Oat Seed (Avena sativa semen) – Dried Herb, Organic

Oat also called the Common Oat is a grass with erect stems, long blade-like leaves, flowers that consist of spikelets. Each floret contains 3 stamens and a feathery stigma (the part of a pistil that receives the pollen during pollination).

The whole plant is referred to as Oat Straw and at the immature stage the Seed exudes a white milky substance–referred to as “Milky Oats”–and is harvested for its nutritive value. The seed is primarily grown for their edible starchy grains and has been cultivated for thousands of years as a food source for humans and livestock.

Avena sativa is from the grass family Poaceae which includes Lemongrass, Couchgrass Wheat Barley and Rice. Oat Seed is native to Europe, Asia and northwest Africa and have been cultivated since ancient Roman times as feed for horses. Oat was naturalized in North America in the early 1800s as ballast on ships from Europe and as an ornamental plant that demonstrated medicinal qualities. Oats are widely cultivated in the temperate regions of the world and grow well in poor soil. Its flowers are pollinated by bees, and bees have used the pollen to make honey. The biggest Oat producing countries are Russia, Canada, United States, Australia, around the Baltic Sea, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Germany.

In the 19th century, Eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood, described Avena as a “remedy of great utility in loss of nerve power and in muscular feebleness from lack of nerve force.”  H.W. Felter, another well known Eclectic, had said that its chief value in medicine “is to energize in nervous exhaustion with or without spasms”. In folk medicine, Avena was used by herbalists to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia and “weakness of the nerves”. A tea made from Oat Seed or Straw was thought by herbalists to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. The milky Oats are generally believed to work more quickly in an acute situation and the Oat Straw offers support over time for chronic conditions. Avena sativa is a trophorestorative herb that nourishes the body, restoring normal function and vitality overtime.

Oat Seed baths are a folk remedy due to their moisturizing, soothing and inflammation relieving abilities on the skin from conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Regular consumption of an infusion of dried Oat Straw or dried milky Oat Seed is an excellent way to get nutrients, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, silica, Vitamin E and B vitamins.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Avena sativa are sweet, neutral, nutritive, cool and slightly moistening. Avena sativa has an affinity to the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, digestive system and skin. For the endocrine system combine Avena sativa with Ashwagandha, Holy Basil or Borage. For the nervous system combine with Rose, Linden, Lemon Verbena, Skullcaps or Passion Flower. For a nutritive tea combine with Alfalfa, Nettle Leaf or Dandelion Leaf.

How to use:

Add one big handful of dried Oat Seeds (½-¾ cup) to a glass quart jar. Pour boiled water over the herb and cover. Let steep overnight to extract as much of the medicinal and nutritive qualities as possible. Drink 1/2 cup daily for optimal benefits. This tea can be reheated or taken cold.

Pour infusion in a tepid bath as a mental and physical restorative, or as a foot soak for tired feet.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.