Cornsilk

(Zea mays)

An ear of corn is a treasure trove of useful parts — and the silky threads most people discard are no exception. Cornsilk (Zea mays) refers to the long, thread-like stigmas of the corn plant, harvested and dried for use as a traditional botanical. With a history of use in Native American and folk herbal traditions across North and Central America, cornsilk has long been valued by herbalists as a gentle, mild botanical for use in teas and herbal preparations.

The corn plant itself has given humanity an extraordinary range of gifts: the grain feeds billions, the husks have been used for cooking and crafts, the cob for pipes and scrubbers — and the silk, often overlooked, has its own quiet place in the herbal tradition.

Phytochemical Profile

Cornsilk contains a naturally occurring array of plant compounds, including:

• Maysin — a C-glycosylflavone unique to corn silk; a primary flavonoid constituent
• Flavonoids — including luteolin, quercetin, apimaysin, and methoxymaysin
• Phenolic acids — ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid
• Phytosterols — β-sitosterol and stigmasterol
• Allantoin — a naturally occurring compound found in the silk tissue
• Saponins and tannins — surface-active and astringent plant compounds
• Vitamins & minerals — including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, and magnesium

These naturally occurring compounds are characteristic of the Zea mays plant. This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not imply any health benefit or therapeutic use.

Product Highlights

• Dried silk of Zea mays — a traditional North American botanical
• Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms
• A gentle, mild herb with a long history in folk herbal traditions
• Suitable for teas, tinctures, and capsule preparations
• No additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients

How to Use

Herbal Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of cut & sifted cornsilk in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Strain well and enjoy plain or with a touch of honey. Powder: Fill empty capsules with cornsilk powder for a convenient daily herbal routine. Blended Tea: Combine with other mild botanicals such as oat straw or marshmallow root for a gentle herbal blend.

Available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz sizes in both Cut & Sifted and Powder.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.