Oat Straw - Benefits and Side Effects
Botanical Name of Oat Straw: Avena sativa.
Other Common Names: Groats, herb oats, oatgrass, oats, wild oats.
Habitat: Oat straw grows in moderate temperatures such as Northern Europe. It grows well in dry wastelands, cultivated ground and meadows alike. It is a hardy zone 2-type plant that can be grown in heavier soils although it normally prefers sandy or loamy soils. It requires good drainage but can grow in a high acid soil. It does require sun, and cannot grow in the shade. Oat straw tolerates drought well. Although it is widely distributed as a cereal crop it is just as often found in garden beds, or planted to prevent soil erosion. The fruit, seeds and straw are typically gathered in August.
Plant Description: The oat straw plant is an annual grass. It stands erect with a flat, rough, but elongated leaf. It has a golden seed shaped much like a spindle. It is in flower during June and July. The seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers have both male and female organs, and are pollinated by the wind.
Plant Parts Used: Grain, straw, and seed. When the seed is harvested and dried – also in late summer – it can be stored for several years. It has a texture similar to flour and puts forth a mild, creamy flavor.
 The Oat Straw Plant ( Avena sativa) (Click on image to enlarge)
Attribution: Henrik Reinholdson
Therapeutic Uses of Oat Straw and Claims
- Oats have been an elemental food source for both humans and animals since prehistoric times. There is speculation that this food source is best described through it genus name, avena, which traces back to its original meaning of nourishing while sativa means cultivated.
 Oat Straw ( Avena sativa) - In addition to its recognition and value as a stable food crop, however, oat straw is also used in the treatment of a number of human maladies, ailments or discomforts.
- It has been purported to help with the lowering of cholesterol naturally, increasing of vigor and stamina (it has been suggested to people recovering from long term illnesses as an aid to help rebuild their strength).
- The oat seeds carry antispasmodic, cardia, diuretic, emollient, nervine and stimulant properties.
- Oat straw and the grain have also been prescribed in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions. It has also been shown to help with the exhaustion related to neurological pains or herbal treatment for insomnia, or multiple sclerosis. A tincture has been used as a nerve stimulant when treating opium addiction and it is a popular herbal remedy for anxiety and ADHD.
- It can help to combat problems such as obesity, varicose veins, irritations related to the digestive tract and as an herbal treatment for hemorrhoids, however it has been found that it should not be used in dyspepsia when accompanied by acidity of the stomach.
- Research now shows that it contains the anti-tumor compound b-sitosterol and there are some suggestions that the chances of cancer in the bowel may be reduced by eating oats regularly, as well as cancers in general.
- There is also some evidence to suggest that the consumption of the oats helps to naturally lower the blood sugar levels in the body and that it could be helpful as an herbal remedy for diabetics as well.
Dosage and Administration
Taken as an extract the typical dosage of oat straw is around 2-3 tsp to 1 cup of boiling water and then leave it for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
As an alcohol tincture the typical dosage is 3-5 ml 3 times each day.
For the use in the bathtub, make an infusion adding around 1 pound oat straw to 2 quarts boiling water and leave it for 30 minutes.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Oat Straw
There are no known drug or nutrient interaction associated with the use of oat straw but if you are allergic to oat flour it could be a good idea to stay clear of any products containing oat straw.
Because oat straw contains gluten those suffering from celiac disease should avoid it in any form.
Leave a Comment or Tips on Oat Straw
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Name: michelle filkins
E-mail: michellefilkins@hotmail.com
Date posted: January 21, 2012 - 05:22 pm
Message: Oatstraw is a god send! I am so over joyed with the health benefits of this plant, that I can't stop singing its praises. And even though I do...very few people actually try it and take advantage of the pure bliss that it has to offer. That always surprises me. And the fact that it is so abundant....it really is one of those blessings that (once found) makes you feel that the earth mother really does care for her children well! Thank you madra deus! I guess the kingdom of heaven is only for a chosen few.
Name: matawa kim
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 14, 2012 - 01:45 am
Message: I would like to share my experience with oatstraw herb, i've been taking it for 2 days now as a tea, and i must admit its very good. My joints were paining and when i drink the tea, they stopped. I feel more energetic and no pain!So to me its not amyth about the herb its real.Now oatstraw is part of my teas. Am grateful to God. Thanks
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