The Golden Crop With Healing Powers: Corn Supports Eye, Kidney, and Heart Health

Corn has many nutritional benefits and can be used in remedies for common health conditions.

Corn provides a wide range of health benefits, including supporting eye and kidney function and helping to manage high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. VITALII BORKOVSKYI/Shutterstock

Corn is far more than a barbecue staple or a movie-night snack. Revered as the “golden crop,” this humble grain feeds the world while offering a surprising array of healing benefits—from relieving dry eye and supporting kidney function to regulating blood pressure and even contributing to biodegradable medical implants. Modern science and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alike are uncovering the many ways corn can nourish the body and support long-term health.

Relieving Dry Eye

Corn comes in yellow and white varieties, with yellow corn particularly rich in beta-carotene—a precursor to vitamin A.

A 2011 study indicated that eating 300 grams of yellow maize daily and a small amount of fat provides approximately 1.2 milligrams of beta-carotene. This amounts to 40 percent to 50 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for adults, making it an excellent source for vegetarians.

Research has shown that a long-term deficiency in vitamin A increases the risk of developing xerophthalmia, or dry eye syndrome.

In cases of vitamin A deficiency, the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye may first become dry, then become inflamed, and eventually ulcerate and produce pus. In severe instances, this can lead to night blindness.

Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues—the protective layers that line many organs and structures in the body. Epithelial tissue is present throughout the body, including in the conjunctiva and cornea, nasal passages, oral cavity, pharynx, digestive tract, respiratory tract, bile ducts, bladder, urethra, vas deferens, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

When vitamin A is insufficient, epithelial surfaces may undergo keratinization, during which tissue becomes dry, thickened, and prone to damage. The eye membranes, composed of epithelial tissue, are particularly susceptible to dryness when vitamin A is deficient, which can lead to dry eye syndrome.

Similarly, degeneration of the epithelial lining in the respiratory tract may increase susceptibility to infections such as colds and coughs. Keratinization of epithelial tissues in the kidneys, bladder, and urethra may raise the risk of kidney and bladder stones, while epithelial changes in the bile ducts may contribute to gallstone formation—although more research is needed to fully understand these associations.

Supporting Kidney Function

Severe vitamin A deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. In traditional medicine, the roots and silk of the corn plant have been used in herbal decoctions to support kidney function and help flush out stones.

A 2023 study found that corn silk—the fine, thread-like fibers beneath the corn husk—may help manage kidney stones.

In TCM, corn silk and corn root have long been used, often in combination with other herbs, to address conditions such as kidney stones and gallstones.

Of all parts of the corn plant, corn silk is the most commonly used in traditional remedies. In TCM, corn silk is classified as having a sweet flavor and a neutral to slightly warm nature. It is often used to promote urination (diuresis), stop bleeding, support bile secretion, and help reduce blood pressure.

Corn silk has been used traditionally and, in some cases, clinically to address conditions such as nephritis-related edema, hypertension, diabetes, cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), and hepatitis (liver inflammation).

Studies have shown that corn silk is rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants. Animal research suggests that it may help protect against kidney damage and enhance insulin secretion, offering potential benefits for blood sugar regulation.

Managing Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol

A 2016 clinical trial showed that eating corn oil may help lower blood cholesterol levels—particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is closely linked to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup).

Because of its cholesterol-lowering properties, corn oil is considered a heart-healthy fat option for people with atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver, or obesity and for older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Supporting Biodegradable Implant Use

Corn has an innovative application in biomedical science: the production of biodegradable implants. By fermenting corn starch with lactic acid bacteria, a high-molecular-weight polymer called polylactic acid (PLA)—often referred to as “corn plastic”—can be synthesized.

PLA is used to manufacture a variety of temporary medical devices, including bone screws, fixation plates, pins, and surgical sutures. These implants provide structural support during the healing process and are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove them.

Traditional Remedies for Managing Various Conditions

Hepatitis, Cholecystitis, Gallstones

Ingredients

• 30 grams (g) corn silk
• 30 g Artemisia capillaris (yin chen)
• 20 g dandelion

Preparation

1. Rinse all herbs thoroughly and place them in a ceramic or earthenware pot.
2. Add about 40 fluid ounces of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Continue simmering until the liquid reduces to about 16 fluid ounces.
4. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

If gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea occurs after taking the decoction, it may be because of the formula’s cold nature. In TCM, herbs are classified based on their energetic qualities—cold, hot, warm, or cool.

Cold-natured herbs are used to clear internal heat and inflammation, but for people sensitive to cold, excessive intake may cause discomfort. In such cases, reducing the dosage is recommended.

Diabetes

Ingredients

• 30 g corn silk

Preparation:

1. Combine the corn silk with about 32 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces by about half.
3. Divide into two servings and drink both within the same day.

Note: Take daily for 10 consecutive days for noticeable effects. It may also be used over a longer period if needed.

Chronic Nephritis, Edema, Difficulty Urinating

Ingredients

• 30 g corn kernels
• 15 g corn silk

Preparation

1. Combine the ingredients with about 40 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces to about 16 fluid ounces.
3. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Ingredients

• 60 g corn silk
• Rock sugar, to taste

Preparation:

1. Combine corn silk with about 32 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
3. Add rock sugar to taste.
4. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)

Ingredients:

• 30 g corn silk
• 30 g shepherd’s purse flowers (ji cai hua)
• 30 g Imperata root (bai mao gen)

Preparation:

1. Combine ingredients with about 40 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces to about 16 fluid ounces.
3. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

Night Sweats

Ingredients

• Corn stalk pith (the soft white inner portion), amount as needed

Preparation:

1. Combine corn stalk pith with about 32 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
3. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

Gonorrhea-Related Urinary Symptoms

Symptoms include frequent urination, low output, and burning pain in the lower abdomen and urethra.

Ingredients:

• 90 g corn pith or root

Preparation:

1. Rinse thoroughly. Combine with about 32 fluid ounces of water.
2. Simmer until the liquid reduces to about half.
3. Divide into two servings. Drink one in the morning and one in the evening.

Precautions for Corn Intake

Limit Corn Intake in Cases of Weak Digestion

People with poor digestive function should avoid consuming large amounts of corn, as its fibrous nature makes it difficult to digest and it may aggravate gastrointestinal discomfort.

Avoid Relying on Corn as a Sole Long-Term Staple

Corn contains niacin (vitamin B3) in a bound form that is not easily absorbed by the body through standard cooking methods.

When corn is eaten as a primary food source over time without proper processing, it can lead to pellagra—a deficiency disease marked by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Cooking corn with a small amount of baking soda can help release the niacin, improving its bioavailability and reducing this risk.

Do Not Eat Spoiled or Moldy Corn

Corn that has become damp, moldy, or otherwise spoiled may produce aflatoxins, a type of mycotoxin known to be carcinogenic.

Avoid Popcorn if Prone to Internal Heat

Popcorn may not be suitable for certain people, including those with diabetes, perimenopausal syndrome, or dryness syndromes associated with “yin deficiency leading to fire hyperactivity,” which refers to a pathological state in which body fluids are depleted, often presenting with symptoms such as warm palms and soles, hot flashes, night sweats, dry mouth, and a red or dry tongue.

Eating popcorn regularly may worsen the symptoms in people with this constitution, as it generates internal heat when cooked at high temperatures.

A Healing Grain Rooted in Tradition and Science

Whether you’re enjoying a fresh cob, sipping corn silk tea, or benefiting from corn-based medical innovations, this versatile grain is a powerful example of how food can serve as medicine. With roots in ancient herbal wisdom and the backing of modern science, corn supports eye, kidney, metabolic, and even surgical health. As with all remedies, moderation and personalization are key. Consult with a qualified practitioner before using herbal corn remedies, and enjoy this golden grain as part of a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle.

Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food and Asian grocery stores. Treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.