Oatstraw herbal infusion 101

[Pat Robinson]

Oatstraw herbal infusion 101:

Also known as Avena sativa, Oats, Common Oats, and sometimes referred to as "avena."

Introduction
Oat straw is, as its name suggests, the above-ground parts of the oat plant left after harvesting the grain. In Europe, oat straw is a long-trusted additive to soaps and skin conditioners.

Constituents
Carbohydrates, silicic acid.

Parts Used
The threshed and dried stem and leaf, and the dried or fresh milky tops.

Precautions
None, unless you are allergic to oats. Gluten sensitivity will not be activated by use of oat straw on the skin. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oatstraw.php


--Medicinal Action and Uses---Nervine, stimulant,
antispasmodic. Oats are made into gruel. This is prepared by boiling 1 OZ. of oatmeal or groats in 3 pints of water till reduced to 1 quart, then straining it, sugar, lemons, wine, or raisins being added as flavouring. Gruel thus is a mild nutritious aliment, of easy digestion in inflammatory cases and fevers; it is very useful after parturition, and is sometimes employed in poisoning from acid substances. It is found useful also as a demulcent enema and boiled into a thick paste makes a good emollient poultice. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/o/oats--03.html


Common Uses: Anxiety/Panic * Cholesterol Control * Culinary * Eczema * Pet care * Psoriasis * Sexual tonics * Stop Smoking * Stress *

Properties: Anti-inflammatory* Emollient* Adaptogens* Nervine* Tonic* Depurative*

Parts Used: Leaves and stems of the preflowering plant


Constituents: Saponins, alkaloids (trigonelline and avenine), a sterol, flavonoids, starch, protein (gluten), fats, minerals (including silica, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc), vitamin B http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail273.php


Oat straw is no miracle cure all, but it has an impressive resume. Oat straw is claimed to have the following health boosting effects:

• Provides a mild boost of energy
• Aides in detoxification
• Boosts the immune system
• Helpful for overcoming cigarette, alcohol, or drug addictions
• Improves focus and concentration
• An anti-depressant
• Reduces stress
• May help increase libido

http://www.healthmad.com/Nutrition/The-Health-Boosting-Benefits-of-...


Oatstraw Tea Benefits are quite renown for their potency in the area of the nervous system and in bone-strengthening and bone-building.

The main constituents are carbohydrates and silicic acid. It is also rich in calcium and magnesium, as well as Vit A, B Complex and E.

The following are the health benefits attributed to oatstraw tea:

• may help build bones and fight osteoporosis.
• may help calm the nervous system and fight depression and anxiety.
• may help alleviate pain.
• may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
• may help build the immune system.
• Oatstraw Tea, when applied externally as poultice, may be helpful in treating skin conditions such as eczema, rashes from chicken pox or other skin irritations.

http://www.teabenefits.com/herbal-tea-benefits/oatstraw-tea-benefits.html

Herbs that Ease Anxiety and Fear
Oatstraw infusion is another favorite of those who want to feel less anxious. Preparation is the same as for nettle infusion; remember to avoid tea bags and capsules. The taste of oatstraw is softer and more mellow; you will enjoy it warm with a little honey. Green oat tincture is much more powerful than oatstraw infusion. It is especially useful for those whose anxiety is combined with excessive nervous energy. Or try a hot bath with lemon balm or oatstraw; an ancient remedy for bad cases of the “nerves.” Ahhhh. . . . http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fear_AW1.htm

Oatstraw is considered an herb of longevity in India. American herbalists value it as a strengthener and nourisher to the nerves. Like oats themselves, oatstraw infusion is heart healthy and cholesterol-lowering. Many a menopausal woman has praised oatstraw's cooling, calming ways.

Oats and Oatstraw are Good Friends in Hot Water. An evening in a hot tub with Avena is a delicious experience. Skin soother, hair rinse, oat tonic and more... Skin soother, hair rinse, tonic recipes:
http://www.herbshealing.com/herbal_ezine/october03/recipes.htm

Susan Weed on Youtube regarding Infusions: http://www.youtube.com/wisewomantradition



Safe for use during pregnancy. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/naturalherbsvitami...
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/15/68.cfm
http://www.nourish.net.nz/articles-closeup.php?ac=311&art=566

Oatstraw tea is another useful beverage for the pregnant and breastfeeding women. Oat straw is the dried leaves and twigs of the oat plant, which produces oat seed that is processed into rolled oats. Oats and oat straw help strengthen the nervous system and are considered nerve tonics. Rich in minerals, oats and oat straw also help build strong bones and teeth and strengthen capillaries and veins, and provides some support to those troubled by varicose veins and haemorrhoids. Oatstraw tea can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding as an additional source of nutrients .
http://www.nourish.net.nz/articles-closeup.php?ac=311&art=566

Highlights from Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen
Per 100g dry weight:

Calcium - 1430mg
Magnesium - 1200mg
Niacin (B3) - 7.5mg
Vitamin A - 12,000IU

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[anneh]

wondering if people who are gluten intolerant can use oatstraw? anneh

[Sarah Thompson]

According to the article it looks like you could use it topically?