Oats for the nervous system ~ green medicine support

Oats are among the best nutrient tonic herbs for the nervous system and can also be an excellent cardiac tonic. The entire aerial part of the oat plant is considered useful,
but it is  the green milky oat top, harvested just before it has ripened, that most often is used in my herbal preparations.

This wonderful healing herb is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, & B-complex and minerals such as iron, calcium, chromium, magnesium, silica, and zinc.
The ripened dried oats, which we use to make oatmeal, are also soothing and nutritious, and are renowned to be a wonderful supportive food for the entire nervous system!

Oats contain several active alkaloids, including trigonelline an dgramine, as well as  B vitamins and starch.
The stalks of the oats (oat straw), may not be as rich in minerals as the milky oat tops, but they are also medicinal and commonly used.

Both milky green oats and dried oats are wonderful allies to help in stressful situations and in times of anxiety and are known to be very soothing to our bodies.
I always recommend oats to clients and friends/family when the topic of 'healing our nervous systems' or stressful times are discussed.
Truthfully.. the past few years--- OATS are a wonderful support and can be a terrific support to all.

Oats provide energy by increasing overall health and vitality.
They are frequently used for a variety of nervous system imbalances: anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension,  and generally 'the blah's or irritability.

Oats are thought to be particularly beneficial for the endocrine system and for supporting and balancing the adrenal glands. They have also been shown to sharpen memory + focus, as well as support cognitive abilities, and concentration skills. I have worked with clients with oats as a part of a protocol to help to reduce brain fog.

Oat straw has been shown to strengthen teeth, blood vessels, and nerve sheaths making it an important herb for the skeletal, circulatory, and neurological systems.

It is highly beneficial for strengthening bones, healing breaks & fractures, and preventing osteoporosis.

Oat straw contains diuretic properties which aids in the reduction of inflammation,edema, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, water retention and lymphatic swelling.

Oat straw is also great for easing the effects of a menstrual cycle and for relieving cramps and bloating.

It can also be used topically by adding to bath water or as an ingredient to a cream or salve to help soothe skin ailments such as  acne, bee stings, eczema, poison ivy,  dry itchy skin for various reasons as well as sunburns!

It is also helpful for strengthening hair and nails and is often found in beauty products for this reason!
There are some super new research studies available if you'd like to dive deeper into "why oats matter" .. Check one example of some studies here.

Fabulous as a nutritive tea and may be combined with other herbs such as with Lemon Balm to make a good nervine tea.

For a simple Oats Tea:

Add 2 teaspoon of the dried herb to 1 cup of just boiled water.
Allow to steep for 10-15 minutes.
Sweeten with raw honey if you like. (Many find it pleasant without added sweeteners)

I like to combine oats with digestive bitters to support digestive upset.

 

Add Oats (both dried oats and the milky green tops) for a lovely and soothing bath to calm the nerves and help irritated or itchy skin.