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HERB ALLEY
Oats and Oatstraw
(Avena sativa)
COMMON NAMES: Oats.
MEDICINAL PART: Grain,
straw.
DESCRIPTION: Oat is an
annual grass which is widely cultivated for its edible grain. A fibrous
root produces a hollow, fointed stem from 2 to 4 feet high with more or
less rough, pale green, narrow, flot leaves. The flowers are arranged
in a loose terminal panicle from 6 to 12 inches long which consists of
(usually) two-flowered spikelets from 3/4 to 1 inch long. The
hairy grooved grain is narrow, with almost parallel sides.
PROPERTIES AND USES:
Antispasmodic, nervine, stimulant. Oats are used primarily for their
nutritional value; they are of particular benefit in special diets for
convalescents or for those with certain illnesses, including gastroenteritis
and dyspepsia. Oat eztract and tincture are useful as nerve and uterine
tonics. A tea made from oad straw has been recommended fo rchst problems.
In Europe, oat straw is used for various bathe, which when taken regulartly,
are helpful for a number of ailments:
Full bath: Good for rheumatic
problems. lumbago, paralysis, liver ailments, and gout, kidney, and gravel
problems.
Sitzbath: Good for bladder
and abdominal problems, intestinal colic, and bedwetting.
Footbath: Good for tired
or chronically cold feet.
Local Wash: Good for
skin diseases, flaky skin, frostbite, chilblains, wounds, and eye problems.
PREPERATION AND DOSAGE:
Decoction: Boil small
pieces of oat straw in water for 1 hour. Strain and add a little
honey.
Tincture: Take 10 to
20 drops, three times a day.
Fluid Extract: A dose
is 10 to 30 drops, taken in hot wate. When taking a dose before going
ro bed, take in cold water to avoid the risk of sleeplessness.
Bath: Boil 1 to 2 lb.
straw in 3 qt. water for 30 minutes. Add to bath water.
The Herb Book by
John Lust
