{"id":2614,"date":"2020-09-11T11:14:30","date_gmt":"2020-09-11T10:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=2614"},"modified":"2025-04-14T10:46:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T09:46:15","slug":"wild-oats","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/wild-oats\/","title":{"rendered":"Oats"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":1252,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"990e413e-ee98-48bc-99aa-c82468465b01","beyondwords_preview_token":"315942c1-90aa-43c3-9ff8-0c20441cbd92","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[179,277,107,49,278],"conditions":[696,694,685,693,701,700,702],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[27,786,28,527],"western_action":[1017,988,1810,994,1005,1012,1018,1022,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1382,1488,1491,1494],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-2614","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-nervous","tag-oats","tag-relaxing","tag-stress","tag-wild-oats","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-skin","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-sweet","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","sense-salty","western_action-nervine","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-antidepressant","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-demulcent","western_action-galactagogue","western_action-relaxant","western_action-trophorestorative","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-neutralising","energetics_action-sweet","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20200911","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Oats are a primary herbal medicine for the nervous system","latin_name":"Avena sativa<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Poaceae","herb_summary":"Oat refers to the species Avena sativa, which is cultivated oats. Avena fatua is the true common wild oat species.","key_benefits":"Nervine\r\nAnxiolytic\r\nRelaxing\r\nStress management\r\nTrophorestorative \r\nNervine\r\nAnxiolytic","how_does_it_feel":"Oat straw and oat seeds are different plant parts, all with an abundance of medicinal and nutritional benefits and applications.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOat straw has a grassy, new-mown hay aroma and taste, additionally, it is sweet and earthy due to its richness in carbohydrates and minerals respectively.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe milky oats are generally believed to work more quickly in an acute situation, whereas the oat straw offers longer-term regenerative support. An infusion of the oat straw is a better building tonic than the tincture.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAccording to the herbalist and teacher 7Song, oat straw is specific for people who feel they have been \"<\/span>pushed and pushed and now feels tired, out-of-sorts, or just plain disconnected much of the time no matter how much they rest or sleep<\/span><\/i>.\"\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOat straw is highly nutritive, containing numerous minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, along with a variety of other constituents which deeply nourish the entire body. This gentle restorative herb is for those that are cold, depleted, or tired.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":8522,"hdif_image_2":8524,"hdif_image_3":13669,"hdif_video":"","sense":[786,28,527,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"\"\"Oat straw much like oats are a primary<\/span> nervous system<\/span><\/a> trophorestorative and nervine. It is a nutritive restorative to the nervous system, whilst also being able to relax and calm frazzled nerves. They will essentially \u2018feed\u2019 the nerve cells, building up their strength and improving their resistance to stress.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAt the same time, they will act as an effective nervine, calming over-stimulated nerve cells, allowing time for them to recover from chronic long-term stimulation. <\/span>Medicines of the oat <\/span>also have an excellent nutritive profile, containing a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe oat seed produces a milky, mucilaginous substance that acts as an emollient for the s<\/span>kin. It is particularly effective for the treatment of hot, dry, irritated and inflamed <\/span>skin conditions<\/span>. This can be used as a bath infusion by adding a generous hand full of oats into a muslin cloth, tying together the oat bag and infusing straight into bath water. The milk of the oats can then be squeezed into the water or applied directly onto the skin. Oat infusions can also be added into medicinal skin preparations such as cream.<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"Oat is a highly esteemed herb, and is perhaps one of the best deeply nourishing restoratives of the nervous system. <\/span>The various parts of the oat plant provide the raw materials that are specifically relevant to the structural and functional health of the nervous system. Particularly useful for deficiency conditions, t<\/span>hey are a nourishing food during convalescence, and can be included in daily culinary rituals for those experiencing acute or chronic debility and exhaustion (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt will promote a sense of <\/span>harmony<\/span>, growth and vitality within the body. Oats have an excellent nutritional profile and this, in combination with its trophorestorative effects, make this herb an excellent whole body tonic that will restore a depleted and exhausted body.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts primary activity is concentrated within the <\/span>nervous system<\/span>, where it restores damaged and overwrought nerve cells. However, Oats will also regulate the endocrine system, helping to balance whole body metabolism and regulate hormone production within the pancreas, thyroid and gonads.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOat also soothes the external body as well as the internal. Its seeds are packed full of a sweet mucilage that soothes and calms hot, dry and irritated skin conditions by acting as an effective emollient.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Both oats and oat straw have a long history of medicinal use in Europe.<\/span> In folk medicine, oats are used by herbalists to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and \"weakness of the nerves\". A tea made from oats was thought by herbalists to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. It is also traditionally used topically to sooth irritated skin, or as rolled oats, ingested for it's nutritional properties.<\/span>\r\n\r\nA tincture of the green tops of oats was also used to help with withdrawal from tobacco addiction. It also has many other traditional applications such as to treat conditions such as headaches, migraines, shingles and fatigue. Oats tincture and oatstraw tea have been applied for a variety of\u00a0 degenerative wasting conditions such as multiple sclerosis and there is also a history of using Oats in epilepsy treatments.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe King's Dispensatory writes <\/span>'Oats extracts rank among the most important restoratives for conditions depending upon nervous prostration, and for the nervous exhaustion consequent upon typhoid and other low fevers, and the accidental disorders arising from these complaints, as weak heart, insomnia, etc. In enfeebled states of the heart muscle it acts as a good tonic to improve the energy of the organ, and is recommended to prevent relapsing cardiac rheumatism. It has been much used as a remedy to assist the morphine-consumer to throw off the habit, and to sustain the nervous system while undergoing that ordeal'.<\/span><\/i>","what_practioners_say":"

\"\"<\/strong>Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nOat (both oats and oat straw)<\/span> is indicated in nervous exhaustion and weakness, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue, ME, cerebral deficiency such as memory and concentration loss and also in drug withdrawal. Oats are a nervous system trophorestorative, restoring, rejuvenating and strengthening nerve cells.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe medicine of oats is indicated in all manner of neurasthenias\u2019 - such as in shingles and other forms of herpes (both internally and topically). Also in the neuralgias, neuritis and chronic states of anxiety and depression (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOat seed is indicated for the excesses in addictions, both sexual excess and drug addictions. As a nervine herb, oats are supportive in recovery from addiction (4).<\/span>\r\n

Endocrine<\/h3>\r\nOat nourishes the endocrine glands, with a specific action upon the thyroid, pancreas and gonads promoting the release of oestrogen and thyroxine whilst also regulating pancreatic functioning including blood sugar balance. It is indicated in metabolic weakness, endocrine deficiencies (thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, gonad) and hormonal imbalances.<\/span>\r\n

Urinary, kidney and reproductive<\/h3>\r\nOats are indicated in both urinary and reproductive weaknesses, such as bladder weakness, impotence, loss of libido and premature ejaculation (4). Oats nourish the reproductive and urinary tract, strengthening and toning the organs.<\/span>\r\n

Skin<\/h3>\r\nOat is indicated in hot, dry, irritated and inflamed conditions of the skin such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, where it can be applied externally as an emollient.<\/span>\r\n<\/b>","research":"

Nervous system<\/h3>\r\n

Oat straw<\/h4>\r\nA double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced cross-over study assessed the effects of single doses of the green-oat extract (GOE) across a broad range of cognitive domains in healthy adults aged 40-65 years who self-reported that they felt that their memory had declined with age. Participants repeated over 6 sessions, receiving a single dose of either placebo, 800, or 1600 mg green oat extract (oat straw) on each occasion. This was repeated twice for each participant.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed improved performance in delayed word recall task in terms of errors, thinking time and overall completion time. Working memory span was also increased, but only on the second occasion that this dose was taken. These results confirm the acute cognitive effects of\u00a0 GOE, also suggesting that the optimal dose lies at or below 800 mg (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn a journal review of 36 accessions of Avena sativa<\/em> L. in various central nervous system (CNS) test systems a physiologically significant inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4), (two CNS enzymes closely connected to mental health and cognitive function) was seen. The findings provide some explanation by which oat straw may be effective for use in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nSimilar results were also reflected in a study carried out on elderly subjects using the Stroop Colour Word Test, a test used to measure attention and concentration and the ability to maintain task focus. Doses of Oat straw extract at 1600-mg dose or 2400-mg or a 0mg placebo were given, and the results demonstrated that Oat straw extract significantly improves attention and concentration and the ability to maintain task focus in older adults with differing levels of cognitive status (6).<\/span>\r\n

Metabolism<\/h3>\r\n

Oat seeds<\/span><\/h4>\r\nIn a systematic review of research into Oats and compounds found in oats discusses mechanisms by which beta-glucans present in oats may contribute towards the well known uses of oats in supporting a healthy cardiovascular system. The review discusses the therapeutic potential of high fibre diets for reducing high blood pressure and refers to oats as an excellent dietary choice to support via its high fibre content as well as beta gluons effects on the cardiovascular system. Beta gluons have also been shown to reduce all these risk factors to benefit the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. In addition, \u03b2- glucan also promotes wound healing and alleviates ischemic heart injury (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOat seeds are well known as an important food type, both deeply nutritive and therapeutic due to their vast array of nutritional and medicinal constituents. A review of the multiple antioxidative and bioactive molecules in oats, the therapeutic potential of \u03b2-glucan and avenanthramides has been discussed. Both chemical groups have been found to improve the immune function, support detoxification, reduce blood cholesterol, and help with dietary weight loss by enhancing the lipid profile and breaking down fat in the body.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u03b2-glucan is described as an insulin secretion regulator, preventing diabetes. Progladins in oats also lower cholesterol levels, suppress the accumulation of triglycerides, reduce blood sugar levels, suppress inflammation, and improve skin health. Saponin-based avenacosides and functional substances of flavone glycoside are also shown to improve the immune function, control inflammation, and prevent infiltration in the skin (9).<\/span>\r\n

Addiction<\/h3>\r\n

Oat straw<\/span><\/h4>\r\nIn Ayurvedic medicine Oat straw is used as supportive treatment for various addictions, including opium addiction. A case report showed 6 out of 10 opium addicts gave up the drug after a treatment period of 27 to 45 days using a decoction of green oats. Oats have also even been used to treat withdrawal from tobacco. Likely this mechanism as a result of its restorative effect of Oat straw on the nervous system (7). Of course for serious addictions like this more holistic support is needed, but oat straw could provide supportive relief from the difficulties of quitting a habit.\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"Oats were one of the earliest cereals cultivated by man. Despite being native to Europe, oats were known in ancient China as long ago as 7,000 B.C. The ancient Greeks were the first people known to have made a recognisable porridge (cereal) from oats.<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":8525},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Oat<\/span> is a plant native to most of Europe. It is a tall plant, reaching heights of up to 1-1.5 metres with grass-like stems and leaves. Its characteristic seeds hang down from thin but tough stems that emerge from the top of the plant.<\/span>\r\n\r\n These plants can be found most commonly in field margins of arable crops and in hedgerows and meadows. Oats have been cultivated for hundreds of years and there are now about 25 commercial varieties. The parts of the plant used medicinally are the grains, immature seeds (milky oats), leaf & stem (oatstraw).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOther botanical names:<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOats refers to the species Avena sativa<\/em>, which is cultivated oats. Avena fatua<\/em> is the true Common Wild Oat species. <\/span>","common_names":"","safety":"Oats and oat straw are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.<\/span>","interactions":"Seeds may decrease absorption of some drugs e.g. Lovastatin due to their mucilaginous quality.<\/span>","contraindications":"Oats are often produced in factories containing wheat products, therefore they may contain gluten and are therefore contraindicated for use by people with Celiac disease.<\/span>","preparation":"Oat straw:<\/strong> Green tops of the common oat plant are used dried in infusions; tinctures; capsules.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOats:<\/strong> Most commonly, oat seed\/oats are consumed in the usual culinary way. For an effective application for medicinal purposes, oats must be consumed at around twice daily by a normal portion. They can also be prepared as a tincture. <\/span>","dosage":"Tincture (1:5 25%):<\/strong>\u00a0Take between 3- 5 ml three times a day.\r\n\r\nInfusion:<\/strong> To make an oat straw infusion, pour one cup of boiling water over one to three teaspoons of dried oat straw and leave to infuse for 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day\r\n\r\nBath infusion:<\/strong> For the treatment of neuralgia and irritable skin conditions a strong infusion can be made to add into a warm bath. Make this boiling 300- 400g of dried shredded oat straw in around two litres of water for half an hour. Strain the liquid and add to the bath. Alternatively, put the rolled oats into a muslin bag and soak it directly in the bath water.\r\n\r\nAs food:<\/strong> Rolled oats can also be used in normal food amounts to benefit from its nutritive properties.","constituents":"Oats (oat seed):<\/strong>\r\n