Herb Notes: The Benefits of Oats

Oats (Avena sativa) are more than just a tasty breakfast cereal. This nutrient-dense plant is a gentle yet powerful tonic for the nervous system.

Let’s dive into 3 benefits of oats…

1. Milky Oats as a Nervine

Milky oats, the immature oat seed heads of the oat plant, can help soothe and restore the nervous system when someone is feeling depleted, “fried,” or “burnt out.” My favorite way to enjoy milky oats is in a fresh tincture extract or a fresh, strained decoction.

2. Oatstraw as a Nutritive

Oatsraw, the stalk of the oat plant, is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, a nourishing infusion of oatstraw supports the vitality of the nervous system and the integumentary system: strengthening hair, teeth, and nails). A milky oats preparation tends to work faster than oatstraw and has a more relaxing effect on the nervous system.

3. Oats for Skincare

Rolled oats (the kind you eat for breakfast!) are a wonderful herbal ally for dry, irritated, and inflamed skin—particularly rashes. You can tie up a handful of muslin cloth, soak it in water, and apply it to the affected area. This is also a nice preparation to apply to non-irritated skin because it feels so relaxing and soothing for the skin.

Oats Contraindications

Oats should probably be avoided by those with celiac disease or who are sensitive to gluten—though gluten-free oats may be tolerated. This sensitivity to oats may be due to similar proteins found in wheat and oats or because the two grains are often grown in rotation in the same fields and processed in the same facilities.¹

Want to Learn More About Other Common Herbs' Benefits?

Now that you've learned a little bit about the health benefits of oats, you might be wondering how you can learn more about the medicinal properties of other common plants.

Well, here’s the easy way to get more info about some of our favorite herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes here. You’ll learn all about the medicinal properties of common herbs like elderberry, dandelion, and more.

Here are some frequently asked questions about oats…

What else can I make with oats?

Oats make a wonderful addition to an exfoliating face mask. You can learn how to make that here. And if you're craving a tasty, savory breakfast check out this savory oatmeal recipe here.

What are the herbal energetics of oats?

Oats are considered moistening, so they can help balance excess dryness in the body. 

Written by Tara Ruth

Tara Ruth is an herbalist and the Communications Director at LearningHerbs. She graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies’ Community Herbalist Program and is a total herb nerd. Tara is passionate about teaching folks how to become confident home herbalists. In her free time, you can find Tara hiking in the forest and waving to all the plants along the way.

Footnotes

1. de la Forêt, Rosalee “Oats Monograph.” HerbMentor. Accessed October 6th, 2025. https://learningherbs.com/herbmentor/