Nature has perfectly fashioned seasonal foods in each geographical zones of the world to provide the inhabitants of the zones with the right kind of nourishments that will sustain them at specific periods of the year. This we must bear in mind for perfect and balanced health
After rice, millet, and wheat, corn or maize is one of such seasonal foods (cereals) that have been known to most nations of the world right from the ancient times. Corn (maize) belongs to the family of grasses (graminaeae) and botanically it is called Zea mays. During its season, and depending on the nature of the soil, corn grows to a height of between 5 to 8 feet and is harvested within 70 to 90 days after planting.
Food must be high in complex carbohydrates. Very high in dietary fibers, low in protein and fats. Analyses have shown that maize satisfies all the qualities of a good food and diet. In addition, a rich source of complex carbohydrates, fibers, and small amount of protein and fats, Corn is also a source of B-Vitamins and Vitamin E. other phytochemicals found in corn includes:
Allantoin; A chemical that allows cells to multiply normally.
Protease inhibitors; which have been found to exhibit antiviral and anticancer activities. Unlike grains such as wheat, corn lacks gluten which makes it most suitable in the treatment of certain digestive diseases. Whole corn is better eaten cooked or roasted as soon as it is harvested from the farm. In this way the freshness, softness, sweetness and nutritional values are retained intact.
Eating cooked fresh corn and drinking a glass of the water with a spoon of pure honey, exerts a mild diuretic and tonifying effect on the Kidneys and the Urinary System by increasing the flow of urine, Detoxifying the kidneys, and Preventing the formation of stones along the urinary tract and in the kidneys. For this purpose, fresh corn should not be boiled with refined table salt.
Taking a glass of infusion (tea) made from fresh corn seeds with pure honey is one of the best ways of combating bed wetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children. The efficacy of this remedy is enhanced when it is combined with a tea made from a mixture of corn silk and phyllanthus amarus and given to the child 3 times daily until the condition stops or improves; it also prevents nausea and vomiting.
Eating fresh corn helps in cleansing the teeth thereby lowering the risks of dental problems. Whole corn provides most of the nutrients that are needed in building waste muscles and bones. Corn meal is therefore recommended for those that are recovering from severe illness as well as anemic and malnourished patients.
Unlike other cereals such as wheat, corn meal lack GLUTEN (a protein that causes inflammatory reactions in the small intestines) and because of this, it’s one of the foods recommended for those suffering from, Malabsorption, Chronic digestive and colon disorders and over activity of the thyroid gland. Corn meal is also recommended for women who want to boost up their estrogen (female hormone) activities.
Sweet corn is easy to digest and it adds bulk to food and yields high energy. As it forms bulk-laxative, it thereby promotes smooth bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation together with problems like piles (hemorrhoids), fissure (creaks in the wall of the rectum), etc.
The families that eat corn regularly usually have a very low incidence of cardiovascular diseases like heart disorders, hypertension, etc. this is so because, corn have been found to lower high level of blood cholesterol.
Grounded whole corn powder is often added to some herbal preparations used in enhancing male libido or sexual stamina.
Taking 1-2 spoons of fresh corn starch dissolved in ½ a glass of cold water helps in stopping running stomach (diarrhea) and excessive uterine bleeding.
The fermented water extracted from raw cold corn starch commonly used in traditional medicine to boil herbs with the aim of enhancing the efficacy of such herbs.
Corn flour is very rich and a very high emollient (Substance that softens, soothes and protects the skin when they are applied externally). Corn flour mixed with small amount of salt can be used as poultice on inflamed tissues, Wounds and sore: Corn starch disinfects wound, and protect injured surfaces from bacterial infections. Cornstarch is often incorporated into many natural cosmetics because of it soothing and emollient activities.
Corn oil is one of the best cooking oil. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and therefore lowers cholesterol.
Dr. C. Jaris, in his book‚ “Folk Medicine‚(1958)” recommended taking one tablespoon of corn oil with meals 2 time daily for about 2 months for the treatment of some chronic skin diseases, e.g. dandruff, (scalp diseases), eczema, dry skin, etc. He wrote that it is equally good for those suffering from Asthma and Fever.
Using Corn Silk as Medicine
Corn silk is the silky, soft tassels found inside the husks of the corn. The silk is cut off when the husks are fresh. It is dried in a warm and airy room or in a drying shed. The drying process takes approximately 1-2 weeks. The dried corn silk is cut and stored in an airtight container preferably in a dark glass container.
Corn silk loses its diuretic properties and becomes a laxative when it is stored inappropriately or when it is not properly dried. Corn silk loses most of its healing properties after one year of storage. It is regarded as herb, not food.
Constituents: BComplex, panthothenic acid, thiamin, beta carotene, vitamin C, and K. Corn silk are rich in potassium, iron, silicon (silica), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Other constituents are maizemic acid, fixed oil, mucilage, resin, saponin, salicylic acid, oxalic acid, alkaloids, tartaric acids, flavonoids, tannins, thymol, steroids, etc.
Herbal Actions:
Alterative-Anti-inflammatory-Hypoglycemic-Anodyne- Diuretic-Litholytic-Analgesic-Demulcent-Hypertensive-Tonic-MildStimulant-Sedative-stomachic-Antiseptic and Antimicrobial
METHOD OF PREPARATION / DOSAGES
Infusion (tea): 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herbs is infused for up to 10 minutes in a teacup of boiling water. This could be taken warm or cold 3 -5 times daily. Alternatively:-30g of the herb is infused in a liter of boiling water.
Decoction: The silk from 3 ears of fresh corn could be boiled with 3 tea cups of water for 5minutes up to ½ – 1 cup of the decoction could be taken at a time for up to 3-5 times a day.
Tincture of corn silk: (130g /500ml of alcohol) prepared as a standard herbal tincture.
Corn Silk capsules: Dried corn silk is powderized and capsulated. 2 capsules are taken 3 times daily with plenty of water at meal times.
Therapeutic Indications (uses) synergism Compatibilities:
Renal (Kidney) Problems: Corn silk combines diuretic and demulcent (soothing any inflamed surface), anti- inflammation action in one.
Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys): In this case, pure honey could be taken along with the cornsilk tea. In cases of nephritis usually due to bacterial infections, corn silk could be combined well with renal antiseptic herbs like Garlic, Parsley, Goldenseal Root, Yarrow, Aloe Vera and Coconut water.
Profuse albumin in urine due to nephritic syndrome (Nephrosis), unsweetened corn silk infusion alone is excellent for this condition, especially in children.
Dr. Tonifelix C. Manu
(PHYTOTHERAPIST)
08035458212, 08093051862
