Other Names: Zea mays, Corn, Mais
Botanical Information: It is from the Wheataceae family. It is an annual herbaceous plant and its height can be between 1.5-3 meters depending on the region where it grows. Its leaves are in the shape of a long, thin spear, tapering towards the tip. The edges of the leaves are entire, wavy, with a large greyish-white main vein in the middle and a dozen side veins on the right and left extending parallel to it. Male and female flowers stand separately, but are on the same plant. The female flowers are tassels growing from the cob. Its fruit is simply called corn cob and 100-200 corn seeds are arranged on this cob.
Places where it is grown: Corn, whose homeland is South America, was brought to Europe by sailors after the discovery of the American Continent. It is thought that this plant is called corn in our language because it was brought to our country from the African mainland via Egypt. Turkey’s climate is quite suitable for corn, so it is grown in a wide area.
Collection – Storage: Ripe corn cobs are collected and dried, and starch or oil is obtained from this. Corn tassels are collected in June or July, dried in the shade and stored in special closed containers.
Known Composition: The grains of the corn plant contain high levels of starch, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A and sterols. The substances contained in corn tassel used as medicine are: Sugars such as glucose and maltose, sterols, resin, potassium salts and essential oil.
Areas of Use: Corn oil obtained from corn grains, as a liquid vegetable cooking oil, is known to prevent arteriosclerosis. In addition, due to its nutritional value, corn grains are also used in the feed industry for animals. Flour is obtained from its grains. In fact, its use is becoming more widespread today.
Benefits:
It is effective in the treatment of urethritis (urinary tract infection), cystitis (bladder infection) and prostatitis (prostate gland infection).
It helps overcome kidney problems in children.
It is a diuretic and reduces bladder stones.
It is a body strengthening tonic and calming.
It helps in the treatment of rheumatism.
Usage :
Tea: Add 2 teaspoons of dry or fresh corn tassels into 1 glass of boiling water. Drink a glass of the tea obtained by steeping it for 10-15 minutes, two or three times a day.