Since the beginnings of human civilization, mankind has invested
considerable time and research into ways of improving their sex life.
Over time certain substances like foods and herbs acquired the
reputation of heightening sexual desire and even bettering sexual performance when used by men and women. These came to be known as
Aphrodisiacs. One such plant which has been long supposed to have
aphrodisiacal properties is wild oats, especially when used by men.
This is a kind of grain whose plant is known by the botanical name of Avena sativa. Since ancient times, oats have been believed to be a rich
source of energy. However the product which is supposed to have aphrodisiacal properties and is now popularly referred as Avena Sativa
is actually the extract of wild oats straw.
The extract from wild oats straw, also known as avena sativa, has
long been believed to give a boost to the male libido. While the exact
mechanism of this action is still not clear, according to some sources
the herbal extract works by freeing up bound testosterone in the body.
Testosterone is one of the most important hormones necessary for the
building up of sexual desire. Present in normal levels in the male body,
it helps to bring about sexual arousal and attains as well as maintain
an erection among men. However only about 2 percent of the body’s
testosterone is in a ‘free’ state with the other 98 percent being bound
with protein molecules. The greater the level of ‘free’ testosterone,
the more effective is the hormone in boosting libido. With fall of
testosterone levels, a person may be unable to be adequately aroused or
achieve an erection. In such cases, natural substances which raise the
levels of free testosterone in the body may aid sexual stimulation and
consequently sexual performance. It is perhaps for this reason that wild
oats straw extract or avena sativa has been traditionally used in the
treatment of impotence and premature ejaculation among men.
Yet another way by which wild oats have been known to induce sexual
stimulation among men is by its effect on the nerves of the motor
ganglia. The pericarp of oats contains an amorphous alkaloid which is
thought to act as a stimulant of the motor ganglia, consequently
heightening stimulation in the muscles of the sex organs. In fact some
studies have shown that wild oats when consumed by horses produces
unnatural excitement in the animals and the same effect may be
duplicated among humans.
According to some sources, the chemicals present in wild oats straw
are also beneficial for relaxation of the central nervous system. Hence
avena sativa has been used to treat mild depression, soothe the nerves
and remove anxiety – in other words create a mental state conducive to
sexual pleasure.
Like most grains, wild oats is extremely rich in nutrients essential
for sexual health. It is an energy powerhouse since only 100 grams of
the grain produces 389 kcal of energy. Besides this, it is an excellent
natural source of proteins and contains most of the essential amino
acids including substantial amounts of leucine and arginine. In fact
arginine has been known to form nitric oxide in the body which increases
blood flow to the genitals and thus helps in attaining erection among
men.
Moreover wild oats is an important source of many vitamins and
essential minerals. It contains substantial levels of magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium – minerals which are not adequately found in
other foods but extremely important for production of sex hormones in
adequate quantities. Among other minerals present in wild oats are
calcium and some amounts of iron, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese.
Some of the most important vitamins present in the grain are Vitamin B6,
B12 and E besides Pantothenic acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin and
Folate, all of which are necessary for the healthy functioning of the
sex organs.
Wild oats straw extract or avena sativa can be taken in the form of
capsules which are available at large health food or herbal stores.
Alternatively the herb can also be taken in the form of tinctures in
case of which the usual dosage is 10 drops two to three times a day. As a
grain oats can be consumed in the form of a gruel to get the maximum
advantage of its nutritional properties and has been widely used in folk
medicine as a strengthening agent after illness or childbirth. Also a
thick emollient poultice made from boiled oats is said to offer relief
from skin diseases like eczema or inflammatory conditions.
In general wild oats are well tolerated and its use has not been
known to lead to any severe side effects. In fact it is much safer to
use wild oats extract as an anti-depressant as compared to other herbs
like St John’s Wort which may be contraindicated due to certain drug
interactions. Avena sativa is also a safer alternative to herbal libido boosters like yohimbe as well as to chemical sexual stimulants which may
result in undesirable side effects. Used with Valerian root, Avena
sativa is known to be extremely helpful in treating withdrawal symptoms
arising from addiction to tranquilizers, alcohol and even cigarettes.
The herb does not seem to have any known drug interactions so it is
usually safe to use it in recommended dosage. However it is best to take
advice from a healthcare professional before being used by pregnant of
lactating women.
Also if avena sativa tincture is taken in excessive quantities, restlessness and overexcitement may occur.
In Europe, the extract of wild oats straw has been used for centuries
by men for their reputed libido-boosting properties. This is perhaps
why the phrase, “sowing your wild oats” referred to sexually promiscuous
behavior. While modern research is just beginning to explore the
aphrodisiacal possibilities of Avena sativa, the nutritional and
therapeutic properties of wild oats has already been borne out in many
scientific studies. (Future Scopes.Com)
