Avena sativa, Oats

French = avoine, German =Hafer (Haferflocken)

Common names

Groats, oatmeal, common oat

Medicinal uses

Nervine tonic, anti-depressant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary (please see Glossary).

Benefits

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

One of the best remedies for feeding the nervous system, especially when under stress. Oats are 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 oats is really beneficial as a remedy for skin conditions, especially in external applications.

Prescribing

Tea: Pour a cup of boiling water to 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried oat straw and leave to infuse 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day In a Bath: a soothing bath for use in neuralgia and irritated skin conditions can be made:1 handful of shredded oat straw is boiled in 2 quarters of water for half an hour. The liquid is strained and added to the bath, or cooked rolled oats may be put into a muslin bag and used to bath with.

Warnings

Large quantities may cause headaches at the back of the head

If you are suffering from gluten sensitivity (celiac disease), use oats with caution.

special thanks to www.purplesage.org.uk