Avena Calm

In folk medicine, oats were used to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and “weakness of the nerves.” Oat straw tincture and tea have long been used to treat conditions such as headaches, migraines, shingles and fatigue.

There is also a long history of Avena Sativa having been used for the treatment of epilepsy.

In Europe, there is a tradition of using oat straw in baths as a treatment for rheumatism and painful muscles as well as for kidney problems.

Whilst many people are very familiar with common oats and their benefits, Oat Straw (Avena Sativa) is the green stem of the plant which has been passed down through generations as a herbal supporter of health – especially in women.

It also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac for both men and women, with the saying “sowing your wild oats” thought to have originated with regard to this particular benefit of Avena Sativa!

Oat straw is amongst one of the oldest cultivated grains – the oldest known cultivated oats were found in caves in Switzerland and are believed to hail from the Bronze Age.

This hardy plant is harvested during the milky oat stage, when it is still green. Oat Straw was (and still is), used to make corn dollies which feature in harvest rituals.

Sexual Health

Often described as “Nature’s Viagra”, Avena Sativa is soothing and calming to the nervous system, whilst at the same time increasing sexual desire in men and women.

In men it is believed to increase luteinizing hormone levels. Luteinizing hormones are released by the pituitary gland and tell the testicles to produce more testosterone.

It also stimulates the freeing up of bound testosterone, thus helping to balance the hormones necessary to support a healthy sex drive, sexual response and energy levels.

In women it is a tonic to the nervous system, making it good for recovering from exhaustion. Tradition holds it increases vaginal stimulation and advances the physical and emotional desires for sex.

This effect is thought to be due to Avena Sativa’s ability to encourage blood circulation, a contributing factor to boosting sexual desire.

Heart Health

Oat straw can help to fight inflammation – one of the primary causes of heart disease. It contains molecules called “avenanthramides” which help to reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines. When levels of cytokines are high, this can increase the risk diabetes and heart disease.

According to a Canadian study published in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition”, Avena Sativa helps to lower LDL cholesterol, due to the main components of the oat’s soluble fibre – beta glucan.

This in turn can help to lower the risk of heart threatening blood clots whilst keeping the arteries flexible too.