Fresh Cogongrass Root and Corn Silk Tea

Why people make this tea

Corn silk — the fine threads bundled inside a fresh ear of corn — is one of those ingredients Nourilo loves: inexpensive, easy to find, and genuinely multi-purpose. Alone, corn silk tea is traditionally associated with supporting urinary health (reducing burning, frequency and discomfort), easing water retention, supporting healthy blood sugar and blood pressure, and even aiding weight management. Paired with fresh cogongrass root (a cooling, blood-calming herb used throughout southern Chinese cooking), the combination becomes more potent in its traditional role of clearing heat-dampness and supporting kidney-urinary function. The brew is naturally clean and slightly sweet — you will not taste any bitterness. It makes a sensible daily drink for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular concerns or urinary discomfort, and is popular as a general summer wellness tea.

Method

1. Wash the cogongrass root thoroughly and cut into sections.
2. Rinse the corn silk to remove any debris.
3. Combine both ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to 600–900 ml.
5. Drink warm, divided across the day. Drink 3–5 consecutive servings for best effect.

Nourilo’s Tips

• This brew is naturally sweet and clean — no sugar needed. It is not bitter in the least.
• The tea is suitable for all ages. Young children (3 and above) can drink it. Pregnant women can also drink it.
• Do not drink this cold from the fridge — it is a warming-natured food-therapy drink that works best at room temperature or warm.
• Corn silk can also be used to cook corn silk congee (with small millet / xiao mi) — an especially useful preparation for people managing blood sugar.
• Fresh cogongrass root is available at Chinese or Asian grocers; if unavailable, dried versions from Chinese herb shops also work.