The delicate strands that grow from the top of every ear of corn and extend to each kernel are known as "corn silk." These are actually the female part of the ovary, which later turns into a corn kernel after pollination. When fresh, they are pale yellow in colour but dry to a deep brown. A subtle sweetness can often be detected in their taste.
Our corn silk is sourced from a First Nations herb distributor, and is sold only in 10g bags. We do not have much stock at a time, so please be patient with restocks.
In herbal medicine, corn silk is thought to be anti-depressant, anti-fatigue, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and cholagogue, as well as mildly demulcent, diuretic, and stimulant. It has been used for acute chronic cystitis as well as bladder irritation of uric acid and phosphatic gravel. Corn silk is composed of 40% crude fibre, 17.6% crude protein, and 3.91% ash. It naturally contains cellulose, chlorophyll, cinnamic derivatives, fixed oil, flavonoids such as maysin, glucose, maizenic acid, minerals (incl. chloride, iron, potassium, sodium, and zinc), protein hydrolysate, resin, rhamnose, and various volatile compounds (incl. citronellol, eugenol, terpinol, and thujanol).
In modern witchcraft, it is connected to the element of Air, all four directions, the Corn Moon as well as other summer moons, the sign of Leo, the "planets" of Venus and the Sun, the summer months, Litha, the numbers 7 & 11, the colours light yellow and white, the tarot cards of the Empress and the Chariot, the rune Jera, stones Citrine and Jadeite, and the metal Gold. It is obviously connected to Corn Sister or Corn Spirit, of the Three Sisters, as well as various Mesoamerican deities, particularly corn goddesses. Some European-based religions connect it to various harvest deities who are connected to grain. However, out of respect to a history of colonization that has suppressed its original spiritual context, we encourage corn and corn silk to only be used for European grain deities when no other grain product is available, and to ALSO give thanks to the local spirits which have blessed us with so much corn that we are able to use some for this purpose.
We only sell herbs for spiritual purposes, not for human consumption. Our herbs have not been packaged in a commercial kitchen, as required by Health Canada for all food items. All references to consuming herbs is provided for educational purposes only.
