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Oats/Oatstraw

Avena sativa
Habitat: Moderate temperatures of hardy zone 2-type. Requires sun. Dry wastelands, cultivated ground, and meadows.Can be grown in heavier soils, prefers sandy or loamy soils. Requires good drainage, drought tolerant, can grow in a high acid soil. 1
Parts Used: Grain, straw, milky tops, seed2
Harvest-Bloom May-October 3

Actions for Oats/Oatstraw

Analgesic/ Anodyne, Anodyne, Anti-Depressant (thymoleptic), Anti-Pruritic (anti-itch), Anti-Spasmodic, Anti-pyretic, Anxiolytic (tranqulizer), Aphrodesiac, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Digestive Aid, Diuretic, Emollient, Febrifuge, Galactagogues, Hormone Regulator, Nerve Tonic, Nervine, Nervine Demulcent, Nutritive, Sexual Tonic

Body Systems for Oats/Oatstraw

Cardiovascular/Circulatory System, Digestive System, Endocrine System, Excretory System, Genitourinary System, Integumentary System (skin), Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System, Reproductive System

Products for Oats/Oatstraw

Full Wolf Moon Eclipse Tea Blend, Imbolc Tummy Tea, Plant Dieta Programs

General Information for Oats/Oatstraw

Anodyne45, Anti-depressant/thymoleptic678, Anti-Pruritic (anti-itch)9101112, Antispasmodic1314, Anxiolytic/tranquilizer15161718, Cardiotonic 1920, Carminative21, Demulcent22, Digestive23, Digestive Aid24, Diaphoretic25, Diuretic26, Emollient27282930, Febrifuge31, Galactogogue3233, Hormone Regulator343536,Nerve Tonic373839404142, Nervine434445464748, Nervine Demulcent49505152, Nutrative53545556, Sexual Tonic575859.

Added to formulas as a smooth flavored, calming and deeply nutritive base60. Gentle but deep nervous system tonic, helpful for restoring nervous system integrity and resilience.  Strongly indicated for chronic stress, anxiety and tension.  Good for acute instances as well as long term health and wholeness61. My preferred method of ingestion is 45 minute decoction (simmer) of loose oatstraw and milky tops.  Up to one cup per quart of water.  Nutrient and mineral dense. Though infusion is an effective nutrient dense tonic, it is most effective when boiled for 45 minutes 62.  Tincture is rarely used as nutritive components are not extracted in alcohol.  Could be used as a glycerite or vinegar.  Oats and oatcakes too!

Supplies the highest concentration of iron63, phosphorus64, zinc and manganese of all grains65.  Source of Vitamin A and E6667, Choline 68, Calcium6970, Magnesium71, Potassium7273, Silica74 and B and C vitamins7576 and protein77. Adding a pinch of horsetail can significantly increase mineral absorption7879.  Promotes good sleep80. Improves sports performance and stamina81. Good for stress and hyperactivity in children 82.  General sexual tonic for strengthening libido and endurance83 84. Good for difficult urination from “shy badder” caused by stress or anxiety85. Helps reset nervous and endocrine systems after sexual or physical trauma86. Promotes orgasm87 and lubrication 88.  Helps normalize hormones8990. Supports hypothyroid treatments91. Include in weekly infusions for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)92. Helps with bone loss and hormonal symptoms after ovarian removal surgeries93. Oatstraw also used in blends for urinary incontinence94 and vaginal dryness95. Helps with hormonal hair loss 96.  Strengthens bones, teeth, hair, nails and skin 9798. Improves testosterone production and blood flow in erectile dysfunction99. Safely aids development and descent of healthy testicles in boys100.  Improves fertility101 and sperm motility102. 

Helps stabilize blood sugar (both high and low) and lowers cholesterol, while supporting heart muscle and circulatory vessels by re-elasticizing and easing spasms and palpitations103. Strengthens capillaries, useful for varicose veins and hemorrhoids in general and during pregnancy104105.  Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Improves supply and quantity of breastmilk106107. Used for physical and nervous weakness, depression and anxiety108. Good for nervousness induced bedwetting, colic, allergies and ADHD in children109 Has been used in drug and alcohol addiction in combination with scullcap and valerian to reduce withdrawal symptoms, and with wood betony and valerian for nerve weakness, tremors and convulsive disorders110.  Introduce for three months before attempting to wean off of anti-depressants111.  Well suited in protocols for chronic illnesses like AIDS Crohn’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus112.

In bath, decoct (simmer) 2-3 handfuls of straw/tops in 2-3L water, strain and add to bath113.  Great for calming and soothing rashes and skin irritations114. Can work surprisingly well for intensely itching hives115.   Can be used in bath with breast massage do get blocked breastmilk flowing in engorgement or mastitis116.  Used in bath to normalize vulvar and pelvic floor area pains, a handful of oatmeal in one gallon (4L) of water for 30 minutes strained into a hip level bath.117.  Soaks can help soothe pain and any internal or external distress of the abdomino-pelvic region118.   Oat poultices can also be used for skin irritations119.

Native American tribes used wild and cultivated species’ seeds mostly for food (porridge, soup, flour), straw used for horse, goat ad sheep fodder120. Husks can be used to stuff bedding121.

Feminine plant spirit.  Earth element (money, prosperity, fertility, healing,employment).  Venus planetary influence (love, friendship, fidelity, beauty, youth). Used in prosperity and money magic.122

Contraindications

Can cause sensitivity in gluten intolerant (celiac) persons.  Some are also intolerant to avenin123.

“No contraindications, side effects, drug interactions, or pregnancy related safety issues have been identified. Generally considered safe when used appropriately124.”125

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