Corn stigmas: medicinal properties and contraindications

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

Widely used are not only the fruits of corn, but their stigmas. These are long and soft hair of a culture, which are 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.

Useful and harmful qualities of corn stigmas are the subject of debate by most doctors, experts in the field of proper nutrition. For a long time they were underestimated, since they were little studied. Although some even now have no idea what it is. Therefore, it is important to study what corn stigmas are, and get acquainted with their beneficial qualities.

What are corn stigmas

Fibers around a corn cob are a valuable source of many beneficial ingredients. They are called corn stigmas. By the way, they look like tow. Such raw materials can be prepared in the summer, when milk ripeness is reached on the cob. Such work is carried out manually by mechanical cutting of the fibers with a sickle or knife. After collecting, the raw materials must be dried. This procedure is carried out in special devices at a certain temperature. The layer thickness should be 1–2 cm. Natural drying in the shade is also possible.

Collection and storage

Corn stigmas can be harvested in August, when corn is not yet fully ripe. Such corn is called dairy. During this period, the culture collected the most useful elements. The hair is separated from the cobs manually. To get high-quality raw materials, you need to carefully remove the cob from the stem and, without breaking it, turn the leaves away. Now with your hands you can collect the entire hair. It is necessary to get rid of blackened threads. Raw materials should be constantly turned over, especially at first, when it is still completely raw.

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

Chemical composition

In the stigmas of corn, the most valuable substances are collected that can benefit the body.

1. So, they contain saponins, which contribute to the regulation of water-salt balance and cholesterol. 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 the corn stigmas are extremely necessary for a person to provide a choleretic, antibacterial and antispasmodic effect.Moreover, these components contribute to an increase in cardiac muscle tone, and are also characterized by antitumor and radioprotective effects.
3. As part of this product, alkaloids were found, for which an antispasmodic and calming effect is characteristic.
4. Essential oils in corn stigmas help calm the nervous system, increase appetite and improve digestion. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antimicrobial effects.
5. Sterols found in corn are necessary in order to enhance immunity, stabilize hormones, and also help the exhausted nervous system. Also, this group of substances helps to improve the condition of hair and nail plates. Sterols prevent the development of sexual disorders and prevent signs of aging at an early stage.
6. Vitamin K was found in corn stigmas. Without such a substance, the blood coagulation process is disrupted in the body. This component contributes to an increase in prothrombin in the blood. With a lack of vitamin K, blood vessels become fragile and brittle. This is evidenced by constantly occurring bruises on the skin. Also, this substance improves intestinal motility, takes part in cellular respiration, supports the activity of the liver and heart.
7. Of the minerals, selenium can be noted. This is a unique substance that helps the body more easily perceive the negative effects of the environment. Thus, this element will help to neutralize toxic substances, which gradually accumulate in the body, poisoning all organs. Selenium improves material metabolism and enhances natural protective functions.
8. Ascorbic and pantothenic acids were found in the stigma of maize. Vitamin C is involved in most metabolic processes, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, bone tissue, eliminates irritability and helps to cope with increased fatigue. Pantothenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands.
9. It should also be noted another substance found in this product. This is inositol. This component is involved in the metabolism of fats and cholesterol, improves liver function, stimulates hair growth.

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

The healing properties of corn stigmas

Corn stigmas have a large number of valuable properties.

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

Thanks to selenium, the product improves material metabolism. This substance is a component that can withstand the negative effects of the environment, prevents the entry of hazardous elements into the body, leading to the development of cancer.

Stigmas of corn normalize the activity of the central nervous system. They contain substances that beneficially affect nerve cells. The regular use of drugs based on this product helps get rid of insomnia and irritability.

In addition, this tool is an affordable method for patients with sugar disease. Corn fibers can help reduce high blood glucose. This is due to the active glycosides in the product.

The plant is effective in the treatment of cystitis and kidney disease.Stigmas are characterized by a mild diuretic property, which helps 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 functioning of the urinary system, as a result of which the patient's condition improves.

Corn stigmas help cleanse the liver. Such plant strands are great for improving well-being in case of poisoning or prolonged antibiotic therapy. Infusions are suitable for the treatment of cirrhosis and hepatitis.

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

For women

An extract from corn stigmas is useful for the beautiful half of humanity in that it helps fight against female diseases. Preparations based on such plant materials help to stop uterine bleeding, as well as increase the level of prothrombin in the blood. In gynecology, corn-based medicines help with painful periods. Thanks to such means, the blood undergoes faster clotting and cleansing.

Vitamin E was found in the stigma, 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 necessary in the winter, when the skin is overdried.

Another useful property of corn stigmas for the female half is that they help suppress the feeling of hunger, which ensures weight loss. Often, nutritionists include this component to reduce appetite. Stigmas are able to speed up metabolism, which helps to lose weight.

For men

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

Tocopherol normalizes the condition of the reproductive system, which positively affects the activity of the reproductive system.

During pregnancy

As already mentioned, the product affects blood coagulation. Accordingly, bleeding disorders can lead to various complications during childbirth. For example, bleeding very often develops. To protect against such unpleasant consequences, you should use this product for therapeutic purposes. During the bearing of the baby, inflammation of the pancreas is often exacerbated. This usually occurs in the first or last trimester. Stigmas of corn 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 fibers for edema. This plant is characterized by a diuretic property. During pregnancy, excess fluid accumulates in the body of a woman, which is difficult to get rid of.

In some cases, corn strands help increase low blood pressure and restore proper sleep patterns.

It should be noted that self-treatment with such a herbal preparation is unacceptable. Mandatory consultation with a specialist.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, you should consult your doctor about the possibility of using such drugs for medicinal purposes.

For children

Enuresis is a disease characterized by urinary incontinence. Most often, such a pathology develops precisely in childhood. It leads to discomfort in the child, affects directly his psyche. Corn stigmas in this case will help get rid of such an unpleasant symptom. However, you must consult a pediatrician before use. Children's enuresis can be caused by various infections in the bladder. But there are cases when urinary incontinence is a consequence of other diseases. Corn threads in this case have an anti-inflammatory effect directly in the focus of the disease. This helps alleviate the condition of the baby.

When losing weight

Nutrition experts are debating whether it is advisable to include corn on a slimming person's menu. So, the product does not contain many calories, but at the same time simple carbohydrates were found in its composition. For this reason alone, the use of the product in the evening should be limited.

As for stigmas, decoctions based on them have a diuretic effect, helping to cleanse the body. This quality is very useful if necessary to get rid of excess weight.

Moreover, corn stigmas help get rid of irritability, because, as you know, restriction in food, adherence to a strict diet leads to the fact that a person becomes aggressive.

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

To prepare a healing infusion for weight loss, it is necessary to use corn stigmas, chamomile flowers, rose hips. All these components must be filled with water and left to infuse for the whole night. The finished product is used before eating 1 glass. If desired, you can add mint, lemon balm or currant to the mixture.

Corn stigmas in folk medicine

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

There are many pharmacies based on corn. However, it is best to prepare the drug yourself. In this case, you can use the old recipes of traditional healers.

With diabetes

Corn stigma decoction is effective in combating diabetes. To get a medical infusion, you need to take 2 tbsp. chopped fibers, add 2 cups of boiled water, and then simmer on a steam bath for a quarter of an hour. When the solution has cooled, it should be filtered. Such a composition is to drink 10 ml several times a day, after eating.

To reduce the value of glucose in the blood and activate the pancreas, it is recommended to take stigma extract, which can be found in any pharmacy. Also, it can be done independently at home. Such a medicine is taken daily after a meal of 1 ml. In this case, 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. In order for the result to be stable, the drug must be taken within 6 months. Before using such a composition, it is necessary to find out from the doctor about contraindications and possible side effects.

With pancreatitis

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

To brew a healing composition, it is necessary to grind the hairs, fill them with water at the rate of 1 tbsp. per 250 ml of water. Cook this mass for about 5 minutes, then insist for an hour.Next, filter the liquid and drink 1/3 cup per day.

Also effective is the collection, which consists of corn stigmas, mint, calendula, plantain and chamomile. This mixture is used to extend the period of remission. This means that drinking this broth is necessary not at the stage of exacerbation, but when the pain recedes. In this case, all herbs must be taken in equal proportions and brewed at the rate of 1 tbsp. into a glass of water. You can cook the broth for 2-3 days in advance, while it should be stored only in the refrigerator. At one time you will need 50 ml of the composition for 15-20 minutes before eating.

With gastritis

Corn fibers, the therapeutic properties of which are used for various pathologies, are also useful for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. They help to reduce the level of stomach acid, improve metabolism. Therefore, the drug is recommended for use in gastritis, peptic ulcer and colitis. To prepare a decoction intended for use by patients suffering from gastritis, 3 tablespoons are required. mix the corn threads with a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. After this, it is necessary to withstand the mixture for half an hour under the lid, and then pass through the filter. Ready to drink for 10 days before a meal of 50 ml.

For the liver

If the pathology of the liver is severe, traditional healers offer to use a simple recipe for the decoction, which quickly and effectively affects the disease. In this case, you need to pour a couple of tablespoons of fiber with a glass of boiling water and cook in a water bath at low heat for 20 minutes. After the specified time, filter the solution and add boiled water so that the glass is full. Means to take 3-4 times a day for 1 tablespoon. The dose should not be increased, since the broth is quite strong. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 months. Every 12-14 days, you need to take a break so that the body rests.

For the kidneys

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

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

With cholecystitis

For patients with cholecystitis, there is a tool consisting of equal proportions of corn stigmas, yarrow grass and St. John's wort. All these ingredients must be mixed, measure 3 tbsp. the resulting collection and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The medicine should be infused. Drink it should be throughout the day, dividing the amount of solution into 4-5 receptions.

There is another recipe. In this case, you need to take 20 g of corn fibers and the same amount of immortelle sand. Pour a mixture of herbs with 1 liter of boiling water and put on a slow fire. After 10 minutes, remove the solution from the stove, insist, and then filter. Drink such a medicine in 100 ml, supplementing the treatment with 100 ml of milk, in which you can add a couple of tablespoons of honey, half an hour before a meal. Continue treatment for 4 days, after which take a short break in 2-3 days. Next, resume therapy. The course lasts 2 months.

With cystitis

With the help of fibers, cystitis can be cured. To prepare the product on a plant basis, it is necessary to take in equal proportions the stigmas of corn, as well as grass of the common repes. From the collection collected, take 30 g and pour them with 1 liter of boiling water. Take the drug 100 ml 3 times a day. It is also suitable for the treatment of inflammation of the kidneys and urolithiasis, it helps to safely 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 genital area. Often, the treatment of such a pathology is based on the integrated use of medicines, folk remedies and massage. Before starting such treatment, it is necessary to find out the causes, to study the symptoms of prostatitis. Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to impaired reproductive function in males.

Corn stigmas in this case will help relieve inflammation. In addition, they have an analgesic effect. To make tea, you need 2 tbsp. fibers of corn pour a cup of boiling water. The drug should be taken warm three times a day for 1/3 cup.

From edema

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

Types of healing compounds

Depending on the existing diseases, various means can be prepared from the stigmas of corn that can help alleviate the symptoms of the disease, as well as completely eliminate it. The raw materials used to produce the preparations must be of high quality. It can be purchased at the pharmacy or procured independently.

Infusion

To prepare the infusion of stigmas of corn, it is necessary to brew at the rate of 15 g per 200 ml of hot water. Insist the mixture, then filter and drink 1 tbsp. several times a day. An infusion intended for the treatment of hepatitis is considered an effective herbal medicine. In this case, you need to place a small amount of raw material in a pan and pour 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, and then cool. Take the composition in a 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. At the same time, the corn strands need to be filled with 600 ml of water and sent to a steam bath for 40 minutes. After this, the solution should be infused for another 12-13 hours. Use the finished product in 30 ml 3 times a day.

Tincture

Tincture has anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to treat a large list of diseases. Ready-made tincture can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently. To do this, you will need corn fibers, 200 ml of alcohol and 100 ml of water. First, fill the plant material with boiled water. After complete cooling, mix the solution with alcohol and leave for 5 days. Keep this product in a dark place. Ready alcohol tincture is used to treat wounds and cuts.

Decoction

Since corn stigmas have a choleretic effect, they are used to prepare a decoction used in appropriate pathologies. To get a decoction, you need to take a small amount of corn threads, an immortelle, as well as a dandelion. Mix the components with a mug of hot water and leave to cool completely. After this, strain the solution. Ready broth to take 1 tbsp. before eating for 3 weeks.

Tea

With the help of tea from the stigmas of corn, you can get rid of inflammation in the throat, as well as overcome a common cold. To prepare such a healing drink, half a spoonful of black tea, stigmas of corn, 3 cardamom need to be mixed with 300 ml of water. Fold the plant components in a thermos or teapot, then pour boiling water. After 15-20 minutes, the tea is ready for use. Specialists in the field of traditional medicine recommend drinking this remedy fresh, therefore, it must be brewed every day.

Application 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 materials, mix it with 1 tbsp. aloe juice. Add 15–20 ml of cucumber lotion to this. Store the product in the refrigerator and use it to wipe the face every morning.

If the hair grows dull and falls out, you can use herbal infusion based on corn fibers, as well as nettles. In equal proportions, mix both components, pour 2 liters of boiled water and insist for 3 hours. After this, the rinse aid can be used for 2 months. The result will not be long in coming, in a short time the hair will become strong and thick, a healthy shine will return to them.

Contraindications

Use such a product should be subject to reasonable moderation, otherwise, instead of the intended benefits, you can harm your body. Therefore, it is important to know about contraindications to the use of corn stigmas. These include reduced appetite or low body weight. This is due to the fact that the threads of corn contribute to weight loss.

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

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

Photo of corn stigmas