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Cornsilk Organic |
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Cornsilk Organic
CORNSILK-Organic
Zea mays
History and Folklore
For the Native Americans of Central and South America Corn is the most sacred plant, the staff of life that sacrifices its body to nourish them. They consider the corn mother as their direct ancestor and the one who has given them flesh and life. According to a tale from Peru, one of the cradles of corn domestication, two young men were the only survivors of a catastrophic deluge. Every day they went out to forage but in the evening when they came home they found an earthen pot full of a wholesome and intoxicating beverage, which they gratefully accepted as a divine gift. This went on for 10 days in a row. On the eleventh day one of the young men secretly stayed at home and hid in a corner of the house, for he had grown curious and wanted to know where the brew came from. As soon as the other man had left, two beautiful macaws entered the hut. To the young man's amazement they took off their feathers and were transformed into two women, one young and beautiful the other old and ugly. They proceeded to make the brew by breaking apart the cobs of corn, chewing the kernels and spitting them into the pot. The young man seized his opportunity and captured the young woman while the old one fled. This is how he gained possession not only of his wife but also of the first corn that was to feed their children. To this day the women of Peru prepare a maize beer known as Chicha just as described in this tale.
Every tribe has their own myth related to corn and how it came to the service of man. The cultivation of corn is extremely old - estimates range from 8000 - 10000 years ago. It is unclear where exactly cultivation begun, Peru or Mexico, or whether it was cultivated independently in both regions. At any rate, it and the knowledge of how to cultivate it spread rapidly throughout the Americas. By the time Columbus got there and brought some back to Europe it had been cultivated in the New World for thousands of years. Although it spread throughout the Mediterranean region quite swiftly, it was slow to take off as a food crop for humans in the Old World. Gerard considers it more fit for swine than human beings and sees no nutritional value in it.
Native Americans were more perceptive. They not only appreciated corn for its nutritive value (which is considerable), but also for its medicinal powers. Today, corn silk (actually the stigmas of the female flower), the hairy tuft that pokes out at the top of a cob of corn), is the only part that is used for medicinal purposes in Western and in Chinese medicine. Native Americans also utilize corn itself, not just for food, but also for medicine.
Medicinal Uses:
The silky beard of the corn cobs, which most people simply discard and throw away, is a wonderful remedy for all kinds of urinary complaints. It is diuretic and demulcent and works wonders in all inflammatory conditions of the bladder - cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and bladder catarrh. It is also used as a diuretic in cases of oedema and high blood pressure that is related to water retention. Native American medicine also utilizes Cornsilk to treat constipation, diarrhoea, infertility, painful menstruation and as a strengthening tonic during childbirth that would increase the strength of the contractions and check excessive bleeding after parturition. Cornsilk has been shown to contain high amounts of silicon, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus minerals. It is also an excellent source of B vitamins and PABA.
Magical Uses:
The Mayas and Aztecs held annual corn festivals in honour of the corn goddess, which involved human sacrifice - as a representation of the corn goddess who gives her life to feed the people. Thus corn is a powerful and highly revered plant among practically all Indian tribes. It is a symbol of fertility and everlasting life and rejuvenation. It was a used for protection and played an integral part in numerous ritual foods, such as sacramental brews and breads.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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