Corn stigmas: medicinal properties and contraindications

Corn is a unique product, which is characterized by many medicinal properties. This plant was brought from far away America and has become one of the most common cereal crops in the former CIS countries.

Widely used not only the fruits of corn, but their stigmas. This is a long and soft hair of the culture, which is very useful for the human body when used properly. This part of the plant is enriched with many minerals, tannins and various vitamins. In addition, the stigmas contain essential oils, glycosides, carbohydrates and proteins.

The useful and harmful qualities of corn stigmas are the subject of debate by most doctors, specialists in nutrition. For a long time, they were underestimated because they were poorly studied. Although some people even now have no idea what it is. Therefore, it is important to study what cornstarch is, and to become familiar with its useful qualities.

What Are Corn Stalks

The fibers around the cob of corn are a valuable source of many useful components. They are called corn stigmas. By the way, they look like oak cords. You can harvest such raw materials in summer, when the cobs reach milky ripeness. Such work is done manually by mechanically cutting the fibers with a sickle or knife. After collecting the raw material it is necessary to dry it. This procedure is carried out in special devices, at a certain temperature. The thickness of the layer in this case should be 1-2 cm. Natural drying in the shade is also possible.

Collection and storage

Corn stigmas can be harvested in August, when the corn is not yet fully ripe. Such corn is called milk corn. During this period, the most useful elements are collected in the crop. The hairs are separated from the cob by hand. To get quality raw material, you need to carefully remove the cob from the stem and, without breaking it, turn the leaves. Now with your hands you can collect all the hair part. At the same time it is necessary to get rid of the blackened strands. The raw material should be constantly turned over, especially at first, when it is still quite raw.

The duration of drying in natural conditions lasts from a few days to a week. The collected fibers are spread out on paper, in the shade. To protect the raw material from rotting, it should be periodically turned over. The stigmas are spread in a thin layer on a cotton cloth, in a well-ventilated room. It is important to protect the grass from direct sunlight. To speed up this process, you can use an oven or special dryers. It is important to maintain a gentle temperature regime. So that the herb does not burn, the temperature should be no more than 40 degrees.

Chemical composition

Corn stigmas contain the most valuable substances that can benefit the body.

1. For example, they contain saponins, which help regulate the water-salt balance and cholesterol levels. In addition, these substances can help the hormonal system in case of malfunctions. In addition, saponins have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. The tannins present in corn stigmas are essential for humans to provide choleretic, antibacterial and antispasmodic action. Moreover, these components help increase the tone of the heart muscle, and are also characterized by anti-tumor and radioprotective action.
3. This product contains alkaloids, which are characterized by antispasmodic and sedative effects.
4. The essential oils in corn sprouts help calm the nervous system, increase appetite, and regulate digestion. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antimicrobial effects.
5. Sterols, found in corn, are needed to boost immunity, stabilize hormones, and help a depleted nervous system. This group of substances also helps improve hair and nail plate health. Sterols prevent the development of sexual disorders and prevent signs of aging at an early stage.
6. Vitamin K is found in corn stigmas. Without such a substance, the blood clotting process in the body is impaired. This component contributes to the increase of prothrombin in the blood. With a lack of vitamin K, blood vessels become fragile and brittle. This is evidenced by permanently occurring bruises on the skin. This substance also improves intestinal peristalsis, takes part in cellular respiration, and supports liver and heart function.
7. Minerals include selenium. This is a unique substance that helps the body to perceive the negative effects of the environment more easily. Thus, this element will help neutralize toxic substances that gradually accumulate in the body, poisoning all organs. Selenium improves nutrient metabolism and enhances natural defense functions.
8. Ascorbic and pantothenic acids are found in the composition of corn sprouts. Vitamin C is involved in most metabolic processes, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, bone tissue, eliminates irritability and helps to cope with fatigue. Pantothenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands.
9. Another substance found in this product should also be noted. It is inositol. This component participates in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, improves liver function, stimulates hair growth.

This is just a small list of substances that corn sprouts possess. In addition, they contain alcohol, a number of trace elements, as well as sugar of natural origin.

Therapeutic properties of corn stigmas

For corn stigmas are characterized by a large number of valuable properties.

So, the plant perfectly copes with the removal of excess fluid from the body. The culture is effective for kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation of the bladder. This remedy is able to reduce the discomfort of a relapse, and also acts as a preventive measure for such diseases.

Thanks to selenium the product improves the substance metabolism. This substance is a component that can resist the negative effects of the environment, prevents the entry into the body of dangerous elements that lead to the development of cancer.

Corn stigmas normalize CNS activity. They contain substances that are beneficial to nerve cells. Regular use of products based on this product helps get rid of insomnia and irritability.

In addition, this remedy is an affordable method for patients with diabetes. Corn fibers can reduce elevated blood glucose levels. This is provided thanks to the active glycosides in the composition of the product.

The plant is effective in treating cystitis and kidney disease. Stigmas are characterized by a mild diuretic property, which helps to normalize kidney function. Herbal decoction based on corn "hairs" is able to anesthetize the biliary tract. Regular intake of the drug allows you to restore the work of the urinary system, as a result of which the condition of the patient improves.

Corn stigmas contribute to the purification of the liver. Such herbal threads are excellent for improving the well-being of poisoning or prolonged antibiotic therapy. Infusions are suitable for the therapy of cirrhosis and hepatitis.

It is useful to use such medicinal plant raw materials during outbreaks of seasonal colds, because its composition is saturated with vitamins, which will help to activate the immune system. In addition, the substances in the plant have powerful antioxidant properties.

For women

Corn sprout extract is useful for the beautiful half of humanity in that it helps to fight women's diseases. Preparations based on such plant raw materials help to stop uterine bleeding, as well as to increase the level of prothrombin in the blood. In gynecology, medicines based on corn help with painful periods. Thanks to such remedies, the blood is clotting and cleansing faster.

In the composition of the stigmas is found vitamin E, which takes care of the beauty of the weaker sex. So, this substance is involved in the production of collagen, which is necessary for a young and beautiful dermis. This vitamin is especially needed in winter, when the skin is dry.

Another useful property of corn sprouts for women is that they help to suppress the feeling of hunger, which provides weight loss. Often dietitians include this component to reduce appetite. Corn stigmas can speed up the metabolism, which helps to lose weight.

For men

For the stronger sex, the product is useful for the content of a substance such as beta-sitosterol. This component helps reduce the likelihood of developing a prostate tumor. If the man's diet contains products enriched with this component, the risk of cancer is reduced.

Tocopherol normalizes the genital system, which has a positive effect on the reproductive system.

In pregnancy.

As already mentioned, the product affects blood clotting. Accordingly, a clotting disorder can lead to various complications during childbirth. For example, bleeding very often develops. To protect yourself from such unpleasant consequences, you should use this product for therapeutic purposes. During the pregnancy of the baby, pancreatic inflammation often worsens. This usually occurs in the first or last trimester. Corn stigmas can eliminate the inflammatory process in pancreatitis. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to drink decoctions based on this ingredient.

In addition, doctors recommend the use of corn fiber for edema. This plant is characterized by diuretic properties. During pregnancy, a woman's body accumulates excess fluid, which is difficult to get rid of.

In some cases, cornfloss helps to increase low blood pressure, to restore the correct sleep regime.

It should be noted that independent treatment with such a herbal medicine is unacceptable. Obligatory consultation with a specialist.

During breastfeeding

During lactation, you should consult with your doctor about the possibility of using such preparations for therapeutic purposes.

For children

Enuresis is a condition characterized by urinary incontinence. Most often this pathology develops at a child's age. It leads to discomfort in a child, affects directly on his psyche. Corn stigmas in this case will help to get rid of such an unpleasant symptom. However, before using it, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. Child bedwetting can be caused by various infections in the bladder. But it is not uncommon when urinary incontinence is a consequence of other diseases. Corn floss in this case has an anti-inflammatory effect directly in the focus of the disease. This helps to alleviate the condition of the baby.

When losing weight

Experts on proper nutrition debate whether it is advisable to include corn in the menu of a person losing weight. So, the product does not contain many calories, but at the same time in its composition are found simple carbohydrates. For this reason alone, you should limit the use of the product in the evening.

As for the stigmas, decoctions based on them have a diuretic effect, contributing to the purification of the body. This quality is very useful when you need to get rid of excess weight.

Moreover, corn sprouts help to get rid of irritability, because, as is known, limiting food, following a strict diet leads to the fact that a person becomes aggressive.

Such a herbal decoction will help to suppress the feeling of hunger. If you drink a glass of the medicine, the craving for all kinds of harmful products is significantly reduced.

To prepare a healing infusion for weight loss, you need to use corn stigmas, chamomile flowers, rose hips. All these components should be poured with water and left to insist for a whole night. The ready remedy is consumed before meals by 1 cup. If desired, you can add leaves of mint, melissa or currants to the mixture.

Corn stigmas in folk medicine

A number of valuable qualities of corn stigmas is the basis for their use in folk medicine. Such medicinal raw materials are used for liver abnormalities, for weight loss, treatment of hepatitis, atherosclerosis and other diseases.

There are many pharmacy preparations based on corn. However, it is best to prepare the drug yourself. In doing so, you can use the ancient recipes of folk healers.

With diabetes mellitus

Decoction of corn stigmas is effective in the fight against diabetes. To obtain a therapeutic infusion, you need to take 2 tbsp. of crushed fibers, add 2 cups of boiled water, and then toast on a steam bath for a quarter of an hour. When the solution cools, it should be strained. Such a composition to drink 10 ml several times a day, after meals.

To reduce the value of glucose in the blood and activate the pancreas, it is recommended to take an extract of the sprig, which can be found in any pharmacy. You can also make it yourself at home. Such a remedy is taken daily after meals, 1 ml. The solution should be diluted in 100 ml of water. The course of therapy is a month, after which you need to take a break for 2 weeks. For the result to be stable, the remedy should be taken for 6 months. Before using such a composition, it is necessary to ask the doctor about contraindications and possible side effects.

With pancreatitis

It is noteworthy that the cobs, as well as corn grits are strictly forbidden with pancreatic inflammation, as they are considered a heavy food. As for the stigmas, then this part of the corn can significantly ease the course of the disease.

To brew a healing composition, you need to grind the hairs, pour them with water at the rate of 1 tbsp. per 250 ml of water. Boil this mass for about 5 minutes, then insist for an hour. Then filter the liquid and drink 1/3 cup a day.

A mixture consisting of corn stigmas, mint, calendula, plantain, and chamomile is also effective. Such a mixture is used to prolong the period of remission. This means that it is necessary to drink this decoction not in the stage of exacerbation, but when the pain recedes. In this case, all the herbs should be taken in equal proportions and brewed at the rate of 1 tbsp. per glass of water. You can prepare the decoction for 2-3 days ahead, and it should be stored only in the refrigerator. At one reception will require 50 ml of the composition for 15-20 minutes before a meal.

With gastritis

Corn fibers, the therapeutic properties of which are used in various pathologies, are also useful in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. They help to reduce the level of stomach acid, improve metabolism. Consequently, the drug is recommended for use with gastritis, peptic ulcer and colitis. To prepare a decoction, intended for use by patients suffering from gastritis, you will need 3 tbsp of corn floss mixed with a glass of steep boiling water, to simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. After that, you need to soak the mixture under a lid for half an hour, and then pass it through a filter. The ready remedy to drink for 10 days before meals 50 ml.

For the liver

If the pathology of the liver runs in a severe form, folk healers suggest using a simple decoction recipe, which quite quickly and effectively affects the disease. In this case, you need a couple of spoonfuls of fibers pour a glass of boiling water and boil on a water bath with low heat for 20 minutes. At the end of the specified time, filter the solution and add boiled water so that the glass is full. The remedy to take 3-4 times a day, 1 tbsp. The dose should not be increased, because the decoction is quite strong. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 months. Every 12 to 14 days you need to take a break to allow the body to rest.

For the kidneys

To get a decoction useful for kidney disease, you should prepare it according to the following recipe. 5 g of corn floss pour 300 ml of boiling water and put on a steam bath over low heat. After half an hour, remove the solution from the heat and leave it until it cools, then strain. The result is a concentrated solution, so you need to add another 100 ml of cool boiled water. Take the medicine by 1 tbsp. three times a day. In the presence of edema, the dose is increased by 2 times.

In large quantities prepare such an infusion is not recommended, because you can use it only for 2 days. In this case, storage should be carried out only in a cold place.

With cholecystitis

For patients with cholelithiasis there is a remedy consisting of equal proportions of corn stigmas, yarrow herb and St. John's wort. All these ingredients should be mixed, measure 3 tablespoons of the resulting collection and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The medication should infuse. Drink it throughout the day, dividing the amount of the solution into 4-5 drinks.

There is another recipe. In this case, you need to take 20 grams of corn fibers and the same amount of immortelle sandy. Pour 1 liter of steep boiling water over the mixture of herbs and put on a low heat. After 10 minutes, remove the solution from the stove, infuse, then filter. Drink such a medicine of 100 ml, supplementing the treatment by taking 100 ml of milk, which can be added a couple of spoons of honey, half an hour before a meal. Continue treatment for 4 days, after which a short break of 2-3 days. Then resume therapy. The course lasts 2 months.

With cystitis

You can cure cystitis with the help of fibers. To prepare a herbal remedy, take in equal proportions the stigma of corn and the herb Repecia common. From the resulting collection take 30 grams and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Take a remedy of 100 ml 3 times a day. It is also suitable for the treatment of inflammation of the kidneys and urolithiasis, helps to painlessly remove sand and small stones.

With prostatitis

The most common disease among men over the age of 45 is prostatitis. It leads to impotence and other unpleasant symptoms in the sexual sphere. Often the treatment of this pathology is based on the complex application of medications, folk remedies and massage. Before starting such treatment, it is necessarily necessary to find out the causes, to study the symptoms of prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to a violation of the functions of the sexual system in the male sex.

Corn stigmas in this case will help relieve inflammation. In addition, they have an analgesic effect. To make tea, pour 2 tablespoons of corn fibers with a cup of boiling water. The remedy to take warm three times a day for 1/3 cup.

From swelling

To get a diuretic tea, you will need 30 g of medicinal plant raw materials pour 1 liter of purified filtered water. In this case, boil water in an enameled or glass container, and then add the crushed raw materials to it. Boil the mixture under a lid for a few minutes. Then let the solution infuse. Before using, you can add a little honey, milk or sugar. Such a tea can be drunk several times a day in 1 cup.

Types of medicinal compositions

Depending on the existing diseases, different remedies can be prepared from corn sprouts, which will help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, as well as eliminating it altogether. The raw material used for the preparation must be of high quality. You can buy it in a pharmacy or make it yourself.

Infusion

To prepare an infusion of corn stigma should be brewed at the rate of 15 g per 200 ml of hot water. Infuse the mixture, then filter and drink 1 tbsp. several times a day. Infusion intended for the treatment of hepatitis is considered an effective herbal medicine. In this case, a small amount of raw materials will need to be placed in a saucepan and pour 2 cups of water, bring to a boil and then cool. Take the composition in warm form twice a day for 50 ml.

The infusion is also intended for the treatment of atherosclerosis. In this case, the solution helps to reduce the value of bad cholesterol in the blood. Corn threads in this case, you need to pour 600 ml of water and send it to a steam bath for 40 minutes. After that, the solution should infuse for another 12-13 hours. Use the ready-made remedy for 30 ml three times a day.

Tincture

Tincture has anti-inflammatory properties, is used for the treatment of a large list of diseases. You can buy the ready-made tincture in a pharmacy or make it yourself. You will need corn fiber, 200 ml of alcohol and 100 ml of water. First, pour boiling water over the plant raw materials. After complete cooling, mix the solution with alcohol and insist for 5 days. Store such a remedy in a dark place. Ready alcoholic tincture is used to treat wounds and cuts.

Decoction

Since corn stigmas have a choleretic effect, they are used to prepare a decoction used for the corresponding pathologies. To get a decoction, you need to take a small amount of cornfloss, immortelle, as well as dandelion. Mix the components with a mug of hot water and insist until it cools. After that, strain the solution. Prepared decoction take 1 tbsp. before meals for 3 weeks.

Tea

With the help of tea from the corn stigmas you can get rid of inflammation in the throat, as well as overcome a cold. To prepare such a healing drink, half a spoon of black tea, corn sprouts, 3 cardamom should be mixed with 300 ml of water. Put the herbal ingredients in a thermos or kettle, then pour boiling water. After 15-20 minutes, the tea is ready for use. Specialists in the field of traditional medicine recommend to drink such a remedy fresh, therefore, brew it every day.

Use in cosmetology

At home, you can use strands of corn as an anti-inflammatory and drying tonic. In this case, it is necessary to prepare a decoction of these fibers. Take a glass of raw material, mix it with 1 tbsp of aloe juice. Add here 15-20 ml of cucumber lotion. Store the resulting remedy in the refrigerator and use it to wipe your face every morning.

If your hair is dull and falling out, you can use a herbal infusion based on corn fibers, as well as nettle. Mix both components in equal proportions, pour 2 liters of boiled water and infuse for 3 hours. After this rinse can be used for 2 months. The result is not long to wait, in a short time your hair will be strong and thick, they will regain their healthy shine.

Contraindications for usage

You should use such a product in moderation, otherwise instead of the assumed benefits, you can cause harm to your body. Therefore, it is important to know about the contraindications to the use of corn sprouts. These include reduced appetite or low body weight. This is due to the fact that corn stalks contribute to weight loss.

Since the components of corn affect blood clotting, the product is contraindicated in thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins.

Very rarely, but also can occur an allergic reaction, which is associated with intolerance to the individual components of the preparations.

Photo of corn stigmas