Contents
In folk medicine, corn stigmas are very popular: even 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 first aid kit, as it can be a good helper for a number of ailments. The article describes in detail the medicinal properties and contraindications of corn stigmas, 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 filiform fibers located around the cob. In nature, their task is to collect pollen from panicles (male inflorescences) to form grains. However, a person has long been using them for medicinal purposes; and despite some contraindications, the healing properties of these threads are truly unique and extensive.
The composition of corn stigmas includes natural essential oils, fatty acids, 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 trace elements. One of the most valuable elements for the human body contained in the fibers is selenium. 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.
Benefits of corn silk
The medicinal properties of corn are explained not only by the chemical composition, but also by a certain balance between useful substances – this is what makes the 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;
- gastrointestinal disorders.
In addition, corn stigmas exhibit the properties of a preventive effect against the development of cancer, nervous and muscle tension, as well as a calming effect on the nervous system.
In addition, raw materials have the ability to lower blood sugar (which is useful for diabetics) and promote the removal 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 property of the product to improve urination, relieve spasm 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 have 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 alcohol infusion of corn stigmas tends to solve this problem without resorting to medical treatment.
For women
The medicinal properties of the stigmas are indicated for gynecological problems in women as an addition to the main therapy. Compositions based on stigmas of corn are effective:
- with infertility, adhesions in the pipes;
- menstrual pains;
- uterine bleeding;
- inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system.
Due to the mild soothing properties of the stigmas, they help to cope with irritability during PMS and menopause.
For children
Corn stigmas for children are 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, while the dosage should be halved.
In pregnancy
Corn stigmas during pregnancy have 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 fiber 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 therapeutic use of corn stigmas in medicine: most often, this refers to diseases of the internal organs. In this case, the raw material is 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 drugs help in the speedy healing of external wounds, cuts and burns.
Infusions of corn stigmas are a common folk remedy for arthrosis, sciatica, and joint pain.
Due to the diuretic properties, corn stigmas are useful for the kidneys and with edematous syndrome, for removing accumulated fluid from the body.
However, the main therapeutic effect of corn stigmas is their choleretic and anti-inflammatory properties. The stigmas thin the bile, making it less viscous, which prevents its stagnation and promotes outflow.
The healing properties of corn stigmas for the liver are indicated for inflammation:
- gallbladder (cholecystitis);
- liver tissue (hepatitis);
- bile ducts (cholangitis);
- biliary dyskinesia.
This remedy is a highly effective prevention of the occurrence 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 method of preparing the medicine depends on the disease and existing contraindications. For the prevention of many diseases, tea from corn stigmas has healing 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 stigmas before or after meals directly depends on the type of disease. For example, with a disease of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, the remedy is used before meals, with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis – after.
For diseases of the liver and kidneys
For the treatment of the liver and kidneys, the properties of decoctions, infusions and teas based on stigmas are used. The decoction 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. After that, the broth is filtered, brought to the volume of a glass with boiling water 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 the 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, 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.
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. You should take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day two hours after meals. Every one and a half months they take a break for two weeks.
With atherosclerosis
For the treatment of atherosclerosis, the medicinal properties of infusion of corn stigmas are used, which can be prepared according to the following recipe: 2 tsp. raw materials are poured into 500 ml of boiling water, covered and infused for at least 8 hours in a warm place (ideally in a thermos). Take a quarter cup three times a day after meals.
With pancreatitis
The properties of a decoction of corn stigmas are used for pancreatitis. Prepare in the following way: 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with a glass of cold water and infused for an hour. After boiling for 5 minutes, filter and bring to the original volume. Drink three times a day, 200 ml before meals.
To boost immunity
To improve the body’s resistance, prepare such an infusion: 2 tbsp. l. medicinal raw materials are poured into 350 ml (1,5 cups) of boiling water and infused for an hour. After that, the infusion is filtered and taken 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day before meals.
For the treatment of joints
The medicinal properties of the infusion are used for pain in the joints. Prepare it from 4 tsp. fibers and 500 ml of water. All this is mixed into a bowl, brought to a boil over low heat and poured into a thermos, where it is insisted 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 of tansy, 2 parts 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, after which take a course of five days, 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals.
It must be remembered that corn stigmas have contraindications for people with kidney failure, and with prolonged use of drugs, cystitis can be provoked.
For 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 doses – 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 due to the normalization of metabolism. In addition, this tool is able to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as reduce appetite. Therefore, there are certain contraindications for people suffering from loss of appetite and having excess weight due to hormonal disruptions.
Medicinal fibers contain pantothenic acid, which helps to improve lipid metabolism, and at the same time, without any side effects that are often observed after taking weight loss chemicals.
A decoction that helps to lose weight: 1 tsp. chopped 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 portions, drunk in three doses throughout the day, 20 minutes before meals.
Extract of corn stigmas
Corn stigma extract is a concentrated preparation based on the medicinal properties of female corn inflorescences. You can buy it only in a pharmacy, you will not be able to get it at home. But you can make a tincture of 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. Take the drug should be 30 – 40 drops twenty minutes before meals 3 times a day, diluted with warm water.
Recipe for tincture of corn stigmas: 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 people with alcohol intolerance, pregnant women, and also during breastfeeding should not use it.
How to use corn silk for hair beauty
Means made from corn fibers have proven themselves positively for brittle and hair loss, as well as for 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 the hair along the entire length. Wrap and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Contraindications and side effects
Despite the huge benefits of corn stigmas, their use also has contraindications, in which it is not safe to take them 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 raw materials contribute to the leaching of potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.
Harvesting 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 useful properties will be much lower.
Medicinal raw materials should be collected when the cob enters 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 open air in partial shade. To do this, they should be laid out on a clean surface with a layer of 1 – 2 cm and periodically turned over so that they do not become moldy.
Photo of corn stigmas dried correctly:
Store raw materials in linen bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes in a dry, clean room. After a year, the stigmas lose a significant part of their medicinal properties, therefore it is not advisable to store them longer.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of corn stigmas depend on the purpose for which this drug is used. What in one case will bring undoubted benefits to the body, in another can be harmful. It is important to remember about contraindications and use stigmas with caution for cores, pregnant women and people suffering from varicose veins. In other cases, this unique natural medicine will relieve many health problems.