Corn Silk
Zea mays
Stigma maydis
Physical use
When you peel back the husk of a fresh corn cob it is the stringy silks that we often overlook. Be sure to keep them next time you have corn with dinner. The silks can be used to add flavor and healing properties to soups, stews and teas.
Known by herbalists as a urinary demulcent, these silks have a wonderful soothing and protective effect on mucous membrane lining of the urinary tract. It is the go-to remedy for acute or chronic urinary tract infections.
Conditions
- UTIs, acute or recurrent
- Overactive bladder
- Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)
Thermal qualities
- Neutral/cool
- Bland
- Dry diruetic
- Moist demulcent
- Sweet
Chakra
- Sacral
Energetic use
In Aztec culture corn was connected to the female fertility goddess named Chicomecoatl. It has been used traditionally in ritual to help women connect to a deeper knowledge of themselves.