Cogon Grass and Corn Silk Tea

Why people make this tea

When the body accumulates excess heat — from rich food, stress, or simply the summer season — many people reach for cooling, diuretic teas to restore balance. Fresh cogon grass root (mao gen) is one of the most widely trusted cooling herbs in Chinese food medicine: it is traditionally associated with cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, supporting healthy urination, and working against viral infections — including liver conditions. Corn silk (su mi xu, the silky threads attached to fresh corn cobs) is used across many culinary wellness traditions worldwide and is particularly associated in Chinese food therapy with benefiting the liver and gallbladder, clearing jaundice, and supporting kidney health. Together, these two simple ingredients make a tea that is clean, mild, and suitable for regular use by the whole family during warmer months or whenever the body feels overheated.

Method

1. Wash the cogon grass root and cut into sections.
2. Wash the fresh corn silk.
3. Combine both ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
5. Strain and drink warm or at room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is light and refreshing — regular use is associated with helping the body clear accumulated toxins. It is beneficial for people managing high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder inflammation, or mild swelling. However, because it is cooling in nature, those with a cold digestive constitution should not drink it too often.