How to Make Corn Silk Tea (Plus Health Benefits!)

Jul 11, 2022 • Updated Mar 14, 2024

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This sweet, fragrant, and earthy flavor of Corn Silk Tea is a 1-ingredient drink that takes five minutes and is a great (and delicious) way to reduce food waste. It has amazing medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years!

a green container of corn silk tea next to corn husks.

What is Corn Silk Tea?

Corn silk tea is an incredible, easy-to-make tea with medicinal properties and beneficial effects! It’s enjoyed all across Asia and even sold in bottles at many Asian grocery stores. But it’s also very easy to make at home, and it’s a wonderful way to reduce food waste in your home kitchen.

It’s an herbal tea made from the silky strands that come out of the top of corn cobs and is known for its slightly sweet flavor and mild taste. It has been used as a natural remedy for its diuretic, kidney-supporting, blood sugar-regulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-support properties.

What Makes This Recipe Great

The flavor of this one-ingredient tea is mild, toasty, with notes of corn (of course). The most common way to drink the tea is hot but you can also enjoy it iced! Some bottled varieties are also flavored with toasted rice and corn.

When you make your own, you can add anything you’d like! For sweetness, try adding a touch of maple syrup. When you’re done making this beneficial tea, use the leftover ears of corn for any of your favorite recipes!

This really is such an easy recipe with lots of health benefits (see below!) and can have an overall positive impact on your well-being. I hope you love it!

Ingredient Notes

Fresh corn silk: Start with 3-4 ears of fresh organic corn, still in their husk. The more cornsilk you use, the more flavourful your tea will be. I like to use the silky threads from about 4-5 ears of corn to make 2-3 cups of tea.
Filtered water

How to Make Fresh Corn Silk Tea

Remove the corn silk (the thread-like strands found under the husks of ears of corn ) from your corn husk and trim off any dead or exposed ends.
If you’d like to dry your corn silk out, spread the thread-like fibers out on a tray and let it sit in the sun until dry to the touch. This step is optional, but you can save dry corn silk for future tea!
When ready to brew, add corn silk into a mug directly or a large bowl/jar and pour hot water over it. Let steep for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can add water and the thread-like fiber to a pot and boil for 5-8 minutes.
Strain and enjoy iced or hot!

What Are the Health Benefits of Corn Silk Tea?

This tea is traditionally used in Chinese and Native American medicine as an excellent natural treatment for urinary tract infections. It’s a mild diuretic and can also aid digestion. Plus, it’s totally caffeine-free!

It’s made from the stigmas or the silky strands of the corn plant. Corn silk refers to the long thread-like fibers that grow from the tops of corn ears.

In addition to Chinese medicine, this tea has been used in traditional medicine in many other cultures, such as by the Native Americans. It is believed to have several potential health benefits.

Diuretic: It is believed to have diuretic effects, meaning it may promote urine production and help with water retention. This can be beneficial for reducing bloating and swelling and supporting kidney function.
Urinary tract: It is believed to have a soothing effect on the urinary system and may help alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections or bladder conditions and irritation.
Blood sugar: Some studies suggest that corn silk may have hypoglycemic effects and could potentially help regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Corn silk contains various antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body. This can have potential benefits for overall health and well-being.
Digestive support: This tea is believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive system and may aid in relieving indigestion and stomachaches.

Note: Always check with your healthcare provider and take necessary precautions if you have any allergies, intolerances, or serious health concerns.

More Ways to Use Corn Silk Tea

You can do more than just drink it! The tea can be infused in hot water and used as a base for soups, broths, or sauces, adding a subtle flavor.

Some people also use it as a natural dye for food or as an ingredient in herbal blends for desserts or beverages.

Flavor Variations

To flavour your homemade corn silk tea, you can mix other teas, such as earl grey or Green tea. It’s a mild flavour that’s easy to cover!

Recipe FAQs

What are the side effects of corn silk tea?

This tea is generally safe, but some individuals may experience allergies or diuretic effects. It may interact with certain medications. Digestive discomfort is rare but possible. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or pre-existing conditions.

What is corn silk tea good for?

It is commonly used as a herbal remedy with potential health benefits. It is primarily known for its diuretic properties, which means it may help increase urine production and promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Corn silk tea is often used to support urinary tract health and relieve symptoms of conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and bladder infections. Additionally, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially contributing to overall wellness.

How many calories are in corn silk tea?

There are less than 5 calories in a cup!

Why do Koreans drink corn silk tea?

Corn silk tea, known as “oksusu cha” in Korean, is consumed in Korea for various reasons, including both traditional beliefs and potential health benefits. Similar to Chinese medicine, this tea is used frequently in Korean traditional medicine.

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Hibiscus Moon Tea (Herbal Menstrual Cycle Tea)

If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a star rating and comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!