Family :Poaceae
Common name : Oat
Other Common names: Groats, herb oats, oatgrass, oats, wild oats.
Habitat : Oat straw grows
in moderate temperatures such as Northern Europe and Kashmir. It grows
well in dry wastelands, cultivated ground and meadows alike. It is a
hardy zone 2-type plant that can be grown in heavier soils although it
normally prefers sandy or loamy soils. It requires good drainage but can
grow in a high acid soil. It does require sun, and cannot grow in the
shade.
Oat straw tolerates
drought well. Although it is widely distributed as a cereal crop it is
just as often found in garden beds, or planted to prevent soil erosion.
The fruit, seeds and straw are typically gathered in August.
Plant Description : The
oat straw plant
is an annual grass. It stands erect with a flat, rough, but elongated
leaf. It has a golden seed shaped much like a spindle. It is in flower
during June and July. The seeds ripen from August to October. The
flowers have both male and female organs, and are pollinated by the
wind.
Chemical Constituents:
Saponins, alkaloids (trigonelline and avenine), a sterol, flavonoids,
starch, protein (gluten), fats, minerals (including silica, iron,
calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc), vitamin b
Plant Parts Used: Grain, straw,
and seed. When the seed is harvested and dried – also in late summer –
it can be stored for several years. It has a texture similar to flour
and puts forth a mild, creamy flavor.
Medicinal use of wild Oats : Whilst
used mainly as a food, wild oat grain does also have medicinal
properties. In particular Wild Oats are a nutritious food that gently
restores vigour after debilitating illnesses, helps lower cholesterol
levels in the blood and also increases stamina. The seed is a mealy
nutritive herb that is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, emollient,
nervine and stimulant. The seed contains the antitumor compound
b-sitosterol and has been used as a folk remedy for tumours. A gruel
made from the ground seed is used as a mild nutritious aliment in
inflammatory cases, fevers and after parturition. It should be avoided
in cases of dyspepsia accompanied with acidity of the stomach. A
tincture of the ground seed in alcohol is useful as a nervine and
uterine tonic. A decoction strained into a bath will help to soothe
itchiness and eczema. A poultice made from the ground seeds is used in
the treatment of eczema and dry skin. When consumed regularly, oat germ
reduces blood cholesterol levels. Oat straw and the grain are prescribed
to treat general debility and a wide range of nervous conditions. They
are of particular value in helping a person to cope with the exhaustion
that results from multiple sclerosis, chronic neurological pain and
insomnia. Wild Oats are thought to stimulate sufficient nervous energy
to help relieve insomnia. An alcoholic extraction of Wild Oats has been
reported to be a deterrent for smoking, though reports that oat extract
helped correct the tobacco habit have been disproven. A tincture of the
plant has been used as a nerve stimulant and to treat opium addiction.
Attention Deficit Disorder :
Avena sativa can alleviate symptoms of Ritalin withdrawal, as well as
ease milder forms of adult depression with people who have this
disorder. This herb has a medicinal action relative to opium, which
explains its effectiveness in calming those who take it.
Eczema : When used in oatmeal baths, avena sativa may help in healing inflamed skin.
Nervousness and Menopause : As
it gives balance to the nervous and hormonal systems, avena sativa
reduces hot flashes, stabilizes blood sugar, eases symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, insomnia and exhaustion. For
premenstrual syndrome relief, this herb must be taken daily for two
weeks out of the month.
Sex Drive : This
herb has been linked to increased pleasure during sexual intercourse in
men and women. The increased pleasure is due to more testosterone in
the bloodstream. This hormone is a significant factor in maintaining a
healthy sex drive.
Quit smoking : It also is used to detoxify the body, reduce anxiety, decrease nicotine cravings, and improve sleep habits.
Dosage and Administration :
Taken as an extract the typical dosage of oat straw is around 2-3 tsp to
1 cup of boiling water and then leave it for 10-15 minutes before
drinking. As an alcohol tincture the typical dosage is 3-5 ml 3 times
each day. For the use in the bathtub, make an infusion adding around 1
pound oat straw to 2 quarts boiling water and leave it for 30 minutes.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Oat Straw :
Eat whole grain oats as often as you can, however, be aware that the
prepackaged, instant oatmeal mixes sold today have been stripped of the
nutrient value and are filled with refined sugars. For oatstraw tea, it
is best to ensure that it is organically grown. In selecting the dried
herb for tea, choose seeds that are green to green-yellow, seeds are
stronger medicinally than the stems.
Avena sativa seeds are available only at:
Available in : 25.50,100 seeds per packet
Only for research purpose not for commercial use.
Seeds are open-pollinated,Organic from Kashmir Himalaya
The Jammu and Kashmir medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal,
New Coloney Azizabad,
Via Wuyan-Meej Road,
Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mob:09858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home:
http://jkmpic.blogspot.in
