Corn silk serves as a cushion between an ear of corn and its outer husk. While most people discard corn silk when preparing corn-on-the-cob, the silky string was considered a valuable raw material to Native Americans, as well as to the indigenous peoples of Central and South America. Traditionally, corn silk is prepared as a tea, but it can also be used topically to address minor skin irritations.

Corn silk has a subtle, pleasant taste that blends well with other mild-tasting herbs. Infuse in hot water to make skin washes and poultices. Use alone or in combination with other herbs in tea. Corn silk may also be encapsulated as a dietary supplement.

Aside from a refreshing, mild flavor, corn silk offers a healthy dose of potassium and vitamins C and K. The herb is also a good source of dietary polyphenols, plant-based compounds with antioxidant activity.

And while you're probably aware of all the things you can cook and make with corn, you may not know that even the silk around the corn has value.

The major nutrient in cornsilk is potassium. It is this potassium that is responsible for all of the benefits that come from this part of the corn plant. It is believed to act as a powerful diuretic and that probably accounts for the help that cornsilk can provide for the urinary system.

If you're having problems with urinary tract infections, it's been found that the potassium in cornsilk can help with the pain you're feeling and restore you back to health. One of the ways it does this is by soothing the inflamed tissues that are causing the problem.

When you have a urinary tract infection, you often feel like you need to urinate frequently, but the actual process of urinating is difficult. Cornsilk may help to relieve your difficulty and it decrease the frequency that you need to go to the bathroom.

If you're suffering from kidney stones, you may also find this herb helpful. Cornsilk may help to relieve the pain and symptoms associated with them.

Cornsilk may also improve your blood pressure, thin your blood, and it may even support your liver to function better when it comes to producing bile.

You can use cornsilk in the form of a decoction, tincture, or you can take cornsilk capsules to bring relief.

The next time you're preparing an ear of corn for dinner, you'll think twice before you throw away all of that healthful cornsilk. But in the meantime, you may want to order some for your pantry today.