OATSTRAW - Avena sativa
Oatstraw comes from the same plant as your morning breakfast cereal. It grows in abundance and has been cultivated throughout millions of acres. The nourishing benefits of the stems, seeds and flowers do wonders for emotional challenges including stress, exhaustion, depression and a burned out nervous system.
Harvest oatstraw while there is still a milk like substance in the seed pods from March through Mid-May. Dry the oatstraw and store in a dark cabinet in glass jars or a paper bag. Be sure not to harvest near roadways or any area possibly sprayed with pesticides or a place where dogs and cats frequent.
Oatstraw is a traditional herbal bath for the treatment of spasms, nervous disorders, joint pain and skin disorders. It is a powerful nerve tonic and is supportive in the treatment of addictions, raw nerve endings and energy deficiency. It nourishes the pancreas, liver and replenishes the adrenal glands. And it reduces cholesterol and improves circulatory functioning.
Oatstraw baths are used to soothe flaky, itchy skin and to fight both physical and nervous fatigue. Soaking your entire body in an oatstraw bath helps to wipe off a stressful day, relieve anxiety, and relax the nervous system.
Oatstraw is useful for women in every stage of life including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. It is known for its rich vitamin and mineral content including vitamin A and B Complex and it is a natural source of iron, magnesium and calcium (with one cup containing up to 300 mg. of calcium.) It is beneficial against osteoporosis with an ability to regenerate the nervous system which plays an important role in a woman's hormone cycle. It can be used for PMS, thyroid and estrogen deficiency. Also useful for degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or recurrent and persistent colds.
Properties include: Nervine and general tonic, anti-depressant, demulcent, diuretic, diaphoretic and carminative.
Dried Herb Usage
Skin Care - Add an infusion to
the bath for flaking itchy skin and other skin problems.
Hair and Nails - Drink tea to grow nails stronger and longer.
Makes hair healthy and shiny.
Tea - Add four tablespoons of dried oatstraw to one quart
of water. Bring it to a boil and let it sit covered for four hours,
then strain the herb from the infusion. Drink at room temperature
throughout the day or re-heat your infusion as desired. Drink
to soothe nerves, great for stress PMS and menopause. Throw in
a pinch of St. John's Wort or Chamomile herb for additional benefits.
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Recipes
Soothe pet's skin irritation by bathing the animal with Oatstraw.
Make a simple infusion and add to a tub of water. Soak the animal
as long as he's willing, up to 20 minutes. Or make a cool compress
by soaking a washcloth in a stronger infusion (let the herbs cool
in the water) and applying to affected area. Works great for humans
too.
Chamomile and Oatstraw make a great
combination. Try these variations:
Use 1-2 tsp. of tea for every
cup of boiling water. Cover & steep for 5-10 mins. Strain
& drink. For increased Vitamin C, add a sprinkle of Rose Hips.
High Calcium Tea
2 tsp. Peppermint
1 tsp. Oatstraw
1/2 tsp. Chamomile
Bedtime Tea
2 tsp Oatstraw
1 tsp. Chamomile
1/2 tsp. Lavender
Soul Soothing Tea
1 tsp. Oatstraw
1 tsp. Chamomile
1/2 tsp. St. John's Wort
Rejuvenating Tea
3 tsp. Green tea
1 tsp Lemon Balm
1 tsp. Oatstraw
1 tsp. Peppermint
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