About.....Oat Straw

  Oat (Avena sativa), also known as Oat Straw, is an annual grass which is widely cultivated for its edible grain. A fibrous root produces a hollow, jointed stem from 2 to 4 feet high with more or less rough, pale green, narrow, flat leaves. The flowers are arranged in a loose terminal panicle from 6 to 12 inches long which consists of (usually) two-flowered spikelets from 3/4 to 1 inch long. The hairy, grooved grain is narrow, with almost parallel sides. The parts of this herb typically used include the seeds and the stem. The common name Oat also includes the species Avena fatua, which is used interchangeably with Avena sativa. The genus name, Avena, is derived from Latin and means 'nourishing'.  Sativa  means 'cultivated' and the fatua variety is 'wild'.

The primary properties of Oat are considered to be antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, cerebral tonic, diaphoretic, endocrine tonic, nervine, nerve tonic, nutritive, rejuvenative, and uterine tonic. Oat is typically available as a tea, tincture, or capsule. The primary constituents include saponins, flavonoids, starch, alkaloids (trigonelline, avenine), steroids, calcium, iron, B vitamins, lysine, and methionine.

Oat has been used historically as an antispasmodic, nervine, and stimulant. Oats are used primarily for their nutritional value; they are of particular benefit in special diets for convalescents or for those with certain illnesses, including gastronenteritis and dyspepsia. Oat extract and tincture are useful as nerve and uterine tonics. A tea made from oat straw has been recommended in the past for chest problems. In Europe, oat straw is used for various baths, which, when taken regularly, are helpful support for a number of ailments:

• Full Bath: Good for rheumatic problems, lumbago, paralysis, liver ailments and gout, kidney, and gravel problems. Bath herb (Oatstraw or Oatmeal) to soften skin and to help eczema and neuralgia.

• Sitzbath: Good for bladder and abdominal problems, intestinal, colic, and bedwetting.

• Footbath: Good for tired or chronically cold feet.

• Local Wash: Good for skin diseases, flaky skin, frostbite, chilblains, wounds, and eye problems.

Oat was used historically in India to help opium, morphine and cigarette addicts kick their habits. Highly nutritive and supportive of the nervous system, Oatstraw helps build healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.  It helps relieve exhaustion, depression, spasms, lumbago and paralysis.  Oatstraw is not a bona fide aphrodisiac, but it does nourish the nerves, making tactile sensations more pleasurable.

Historical culinary uses for Oat include the consumption of oat grain from the ripened seed which is high in protein and helps to increase stamina.  Oat bran (fiber) eaten as food has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Consumption of Oat is generally regarded as safe.

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Last modified: December 12, 2006