Oatstraw
Avena sativa

Not to be confused with the rolled grain of our popular breakfast oatmeal, oatstraw is made from the young stalks and slightly unripe grain.

Mark Pedersen in his book, Nutritional Herbology, states that this herb is mineral and vitamin rich especially in magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and iron. This high mineral content makes it of benefit for those suffering from mineral deficiency or avitaminosis.

Oat straw has traditionally been used for nervous conditions. I especially find it helpful to drink this herb in a combination with other nutritive herbs in a daily tea. It calms and soothes me and I find if I don't take this herb on a particular day, I don't sleep very well that night. Oat straw tea nourishes the nervous system and is said to relieve hysteria and nervous exhaustion.

In Europe, Avena sativa extracts and tinctures are used as a nervous system restorative, to assist convalescence, and to strengthen a weakened constitution. Some alternative medicine practitioners have even used this herb to help multiple sclerosis patients, although there isn't much documentation to support this. Viral diseases such as shingles, herpes zoster and herpes simplex are also treated with this herb.

Some female conditions have benefited from oat straw according to folk medicine. The German Commission E Monographs do not confirm these findings but it is touted as a balancer for menstrual cycles. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to menstrual disorders so this may contribute to its folk use. According to folk medicine, pregnant women have benefited from drinking Avena sativa as it is very relaxing and serves as a safe remedy for yeast infections during pregnancy.

Magnesium deficiencies also contribute to poor calcium absorption. Being high in calcium and magnesium, this herb may prevent osteoporosis and has been used as such in folk medicine.

Oat straw is used for skin conditions and is recommended by the German Commission E for this use. A poultice can be made of oatstraw and applied directly to the skin or a tea bag of oat straw or even oatmeal can be used in the bath tub. Those who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or rashes, especially if itchy, have benefited from oatstraw's anti-inflammatory, soothing properties.

With its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, nervine, nutritive properties, this herb will remain an important part of my medicine chest. This is my go-to herb with tea cup in hand!