Medicinal Plants : Avena sativa

Name

Oats

Biological Name

Avena sativa
Gramineae

Other Names

Oats, wild oats

Parts Used

Roots and Leaves

Description

The common oat used in herbal supplements and foods is derived from wild species that have since been cultivated. For herbal supplements, the green or rapidly dried aerial parts of the plant are harvested just before reaching full flower. Oats are now grown worldwide.

Active Compounds

Proteins; prolamines known as avenins

C-glycosyl flavones

Avenacosides, which are spirostanol glycosides

Fixed oil, Vitamin E, starch.

History

In folk medicine, oats were used to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” A tea made from oats was thought to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. A tincture of the green tops of oats was also used to help with withdrawal from tobacco addiction. Oats were often used in baths to treat insomnia and anxiety as well as a variety of skin conditions, including burns and eczema.

Remedies For

Nervine tonic, anti-depressant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary.

Useful for:

• anxiety
• eczema
• high cholesterol
• high triglycerides
• insomnia
• nicotine withdrawal

One of the best remedies for feeding the nervous system, especially when under stress. Oats is considered a specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression. May be used with most of the other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the whole of the nervous system. Also used in general debility. The high levels of silicic acid in the straw is taken advantage of in its use as a remedy for skin conditions, especially in external applications.

Combinations : For depression it may be used with Skullcap and Mugwort.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water to 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried straw and leave to infuse 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.

Tincture: take 3-5ml three times a day.

Bath: a soothing bath for use in neuralgia and irritated skin conditions can be made: 1 pound of shredded straw is boiled in 2 quarts of water for half an hour. The liquid is strained and added to the bath, or the cooked rolled oats may be put into a muslin bag and used to bath with.

Safety

Oats are not associated with any adverse effects. If you are suffering from gluten sensitivity (celiac disease), use oats with caution.

No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.