Welcome to Herb Notes, I’m Tara Ruth.
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
Oatstraw, 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.
And just a few notes of caution when it comes to oats...
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.
Wanna learn more about the benefits of other common herbs?
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This has been Herb Notes with me, Tara Ruth. Catch you next time.
