Herb Spotlight: Oatstraw (Avena Sativa)
by Kristie Nackord (Spirit Horse Herbals)
Oatstraw! Now, before you turn your nose and say ‘oats are for horses’, read this article and then make up your mind…
Oats have been a staple of the human diet for centuries. Oats (seed) and Oatstraw (the stalk) are full of calcium, magnesium, B-vitamins, Vitamin A, C and more. In addition to being highly nutritious, Oatstraw it is a great herb for building healthy and strong bones due to its high level of calcium. Consistent use of Oats and Oatstraw in the diet helps reduce cholesterol and can improve circulation. Most importantly (to me!), Oatstraw is a wonderful and nutritious herb for our nervous system.
Our tired and over-worked nervous systems!
All day every day our systems and our bodies are bombarded with immense levels of stress. Most of us aren't even aware of the impact the daily stress of ‘just’ living is having on our bodies, especially our nervous systems. There is no other system so tightly intertwined with our psychological health and subsequently our physical health, than the nervous system. Rosemary Gladstar, one of the most well-known modern herbalists of our times, states “the nervous system is the primary interface between the physical body and the greater consciousness of the Universe. The nervous system is our link to the environment. Without the basic physical nervous system there could be no life.”
When our nervous systems are over-taxed and stressed, our mental health suffers and 'dis-ease' such as depression, adrenal failure, and chronic fatigue syndrome occur. By nourishing and feeding our bodies with healthy and wholesome herbs such as Oatstraw, we offer ourselves the opportunity to stay healthy, strong, and achieve wellness on very deep levels--emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Oatstraw is considered a nerve tonic. These are herbs that literally feed, tone, rehabilitate, and strengthen the nervous system. When Oatstraw is used in conjunction with other herbal nervines (herbs that support the nervous system) such as chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, Oatstraw is incredibly effective and can be used over long periods of time.
Preparation:
Parts used: above ground part of the plant.
Herbal tea: enjoy Oatstraw in herbal tea such as Spirit Horse Herbals Dreamtime tea or Achy Breaky Herbal tea.
1 teaspoon of dried herb to 1 cup of water.
For chronic challenges including anxiety, depression and exhaustion, make a quart of tea a day and drink 2-3 cups a day for a month or two.
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