to drug treatment.

For women

The healing properties of stigmas are shown for gynecological problems in women as an adjunct to basic therapy. Corn stigma formulations are effective:

  • with infertility, adhesions in the tubes;
  • menstrual pain;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system.

Due to the mild soothing properties of stigmas, they help to cope with irritability during PMS and menopause.

For children

Corn silk for children is used in the treatment of intestinal diseases, enuresis, as well as for the early healing of skin lesions and dermatitis.

Important! Contraindications in the use of corn silk products apply to children under three years of age.

Medicinal infusions and decoctions should be given before meals three times a day, while the dosage should be halved.

During pregnancy

Corn silk during pregnancy has the ability to relieve inflammation in cystitis and reduce swelling.

However, there is one relative contraindication for pregnant women who need to carefully use corn fibers only in the form of infusions and decoctions and after consulting a doctor.

Indications for the use of corn stigmas

There are a lot of indications for the medical use of corn stigmas in medicine: most often, this refers to diseases of internal organs. In this case, the raw materials are taken orally, in the form of decoctions and infusions. The healing properties of corn cob threads are also used in the presence of external problems:

  • diaper rash and bedsores;
  • acne;
  • insect bites;
  • dermatitis;
  • dandruff.

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the drugs help in the speedy healing of external wounds, cuts and burns.

Infusions of corn stigmas are a common therapeutic folk remedy for arthrosis, radiculitis, and joint pain.

Due to its diuretic properties, corn silk is useful for the kidneys and for edematous syndrome, for the removal of accumulated fluid from the body.

However, the main curative effect of corn stigmas is their choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties. The stigma liquefies bile, making it less viscous, which prevents stagnation and promotes outflow.

The healing properties of corn silk for the liver are shown in inflammation:

  • gallbladder (cholecystitis);
  • liver tissue (hepatitis);
  • bile ducts (cholangitis);
  • dyskinesia of the biliary tract.

This remedy is a highly effective prevention of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

How to brew and drink corn silk

For medicinal purposes, an infusion, decoction or tincture is prepared from corn stigmas. The choice of the method for preparing the medicine depends on the disease and existing contraindications. For the prevention of many diseases, tea made from corn silk has medicinal properties: for this they take 1 part of crushed raw materials and 2 parts of ordinary tea, pour 200 ml of boiled water and drink it as a traditional drink.

The intake of corn silk before or after meals directly depends on the type of disease. For example, for diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, the remedy is used before meals, with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis - after.

With diseases of the liver and kidneys

For the treatment of the liver and kidneys, the properties of decoctions, infusions and tea based on stigmas are used. The broth has the most effective therapeutic effect, due to the fact that it contains a large amount of useful substances in a concentrated form.

For its preparation 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured 1 tbsp. warm water and placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, brought with boiling water to the volume of a glass and cooled.For therapeutic effects, take the remedy for 3 months, 3-4 times a day after meals, 1 tbsp. l.

For the gallbladder

The medicinal properties of infusions from stigmas to regulate the level of bilirubin and stimulate the outflow of bile are used in diseases of the gallbladder, to reduce inflammation.

To prepare the medicine, you should take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour into a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water. Insist for an hour, use 50 ml warm 3 times a day before meals, for three weeks.

With diabetes

The course for diabetes lasts one year, during this time they take a tincture prepared in the same way as for the treatment of liver diseases. It should be taken in 1 tbsp. l. three times a day, two hours after a meal. Every month and a half they take a break for two weeks.

With atherosclerosis

For the treatment of atherosclerosis, the medicinal properties of corn silk infusion are used, which can be prepared according to this recipe: 2 tsp. raw materials are poured with 500 ml of boiling water, covered and insisted for at least 8 hours in a warm place (ideally in a thermos). Take a quarter glass three times a day after meals.

With pancreatitis

The properties of a decoction of corn stigmas are used for pancreatitis. Prepared in the following way: 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with a glass of cold water and insisted for an hour. After that it is boiled for 5 minutes, filtered and brought to its original volume. Drink 200 ml three times a day before meals.

To improve immunity

To improve the body's resistance, prepare the following infusion: 2 tbsp. l. medicinal raw materials are poured into 350 ml (1.5 cups) boiling water and insisted for an hour. After that, filter the infusion and take 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day before meals.

For the treatment of joints

The medicinal properties of the infusion are used for joint pain. Prepare it from 4 tsp. fibers and 500 ml of water. All this is stirred into a bowl, brought to a boil over low heat and poured into a thermos, where it is insisted for 3 to 4 hours. Take the medicine 5 times a day after meals for 1 tbsp. l.

To lower cholesterol

To reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, it is recommended to drink herbal tea every day. To prepare it, take 1 part of tansy, 2 parts each of corn stigmas and St. John's wort, fall asleep in a two-liter thermos, pour boiling water and leave for 24 hours.

From edema

To get rid of edema, you need to prepare an infusion of 30 g of chopped fibers, filled with one glass of boiling water. You need to insist for three hours, then take a course of five days for 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals.

It must be remembered that corn silk has contraindications for people with renal failure, and with prolonged use of drugs, cystitis can be provoked.

From prostatitis and impotence

An infusion is prepared from 60 g of dry fibers and 350 ml of boiling water. Raw materials must be poured with water, covered and allowed to cool at room temperature. This is enough for two meals - in the morning and in the evening before meals.

How to take corn silk for weight loss

The properties of corn columns with stigmas are used for weight loss: they help to reduce weight by normalizing metabolism. In addition, this remedy can lower blood sugar levels as well as reduce appetite. Therefore, there are certain contraindications for people suffering from loss of appetite and being overweight due to hormonal disruptions.

Healing fibers contain pantothenic acid, which helps to improve lipid metabolism, and at the same time, without any of the side effects that are often seen after taking chemical weight loss drugs.

A decoction to help lose weight: 1 tsp. chopped dry fibers pour 250 ml of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for five minutes. After that, the broth must be filtered and, divided into three servings, drink in three doses throughout the day, 20 minutes before meals.

Corn silk extract

Corn silk extract is a concentrated preparation based on the medicinal properties of female corn inflorescences.You can buy it only at a pharmacy, you won't be able to get it at home. But you can make a tincture with alcohol: in terms of healing qualities, it does not differ much from the extract.

Both extract and tincture have choleretic, diuretic, hemostatic properties. Treatment is prescribed for both obesity and bulimia nervosa. The drug should be taken in 30-40 drops twenty minutes before meals 3 times a day, diluted with warm water.

Recipe for corn silk tincture: 1 part of dry stigmas is poured with 1 part of pure alcohol and placed in a dry, warm place for 20 days.

Unlike the extract, the tincture has contraindications, and it is impossible to use it for people with alcohol intolerance, for pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding.

How to use corn silk for hair beauty

Products made from corn fibers have proven to be beneficial for brittle hair and hair loss, as well as dry scalp. Infusion of corn stigmas is used in cosmetology for rinsing hair after shampooing. You should take 200 ml of strong infusion and, diluting it with warm water, rinse your hair after washing.

On the basis of dry stigmas, a mask is prepared that improves the condition of the scalp and strengthens the hair: 3 tbsp. l. chop raw materials, mix with 50 g of burdock oil, rub into the skin and apply to hair along the entire length. Wrap up and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Contraindications and side effects

Despite the enormous benefits of corn silk, their use also has contraindications, in which taking them is not safe for health.

The main contraindications are related:

  • with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis;
  • a tendency to increased blood clotting;
  • poor appetite, dystrophy, anorexia.

In addition, doctors warn that people with heart failure have contraindications to stigma treatment, since the diuretic properties of raw materials contribute to the leaching of potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.

Collection and preparation of corn stigmas

The benefits and harms of corn stigmas depend on the time of collection of raw materials for the preparation of medicinal material. It is important not to miss the right moment, otherwise the beneficial properties will be much lower.

Healing raw materials should be collected when the ear passes into the stage of milk ripeness - it is during this period that the fibers have the greatest medicinal value. Fibers suitable for harvesting have a yellowish or reddish tint and a subtle aroma. The threads are carefully cut and dried in the fresh air in partial shade. To do this, they should be spread out on a clean surface with a layer of 1 - 2 cm and periodically turned over so that they do not become moldy.

Photos of corn stigmas, dried correctly:

Store raw materials in linen bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes in a dry, clean room. After a year, stigmas lose a significant part of their medicinal properties, therefore it is impractical to store them longer.

Conclusion

The medicinal properties and contraindications of corn silk depend on the purpose for which this drug is used. The fact that in one case will bring undoubted benefit to the body, in another can cause harm. It is important to remember about contraindications and be careful to use stigmas for heart, pregnant women and people suffering from varicose veins. In other cases, this unique natural medicine will relieve many health problems.

Testimonials

Daria, 23 years old, Krasnoyarsk
After giving birth, she had problems in the gynecological part, besides, she gained a lot of weight. I read earlier about the medicinal properties of corn stigmas for women: since I have no contraindications, I decided to try it on myself. The result amazed me! Not only was the problem with the female part solved, but in six months I also managed to lose almost 8 kg.
Anastasia, 52 years old, Chelyabinsk
After fifty, I began to feel discomfort and heaviness in the right hypochondrium after fatty or fried foods.My daughter-in-law, a gastroenterologist, advised treatment with corn silk, to which I was rather skeptical. However, she still succumbed to persuasion: after a week of regular use, it became easier, and by the end of the course all the symptoms were gone completely. It's a pity that I have contraindications (weak heart), so I can't repeat the course.
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