I don’t know about y’all but I have been feeling so exhausted lately and have been having multiple headaches. I am working on so many things at once that I absolutely LOVE and am definitely passionate about but the signs of burnout were all there so I decided to turn to Mother Earth for options. I came across my supply of milky oats or Avena sativa and decided that I wanted to focus on this particular herb due to its ability to nourish and support a drained nervous system. Let's get into it!
What are they exactly?
Milky oats are nervine tonics, or trophorestoratives, which means that they act on the nerves to vitalize the nervous system. They support the adrenal medulla which is responsible for secreting the hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine. These are responsible for the rapid increases in the nervous system and metabolic activity in the general adaptation system. In cases of mental strain, milky oats can come to the rescue by strengthening and restoring the tissue! How beautiful is that?
These work the best in individuals who are suffering from mental as well as physical exhaustion. The grains also help externally as an emollient and cleanser, and used in a bath as a decoction can help soothe itchiness as well as eczema! In the 1600s, oat straw was used to stuff mattresses which was advantageous for those suffering with rheumatic disorders.
These powerful herbs get their unique name from their appearance when the oat tops are harvested in their "milky" stage, during which the oat tops produce a white, milky sap when squeezed. This stage lasts about a week and transpires after the oat begins to flower, but BEFORE the seed hardens and becomes the oat grain we know and love as oatmeal! The parts that we use for this particular herb are the seeds and the dried stems.
Milky oats contain high amounts of nutrients such as starch, proteins (including gluten so watch out for allergies or sensitivities!), vitamins B & E, iron, zinc, calcium, silicic acid esters, saponins, and alkaloids. The high starch content of the plant makes it effective as a demulcent which helps to soothe and protect aggravated or inflamed tissues. The saponins have anti-fungal activity. The silicic acid esters have connective tissue restorative qualities for bones, mucles, tendons, and nerves which makes it ideal as a remedy for skin conditions such as eczema and dry skin (think Aveeno!).
Oat bran can reduce cholesterol levels and increase stamina. In a study in Australia, athletes ate an oat-based diet for 3 weeks and displayed a 4% increase in stamina!
To use this dynamic herb, you can make a tincture, some tea, or make a soothing bath for skin conditions. To make a bath, you can use a muslin bag full of oats and run it under the water as the bath is filling up and soak for about 15 minutes! Self-care going wayyyy up!
As always check with a medical professional for interactions and contraindications before using!
Thank you for reading!
Much love.
References:
Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Easley, Thomas, and Steven H. Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: a Medicine-Making Guide. North Atlantic Books, 2016.
Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2016.