- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Derived from wild oats of the Middle East and Europe; now grown worldwide. Avena sativa
- Other names
- Haverstro
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Western herbal medicine
Europe · Food · № 66
Avena sativa
Food · Europe
Oats
Avena sativa
Oat flakes provide beta-glucan, a fibre that according to approved health claims can help maintain normal cholesterol. Oatmeal is also used in baths for dry, itchy skin. Its traditional role as a nerve tonic is unproven.
Safety notes
Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat; people with coeliac disease should choose certified gluten-free oats.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: With gluten sensitivity use only the clear liquid.
- Western herbalism: Not with gluten sensitivity.
Preparation
Eaten as porridge or flakes; green oats as tea or tincture; externally as an oatmeal bath. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Ody describes green oats in Western herbalism as a remedy for exhaustion and stress. Oat porridge is a traditional staple in Scotland and northern Europe.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antidepressant, restorative nerve tonic, induces sweating, nourishing; bran lowers cholesterol and is antithrombotic.
Preparation and amount
Liquid extract or tincture of oat straw 2–3 ml for anxiety and insomnia (with vervain); decoction as a wash for the skin; oatmeal compress for eczema, cold sores and shingles.
Caution: With gluten sensitivity use only the clear liquid.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, soothing, nourishing; strengthens connective tissue, skin and nerves (rich in silica and minerals), calming (also for children), reduces itching and skin inflammation (eczema, psoriasis).
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10 min, 1–4 cups a day; tincture 1–2 dropperfuls 1–3 times a day; bath (4 tbsp per litre, steep 2 hours); compress.
Caution: Not with gluten sensitivity.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Cleanses and softens the skin; good for skin and hair as a grain.
Preparation and amount
Oatmeal in a body scrub.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Calms the nerves; cleanses and softens the skin.
Preparation and amount
Internal: oat straw in sleep tea, stress tea and a nerve tincture; external: oat flakes, oat flour and oatmeal in facial cleansers, exfoliant and almond scrub.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Soothes rough skin and sunburn.
Preparation and amount
Finely ground oatmeal in bath salt; oatmeal milk bath (cornflour, milk powder, oatmeal; ½ cup in the bath).