Corn Silk
CORN SILK | PELO DE ELOTE
Corn silk is the long, golden thread that clings to your fingers when you're prepping corn. While most people toss it out without a second thought, corn silk has a long, rich history as a powerful herbal medicine, especially in Indigenous American and Mesoamerican traditions, where corn (maíz) has always been more than food- it’s a sacred plant, a life-giver, a healer.
Long before corn silk became “trash” in modern kitchens, Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Navajo were brewing it into soothing teas to treat urinary tract infections, kidney inflammation, bladder pain, and even bedwetting. In Aztec medicine, it was used to ease burning urine, support fluid balance, and help the body move through detoxification- all through gentle, plant-based support. The Mayans revered corn in all its forms, and corn silk was no exception- it was part of a holistic system that honored every part of the plant.
When corn spread globally after colonization, so did its medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corn silk became a cooling, draining herb, used to support the urinary system, ease jaundice, and clear heat and dampness from the liver and bladder. European herbalists, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, also picked up on its value and began prescribing it for urinary irritation, kidney stones, and prostate inflammation. By the time Western herbalism really started organizing itself, corn silk had already earned a place as a trusted diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and urinary tract healer.
Corn silk is gentle, soothing, and moistening. It cools things down, eases irritation, and encourages the body to release what it doesn’t need- especially through the kidneys and bladder. It doesn’t push… it persuades. It’s often used for kids, elders, or anyone with a sensitive system who needs support without harsh side effects.
Today, herbalists still turn to corn silk tea as a go-to remedy for UTIs, bladder inflammation, prostate health, and even high blood pressure, thanks to its mild diuretic effects. It’s often paired with other soothing herbs like marshmallow root or uva ursi for deeper support. And all of this from the part of the corn plant most people throw away.
Corn silk is subtle, golden magic. It’s a reminder that medicine doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. It grows with the food, gives quietly, and leaves the body better than it found it.
Medicinal Benefits of Corn Silk
Urinary Tract Health
Eases inflammation and irritation in the bladder and urethra
Used to relieve burning during urination, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Helpful in supporting recovery from bladder infections or irritation due to interstitial cystitis
Kidney Support and Diuretic Action
Encourages gentle urination without depleting the body’s electrolytes
Traditionally used for kidney inflammation (nephritis) and to assist with flushing out toxins
May help prevent or reduce kidney stone formation
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Reduces inflammation in the urinary tract, prostate, and kidneys
Soothes irritated tissues and helps cool down "hot" conditions in the body
Supports Prostate Health
Used traditionally to reduce prostate swelling and urinary retention in men
Eases discomfort related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Blood Pressure and Heart Health
Mild diuretic action helps reduce water retention, which can support healthy blood pressure levels
May assist in reducing edema (fluid buildup in tissues)
Supports Blood Sugar Regulation
Some studies and traditional use suggest corn silk may help regulate blood glucose levels
Often included in herbal formulas for metabolic balance
Natural Remedy for Bedwetting (Enuresis)
Used in traditional herbal medicine to help children or adults with nighttime urinary incontinence
Liver and Gallbladder Support (Traditional Use)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corn silk is used to clear damp heat from the liver and gallbladder
May aid in easing jaundice, bile stagnation, or liver heat
Wound Healing (Topical Use)
Infusions or poultices may be applied to minor wounds, cuts, or sores to promote healing
Traditionally used to soothe skin irritation and inflammation
Common Preparations
Tea/Infusion: The most common and gentle way to use corn silk
Tincture: For more concentrated or convenient dosing
Capsules: Available in some herbal blends, especially for urinary tract support
Poultice or wash: For minor topical application