Oat Grain (Avena sativa)

Many health enthusiasts are aware of the benefits of oats and oatmeal. Oat Grain is a great example of a plant that is both a food and a medicine. Oat seed has been shown lately to help reduce abnormally high blood cholesterol levels, remove body fat, as well as promoting healthy growth of bones and muscles. Oat grain tincture is considered to be a nervine, tonic, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, nutritive, demulcent and a vulnerary. It has been used traditionally as a uterine tonic, and is helpful in sterility and impotence, stimulating the thyroid and influencing sex hormone production. Its anti-fungal activity may be helpful in treating several skin conditions for both people and animals. It is also considered to be a powerful sedative and effective stress reliever. Oat seed extract was shown in studies to aid in improved attention and concentration and for helping to maintain focus while doing various tasks. Wild oat is believed to help with nicotine withdrawal and is a remedy recommended by many German doctors. 

Oat seeds are a very rich source of vitamins, A, B, E, iron, manganese, silica, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and calcium.Oat seed extract exhibits antifungal activity and is believed to be 10 times more abundant than barley, wheat, and rye. It is also an effective antimicrobial agent, that when tested were shown to have a positive effect on infectious disease. When introduced to patients suffering from severe infections of the pancreas. The "good" bacteria in the intestines help the body to fight off the infections elsewhere in the digestive tract. It has been found to be soothing to the digestive system and helps in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, gastritis, and constipation. Oat seed extracts may also help to lower blood sugar and, therefore, are beneficial the management of Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes. Oats are superior to wheat in lowering LDL cholesterol levels in adult males.

Calcium-rich, the green oat tops may help in conditions of osteoporosis and osteopenia, mending bones and even strengthening teeth. Oat extracts have been shown in animal studies to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone. A rise in this hormone triggers ovulation in females and testosterone in males. Though you may not know it, many male sexual performance enhancement formulas use Oat straw teas as an active ingredient, and there is a good amount of evidence to support its benefits. When used with Saw Palmetto or Stinging Nettle, Oat straw is said to be a very effective arousal aid for women, as well as men. The same combination is supposedly helpful for enlargement of the prostate. 

Since it boosts the hormone levels which stimulate cell growth, some herbalists have suggested its use as part of a bone-building protocol for promoting bone strength. The herbal calcium formula was used traditionally to help heal broken bones, relieve muscle cramps and strengthen blood vessels and nerve sheaths. This formula also contained the herbs, Horsetail, Lobelia and Comfrey root.

In traditional medicine, Oat is used in various liquid extracts, tinctures, and teas to soothe itchy skin and the rich emollient qualities due to its high gluten and mucilage content, are popular as a bath additive. Oat grain contains the substance necessary to build the outer layer of the skin, the hair, and fingernails. Deficiencies often cause dull, unhealthy-looking hair, a rich source of silica, oat supplements may help to strengthen nails that are splitting or cracking and deformed nails. 

The oat grain has been used by herbalists as a food for the chronically ill too and is said to be "stimulating and energy giving" although soothing to the nerves and relaxing to the body. The grain in Oat Straw is high in protein and helpful in increasing stamina and energy. It has also shown to significantly lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which is helpful in reducing the incidence of arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. 

This herb has been found to be very beneficial for nervous conditions of all kinds, including exhaustion, insomnia, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). When treating mild depression, Oat seed extract can be combined with other nervines that offer specific antidepressant qualities. They act as a natural anti-depressant and mild sedative. This herb has also combined with Passionflower, St. John's wort, Motherwort, Lemon Balm, or other herbs, to aid the nerves in conditions of nervous tension and anxiety and to enhance cerebral function. It is shown to enhance brainpower, and it has been suggested that Oat straw and oat grain may improve attention, focus, and concentration in the elderly as well as in children. An adaptogen can also be added to the formula for additional support. Oat's benefit children as a natural herb for calming their moods in different stages of their lives. 

Several small studies in the 1970's suggested that Oat straw and grain liquid may help tobacco users 'kick the habit' by easing the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction. It was even reported to have some success in using Oat extract to treat opium addiction. It also gives the body a positive energy boost and improves their mood. There is a host of other products out there that address improving your health through quitting smoking, but they do not address the one need, a healthy brain, to protect against inordinate stress responses. 

Ingredients: Oat Grain (seed), Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.

Non-Alcohol: Oat Grain (seed), Structured Water and Vegetable Glycerin.

Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications: Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Oat Grain. The side effects of Avena sativa extracts center around the possibility of gluten content. Gluten-sensitive individuals must take care when ingesting avena due to inflammatory symptoms it may cause. Some individuals experience indigestion, nausea and allergic symptoms. Those who attempt to increase libido using Oat Straw and Oat Grain, tinctures can sometimes experience effects related to gluten sensitivity, as well. 

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.