Oats - Avena sativa

We hear a lot of information about oats from ads on TV, the internet, and in magazines.  We see adds for oatmeal, oats in soaps and lotions, and oats in products to relieve itching.  There's a good reason for what we're hearing -- oats really can do a lot for us.

Oats are highly nutritious with properties that help strengthen our nails, teeth, bones, and hair.  They can lower cholesterol, which is good for the heart.   They are especially restorative for those who are experiencing physical and mental exhaustion due to illness, drug withdrawal, and/or long-term, high stress situations.  They can relax the nerves and restore energy.

Oats are demulcent, so they soothe dry, irritated skin and mucous membranes.  Rashes and hot, dry skin conditions generally respond well to topical products containing oats because of their moistening and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Milky oats, oatstraw, and oatmeal are forms of oats we use. 

Milky oats are the oat seeds before they are ready to harvest.  There is a short period of time when the 'milk' can be squeezed out of the seed.  Herbalists often make milky oat tinctures to preserve the therapeutic properties of the 'milk'.  The tincture is known to be fast-acting.

Ripe oat grains are harvested to make oatmeal.  This is likely to be the best known form of oats, and makes a great breakfast, nourishing meal during illness or after surgery, and delicious, healthy cookies (or other dessert).

Oatstraw includes the aerial part of the plant -- stalk and seeds.  These can be harvested at any time and then dried.  Oatstraw is best used as a decoction (or tea).  [Simmer 1 ounce of oatstraw in 4 cups of water for 20 (or more) minutes.]  

Some traditional herbal remedies:

*  Add milky oats tincture to oatstraw decoction to help strengthen/heal bones.
*  Use milky oats tincture for MS as it may reduce the symptoms and fatigue, nourish the muscles, and help with nerve function.