Maize is an annual plant, and the length of its vegetation from germination to full ripening depends on the characteristics of the variety, ie hybrid, on the one hand, and growing conditions, on the other hand. The basic economic importance of corn derives from the properties of the plant itself, the variety of uses and the volume of production. Almost all parts of the corn plant can be used for processing, which is exactly what gives corn special economic significance.
Today, more than 500 different industrial products from corn are produced (food and medical products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, various beverages, textile and chemical products).
Corn is one of the first cereals that man began to grow. Flour is ground from ripe grain, while sugar is most often used in the diet. It is harvested when it is not fully ripe, ie the grains are not dry and hard, which means that the process of transforming sugar into starch is not complete. It can be eaten boiled, baked, as an addition to numerous salads or as a side dish to the main course. In the past, most people in Serbia ate proja, that is, bread made of corn flour, while porridge or cicvara, also made from this flour, was obligatory for breakfast. In human diet, sweet corn is mostly used, the cooking of which releases ferulic acid, which is medicinal. It has 86 calories in 100 grams, it is rich in fiber, natural starch and vitamin B1, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain. Therefore, it is recommended that corn be eaten regularly by the elderly in order to prevent the appearance of senility. It protects the body from cardiovascular diseases, preserves eyesight, prevents anemia, helps with muscle pain, so it is regularly on the athlete's menu. In addition, it improves concentration, strengthens the nervous system, cleanses blood vessels, digestive tract and is an excellent diuretic, so scientists classify it as a super-food.
What still makes it healing is corn silk. In folk medicine, corn silk tea is used as a mild diuretic, to expel stones and sand from the kidneys and bladder, against cystitis, gout, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis… Consuming this tea in 24 hours can increase the amount of urine excreted several times. , and without harmful consequences. This is important for those patients who have a problem with water retention in the body. Scientific research has proven that fresh corn silk contains fatty and essential oils, resin, rubber, an alkaloid that has the ability to constrict blood vessels, chlorophyll, phosphoric acid and plenty of potassium and manganese.Corn silk is a silky long thread found on top of a corn cob. It usually ends up in the trash when we cook corn, but many are not aware of how much it can actually help with many health problems. Corn silk tea and tincture are used as a remedy against bladder infections, urinary tract inflammation, prostate inflammation, to expel unpleasant kidney stones, against frequent urination, also has a beneficial effect on heart problems, reduces high blood pressure, relieves rheumatic pain, relieves fatigue and lowers bad cholesterol levels. It is very rich in vitamins K and C, minerals such as potassium and plant fibers. It is harvested by simply removing it from a freshly picked corn cob and then placing it on a plate or tray until it dries. After that you can make tea or tincture. In alternative medicine, corn silk tea is used for high blood pressure and regulation of blood sugar levels.
- In combination with primrose, corn silk tea is an excellent diuretic and has the function of "breaking" kidney stones.
- It is used for inflammation of the urinary tract, prostate and bladder.
- Cure gout -
Helps relieve menstrual cramps and PMS.
- Corn silk tea for weight loss is a simple and natural way to lose weight. It has natural antioxidant properties and is a good diuretic, so it helps you get rid of toxins from the body, and get rid of excess fluid, thus speeds up metabolism and helps with weight loss, corn silk against cellulite is also recommended for women.
- It is used for disorders of blood vessels, especially when it comes to inflammation of the veins, because it helps blood circulation and reduces the risk of thrombosis.
- It is excellent for anemia or anemia. It has a "blood purifying" effect, so it is important in the case of many blood diseases.
- Performs on the liver and excretes accumulated toxins.
- Proven to reduce depressive states and alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Alcoholic tincture of corn silk Fill a jar or other glass jar with fresh chopped corn silk to one quarter. Fill the rest of the container with some type of drink with a high alcohol content, it can be vodka. Cover and let stand in a dark and cool place for four to six weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. Strain and the corn silk tincture is ready to use. The dosage is ¼ to ½ teaspoon several times a day. For children, use a smaller amount. Corn silk can be mixed with a little homemade honey to make it easier to drink. The shelf life of corn silk tincture prepared in this way is more than a year.
Tea preparation: Pour one tablespoon of corn silk with 200 ml of water and wait until it boils. After boiling, the tea is left to stand for about 10-15 minutes, after which it is strained and drunk unsweetened three times a day, always freshly prepared.
