VITAMIN POWER

SILESIA GROUP IN.,

P.O. BOX 350

OAK LAWN, IL 60454, USA
"...taking oats is a complete body
overhaul from the inside to the
outside."
--Peter Holmes, 1989.

Avena sativa

OATS

THE TRADITIONAL STAPLE of Northern Europe, oats are a warm, sweet food, ideal in a cold climate. Cereal made from oatmeal (the crushed grain) is a nutritious breakfast. For medicinal purposes the whole plant (known as oat straw) is generally used and is gathered when the grains are ripe. The herb is a good restorative nerve tonic, ideal for depression and qi (energy) deficiency. Recent research has shown that oatbran, and to a lesser extent oatmeal, can help to reduce abnormally high blood cholesterol levels.
Parts used

Character
Warm, moist, sweet.
Constituent
Saponins, flavonoids, may minerals, alkaloids, steroidal compounds, Vitamins B1, B2, D, E, carotene, wheat protein (gluten), starch, fat.
Actions
Oatstraw: antidepressant, restorative nerve tonic, promotes sweating.
Grain: antidepressant, restorative nerve tonic, nutritive.
Oatbran: antithrombotic, reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Oatsraw
An excellent tonic for the whole system, used for both physical and nervous fatigue: it is ideal for depression. Oatstraw can also be used for thyroid and estrogen deficiency, for degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and for colds, especially if recurrent or persistent. The crop is harvested when the grain is ripe, and the whole plant is dried and chopped.

Grain
The seeds have very similar properties to the whole plant and can be used for the same conditions. They are harvested in late summer and milled to produce oatbran and oatmeal.

Oatbran is produced from the coarse husks of the grain; it is particularly good at reducing cholesterol levels.
Oatmeal, the ground grains, has a high silica content and can help skin problems if applied externally.
Dr. Bach recommended his Wild Oats flower remedy for times of uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
Applications

OATSTRAW

Fluid Extract Take doses of 2-3 ml for insomnia, anxiety, and depression. (The tincture can be used similarly.) Combines well with vervain. Also makes a nutritive addition to remedies for colds and chills to encourage sweating.

Decoction Make from the whole dried plant, and use for the same ailments as the fluid extract.

Wash Use the decoction as a healing wash for skin conditions.

GRAIN

Poultice Use an oatmeal poultice for skin conditions such as eczema, cold sores, and shingles.


Caution

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