July 2, 2002

OAT

Latin Name: Avena sativa

Alternate Names: Yen-mai (Chinese)

Family: POACEAE

Parts Used: Seeds, stems.

Properties: Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Cerebral Tonic, Diaphoretic, Endocrine Tonic, Nervine, Nerve Tonic, Nutritive, Rejuvenative, Uterine Tonic.

Internal Uses: Anxiety, Attention Deficit, Bone Cancer, Colds, Convalescence, Convulsions, Crohn's Disease, Debility, Depression, Drug Addiction, Dyspepsia, Estrogen Deficiency, Exhaustion, Fractures, Gout, Hemorrhoids, Insomnia, Lupus, Menopause, Paralysis, Post-traumatic Stress, Rheumatism, Rickets, Schizophrenia, Shingles, Stress, Varicose Veins

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is used 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.

Topical Uses: Eczema, Neuralgia, Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Bath herb (Oatstraw or Oatmeal) to soften skin and to help eczema and neuralgia. Husks have been used to stuff pillows and bedding. This is said to have a sedative effect and help those with rheumatism.

Culinary uses: The oat grain from the ripened seed is high in protein and helps to increase stamina. Oat bran (fiber) eaten as food has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

Energetics: Sweet, Cool, Moist.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins, flavonoids, starch, alkaloids (trigonelline, avenine), steroids, calcium, iron, B vitamins, lysine, methionine.

Contraindications: Generally regarded as safe.

Comments: The genus name, Avena is derived from Latin and means 'nourishing'. Sativa means 'cultivated' and the fatua variety is wild. Growing Oatstraw helps prevent soil erosion.

Flower Essence is helpful for one needing to find his/her life's direction or one who has much uncertainty and dissatisfaction.

The common name Oat also includes the species Avena fatua, which is used interchangeably with Avena sativa.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), July 02, 2002

Answers

Thanks, Phil! :o)

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), July 03, 2002.

You're welcome, Bren! Happy to be of service :-)! Any other requests, anyone???

-- Phil in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), July 03, 2002.