Content
- 1 What are corn silks?
- 2 The benefits of corn silk
- 3 Indications for use of corn silk
- 4 How to brew and drink corn silk
- 5 How to take corn silk for weight loss
- 6 Corn Silk Extract
- 7 How to use corn silk for beautiful hair
- 8 Contraindications and side effects
- 9 Collection and preparation of corn silks
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Reviews
Corn silk is very popular in folk medicine: our ancestors successfully fought various diseases with the help of this natural medicine. 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 methods of using them for weight loss and in cosmetology.
What are corn silks?
Corn silks are female inflorescences in the form of thread-like fibers located around the cob.In nature, their task is to collect pollen from panicles (male inflorescences) to form grains. However, people have been using them for medicinal purposes for a long time; and despite some contraindications, the healing properties of these threads are truly unique and extensive.
Corn silk contains natural essential oils, fatty acids, the phytohormone phytosrerin, 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. One of the most valuable elements contained in fibers for the human body is selenium. It takes part in metabolic processes, improves lipid metabolism, removes toxins, inhibits cancer cells and strengthens the immune system, and therefore gives corn threads medicinal properties.
The benefits of corn silk
The medicinal properties of corn are explained not only by its chemical composition, but also by a certain balance between beneficial substances - this is what makes stigma a highly effective remedy for many health problems. The medicinal properties of corn silks are successfully used in the fight against diseases:
- gastritis;
- pancreatitis;
- kidney stones, urinary tract inflammation;
- infertility, uterine bleeding, menstrual pain;
- diabetes;
- joint diseases;
- anemia;
- gastrointestinal disorders.
In addition, corn silk exhibits preventive properties against the development of cancer, nervous and muscle tension, as well as a calming effect on the nervous system.
In addition, raw materials tend to lower blood sugar levels (which is useful for diabetics) and help remove bad cholesterol.
The therapeutic effect is manifested in strengthening the walls of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity, as well as normalizing blood pressure and stimulating blood circulation.
The anti-inflammatory and diuretic medicinal property of the product improves urination, relieves spasms and reduces pain and 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 experience 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 deteriorates. A medicinal decoction or alcohol infusion of corn silk has the ability to solve this problem without resorting to drug treatment.
For women
The healing properties of stigmas are indicated for gynecological problems in women as an addition to the main therapy. Compositions based on corn silks are effective:
- for infertility, adhesions in the tubes;
- menstrual pain;
- uterine bleeding;
- inflammation of the reproductive system.
Due to the mild soothing properties of the stigma, they help 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 speedy healing of skin lesions and dermatitis.
Medicinal infusions and decoctions should be given before meals three times a day, and the dosage should be halved.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, corn silk has the properties to relieve inflammation during cystitis and reduce swelling.
However, there is one relative contraindication for pregnant women who need to carefully use corn fiber only in the form of infusions and decoctions and after consulting a doctor.
Indications for use of corn silk
There are many indications for the medicinal use of corn silk 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.
Corn silk infusions are a common folk remedy for arthrosis, radiculitis, and joint pain.
Due to its diuretic properties, corn silks are useful for the kidneys and for edema syndrome, for removing accumulated fluid from the body.
However, the main medicinal effect of corn silk is its choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Stigmas dilute bile, making it less viscous, which prevents stagnation and promotes outflow.
The healing properties of corn silk for the liver are indicated for inflammation:
- gallbladder (cholecystitis);
- liver tissue (hepatitis);
- bile ducts (cholangitis);
- biliary dyskinesia.
This remedy is highly effective in preventing the occurrence of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.
How to brew and drink corn silk
An infusion, decoction or tincture is prepared from corn silk for medicinal purposes.The choice of method of preparing the medicine depends on the disease and existing contraindications. To prevent many diseases, tea made from corn silk has medicinal properties: for this, take 1 part of the crushed raw material and 2 parts of regular tea, pour in 200 ml of boiled water and drink it as a traditional drink.
Taking corn silk before or after meals directly depends on the type of disease. For example, for diseases of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, the medicinal product is consumed before meals, for diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis - after.
For liver and kidney diseases
To treat the liver and kidneys, the properties of decoctions, infusions and teas based on stigmas are used. The decoction has the most effective healing effect, due to the fact that it contains a large amount of useful substances in concentrated form.
To prepare it, 2 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured 1 tbsp. warm water and place in a water bath for 20 minutes. After which the broth is filtered, brought with boiling water to the volume of a glass and cooled. For therapeutic effects, take the product 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 for diseases of the gallbladder, to reduce inflammation.
To prepare the medicine, take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour into a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse for an hour, consume warm, 50 ml 3 times a day before meals, for three weeks.
For diabetes
The course for diabetes lasts one year, during which time they take a tincture prepared in the same way as for the treatment of liver diseases. You should take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day two hours after meals.Every month and a half they take a break for two weeks.
For atherosclerosis
To treat atherosclerosis, the medicinal properties of corn silk infusion are used, which can be prepared according to this recipe: 2 tsp. raw materials, pour 500 ml of boiling water, cover and leave for at least 8 hours in a warm place (ideally in a thermos). Take a quarter glass three times a day after meals.
For pancreatitis
The properties of a decoction of corn silk are used for pancreatitis. Prepare in the following way: 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with a glass of cold water and left for an hour. Then boil for 5 minutes, filter and bring to the original volume. Drink 200 ml three times a day before meals.
To boost 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) of boiling water and infused for an hour. After this, the infusion is filtered and taken 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day before meals.
For the treatment of joints
The healing properties of the infusion are used for joint pain. It is prepared from 4 tsp. fibers and 500 ml of water. Place all this in a bowl, bring to a boil over low heat and pour into a thermos, where it sits for 3-4 hours. Take the medicine 5 times a day after meals, 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 tansy, 2 parts each of corn silk and St. John's wort, pour it into a two-liter thermos, pour boiling water over it and leave for 24 hours.
For edema
To get rid of swelling, you need to prepare an infusion of 30 g of crushed fibers, poured with one glass of boiling water. You need to insist for three hours, after which you take a course of five days, 1 tbsp. l.three times a day before meals.
It must be remembered that corn silk has contraindications for people with kidney failure, and long-term use of the drugs can cause cystitis.
For prostatitis and impotence
An infusion is prepared from 60 g of dry fibers and 350 ml of boiling water. The raw materials must be filled with water, covered and allowed to cool at room temperature. This is enough for two doses - in the morning and in the evening before meals.
How to take corn silk for weight loss
The properties of corn stalks with silks are used for weight loss: they help reduce weight by normalizing metabolism. In addition, this remedy can lower blood sugar levels and also reduce appetite. Therefore, there are certain contraindications for people suffering from loss of appetite and who are overweight due to hormonal imbalances.
Therapeutic fiber contains pantothenic acid, which helps improve lipid metabolism, without any of the side effects that are often observed after taking chemical weight loss medications.
A decoction that helps you lose weight: 1 tsp. crushed dry fibers, pour 250 ml of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for five minutes. After this, the broth must be filtered and, divided into three servings, drunk 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 only buy it at a pharmacy; you cannot get it at home. But you can make a tincture with alcohol: in terms of healing qualities, it is not much different from the extract.
Both the extract and the tincture have choleretic, diuretic, and hemostatic properties.Treatment is prescribed for both obesity and bulimia nervosa. The drug should be taken 30-40 drops twenty minutes before meals 3 times a day, diluted with warm water.
Recipe for corn silk tincture: 1 part of dry silk 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 should not be used by people who are intolerant to alcohol, pregnant women, or during breastfeeding.
How to use corn silk for beautiful hair
Products made from corn fiber have proven themselves to be effective against brittle hair and hair loss, as well as dry scalp. An infusion of corn silk is used in cosmetology to rinse hair after shampooing. You should take 200 ml of strong infusion and, diluting it with warm water, rinse your hair after washing.
Based on dry stigmas, a mask is prepared that improves the condition of the scalp and strengthens the hair: 3 tbsp. l. Grind the raw materials, mix with 50 g of burdock oil, rub into the skin and apply to the entire length of the hair. Wrap 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 to:
- with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis;
- tendency to increased blood clotting;
- poor appetite, dystrophy, anorexia.
In addition, doctors warn that people with heart failure have contraindications to treatment with stigmas, since the diuretic properties of the raw material contribute to the leaching of potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for normal heart function.
Collection and preparation of corn silks
The benefits and harms of corn silk 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 significantly lower.
Medicinal raw materials should be collected when the cob reaches the stage of milky 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 laid out on a clean surface in a layer of 1 - 2 cm and periodically turned over so that they do not become moldy.
Photo of corn silks 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, so it is not advisable to store them longer.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of corn silk depend on the purposes for which this medicine is used. What in one case will bring undoubted benefit to the body, in another can cause harm. It is important to remember the contraindications and use stigmas with caution for heart patients, pregnant women and people suffering from varicose veins. In other cases, this unique natural medicine will relieve many health problems.
