Focus
on Herbs:
The benefits of oats
by Lynne Latella
People know that oatmeal
is a common cereal grain found in
granola, breads, fillers and such. What they may not know is the
benefits of
oat straw and milky oat seed — not as a culinary staple, but as a
substance
that contains healing and soothing properties for many health issues.
Oat straw, or avena sativa,
long ago was used as fodder and bedding for animals. But animals were
not the
only beings to benefit from it. History shows that it was consumed in
prehistoric times and also used to prevent soil erosion. In folk
medicine, oats
were used to treat insomnia, exhaustion, rheumatism and water
retention.
Eastern Indian health practitioners prescribed it for drug
detoxification and
to help eliminate the drug habit. The green tops were thought to
support
withdrawal from tobacco, although this is not conclusive.
Rich in body-building
nutrients, oat straw is an excellent
remedy to feed the central nervous system and boost immunity. It has
antiseptic
and anti-depression properties, and is useful in cases of anxiety,
nervous
exhaustion and panic. Besides assisting with emotional issues, it has
been
found to be helpful for osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, weak heart,
urinary
tract problems, digestion and hyperactivity in children. It may be used
as a
mild sexual enhancement and as a treatment for impotence.
In regard to skin
conditions, oat straw has been used
successfully to treat shingles, herpes simplex and zoster, itching and
rough
skin. The high level of silicic acid contained in the substance is
beneficial
to soften skin and alleviate a number of skin conditions.
Milky oat seed, which
contains more calcium than oat straw, is
more potent and calming than the latter. It can also be used as a heart
and
nerve tonic, anti-depressant and sexual enhancer (just like oat straw),
but
with greater success. It has been reported to increase tactile
sensations and
can assist with convalescence from a disease.
The Co-op offers oat
straw and milky oat seed in tinctures,
homeopathic remedies, tonics, women’s tea blend and as organic bulk
herbs.
Calming Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling
water over 2 teaspoons of oat straw and
steep for 5 minutes. Strain and flavor as desired.
Back to index
|
CoopScoop Home
CoopScoop Archives
Behind the Scoop
Guidelines for Article
Submission
|
