Oatstraw Aerial

The entire plant is rich in minerals and trace nutrients such as silica, magnesium, phosphorus, chromium, iron, calcium, alkaloids, protein, the vitamin B complex, and vitamins A and C (Holmes, 1997 and Berger, 1998). Regular consumption of an infusion of dried oatstraw and dried milky oats is an excellent way to incorporate vitamins and bioavailable minerals into your diet. The calcium and magnesium in oatstraw help build strong bones.

Along with vitamin B, calcium and magnesium also help soothe and strengthen nerves. Oats are considered one of the best remedies for “feeding” the nervous system, particularly in times of stress and in the case of nervous system weakness or exhaustion associated with depression (Hoffman, 2003), overwork, or emotional trauma (Rose, 2010). Symptoms may include irritability, chronic fatigue, inability to focus, loss of libido and heart palpitations (Rose, 2010). Oatstraw infusion helps mellow the mood, ease anxiety, combat the effects of daily stress, and resolve sleeplessness.

Oats Benefits: Getting To Know Avena Sativa

As the phrase “sowing your wild oats” hints, oats are also a love potion, supporting sexual health and increasing libido by nourishing the endocrine system and regulating hormones (Edwards, 2000), moistening glands, and restoring nerve health (Berger, 1998). Love potions also support heart health, and oats’ ability to lower cholesterol is well known.

By strengthening and soothing nerves, balancing endocrine function, and nourishing the immune system, oatstraw fosters physical, mental, and emotional strength and resilience (Berger, 1998). As the tall oat plant which sways and dances gracefully with the changing winds yet remains firmly rooted and grounded in the Earth, so too will those who take oat’s medicine.

The rich and hydrating milky nature of oats is welcome relief for soothing itchy skin conditions such as poison ivy, chicken pox, or other stress-related skin conditions. Tie a muslin bag (or a clean sock) full of oats in the running stream of bathwater to add milky emollients to the water, and then squeeze the oat milk from the bag directly onto your skin, rubbing gently. And speaking of baths, adding ½ gallon of oatstraw infusion to bathwater is a lovely way to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh.

Oats Benefits: Getting To Know Avena Sativa

As a tincture, milky oats are indicated for the same nervous system conditions as oatstraw (exhaustion, depression, insomnia, anxiety, sexual debility), but in more acute cases when the symptoms are more severe, or in cases of drug and alcohol withdrawal (Bennett, 2014). In this case, milky oats tincture can be taken along with daily oatstraw infusions.