Have leftover corn husks from a recipe and wondering what to do with them? Try corn husk tea—a traditional, caffeine-free brew rooted in Southwest heritage. Often overlooked, this mild and comforting herbal drink has been used for generations in folk medicine and Indigenous cooking.
At Loma Vista Products, we believe in using every part of heritage ingredients to support sustainability and tradition. Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the culinary heritage of the Southwest one authentic ingredient at a time. Corn husk uses don’t have to stop at just tamales!
In this post, we’ll explore what corn husk tea is, its health benefits, and how to brew a cup at home. From historical roots to flavor tips, here’s everything you need to know.
What is corn husk tea?
Corn husk tea is a warm, caffeine-free herbal drink made by boiling dried corn husks in water, the very same outer leaves you peel off when prepping fresh corn or for when you’re making traditional tamales.
It has a mild, earthy flavor that’s subtly sweet like warm cornmeal with a hint of grassiness. It’s gentle on the palate and soothing. Compared to other teas, it’s closest to barley tea and corn silk tea.
While corn silk tea (made from the thread-like strands inside the husk) gets more mainstream attention, corn husk tea has its own unique legacy and benefits.
Let’s briefly explore the difference between these two corn teas to clear things up.
Corn Husk Tea vs. Corn Silk Tea
While they come from the same plant, corn husk tea and corn silk tea are made from different parts and used for slightly different purposes. Below are some of these differences.
Corn Husk Tea
- Made from the outer green or dried corn leaves of the cob
- Mild, earthy flavor with grassy undertones
- Traditionally used for digestion, hydration, and warmth
- More sustainable use of leftover cooking materials
Corn Silk Tea
- Made from the fine, silky threads found beneath the husks
- Slightly sweeter and more delicate in taste
- Often used as a diuretic or to support urinary health
- More commonly sold as an herbal supplement
Both these maize teas can be part of a natural wellness routine, but tea brewed with dried husks aren’t as well known a remedy compared to other herbal teas.
So why drink it? Let’s look at the health benefits this earthy brew has to offer.
What are the health benefits of corn husk tea?
This tea isn’t just a creative way to reduce kitchen waste, it’s a traditional remedy with generations of wellness use behind it.
In Indigenous and Mexican folk medicine, it’s been sipped to soothe the body, support digestion, and gently promote detoxification.
While modern research on this tea is limited, its long-standing use in natural healing traditions suggests a variety of corn leaf benefits tied to its plant-based compounds.
Let’s take a look at the top corn husk tea benefits:
Supports Digestion
This tea has been used in traditional wellness practices to soothe the stomach and encourage healthy digestion.
The natural plant fibers may help stimulate the digestive tract gently, potentially easing bloating and promoting regular bowel movements.
For those who prefer natural, food-based support over supplements, this drink offers a simple, whole-ingredient approach to gut health.
Mild Diuretic Properties
Folk medicine and wellness anecdotes often point to this tea as a mild diuretic—meaning it can help the body release excess fluids.
This natural effect may support kidney function and reduce water retention without the intensity of pharmaceutical diuretics. It’s a calming, low-impact option that many have turned to for gentle daily detox or bloat relief.
Detox & Cleanse
Because this tea contains no additives and is made from a single, plant-based ingredient, it’s often used during seasonal or self-guided detox routines.
It can be a great addition to a clean-eating or diet reset, especially when paired with other hydrating foods.
While it doesn’t “detox” in the medical sense, it does offer a clean, comforting way to support your body’s natural cleansing systems.
Caffeine-Free Hydration
Because it’s naturally free from caffeine, this tea can be enjoyed anytime, helping you stay hydrated and grounded throughout the day.
These benefits are based on folk wisdom and traditional uses rather than clinical studies, so it’s best to approach this tea as a gentle, nourishing beverage and not a substitute for medical care.
Beyond tea, corn husk medicinal uses have been part of traditional wellness across various cultures. They’ve been dried and used in poultices, steam treatments, or even as wraps for healing herbs.
While modern research is limited, these time-honored corn peel uses reflect a broader philosophy: using every part of the plant not only reduces waste, but honors its full potential.
Curious to try it for yourself? Here’s how to make corn husk tea at home.
How do you make corn husk tea?
Brewing this tea at home is simple and sustainable. All you need are dried husks, water, and a few optional flavor enhancers if you’d like to customize your cup.
Ingredients
- 2–3 clean, dried corn husks (untreated and pesticide-free)
- 4 cups of water
- Optional: cinnamon stick, star anise, lemon peel, honey, or agave
Instructions
- Rinse the husks to remove any dirt or debris, especially if they’re from fresh corn
- Bring water to a boil in a medium pot
- Add the husks and reduce to a simmer
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the water turns a soft golden color
- Remove from heat and steep for another 5 minutes if desired
- Strain and serve. Add natural sweeteners or spices to taste
This tea can be enjoyed hot or iced and stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Whether you’re drawn to this tea for its flavor, sustainability, or folk medicine roots, this humble herbal brew has something unique to offer.
Let’s wrap things up with a few final thoughts.
Is Corn Husk Tea Worth Trying? A Simple Tradition
At Loma Vista Products, we believe that traditional ingredients carry more than flavor. They carry stories, memories, and generations of resourceful cooking.
Wondering what to do with leftover corn husks from cooking your tamales? Try this simple caffeine-free ritual that supports hydration, digestion, and low-waste living. Corn husk tea is easy to make and gentle on the system—exactly the kind of herbal remedy worth keeping in your rotation.
Order our premium dried corn husks for sale and make a hot mug of corn husk tea to enjoy today!