Oats is a species of grain that is grown all around the world for its edible and nutritious seeds. In addition to being used as a source of food, the oats plant has beneficial effects on the central nervous system of humans. Various parts of the plant are used in traditional herbal medicine to treat depression, anxiety, exhaustion and addiction. Oats should not be used in replacement of standard medical care, though they can be a healthy part of your diet.
Oat Seed
The mature oat seed is both a source of medicine and food for the human population, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and active phytochemicals. Oat seed nutrients that benefit the health of the nervous system include vitamin B-complex, iron, magnesium and copper. In addition, according to Susanna Lyle, Ph.D., author of "Eat Smart, Stay Well," oat bran contains a plant alkaloid called gramine, which has relaxant properties on the central nervous system. Oats can be eaten in cereals, baking and deserts, or percolated into a medicinal tincture as a tonic for the nervous system.
Green Oat Seed
Tinctures and decoctions of the immature green oat reduce anxiety and tonifying the nervous system. According to Kerry Bones, author of "The Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs," green oats extract has a significant regenerative effect on the nervous system and is used traditionally in the treatment of addictions and withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse. Green oats supports cessation of smoking, and is used traditionally and homeopathically for addiction to opium. More research is still required to validate the use of green oats to treat addictions, as the current body of research is contradictory.
Oat Straw
Oat straw is made up of the dried stalks of the oat plant once the seed grain has been removed. The straw is rich in vitamin C, A and calcium, and lower in calories than the oat seed, and can be made into medicinal extracts to support the nervous system, energy levels and libido. According to Susan Weed, herbalist and author of "The Wise Woman Herbal," oat straw is used in western herbal medicine as a nervous system tonic and as an antidepressant, and is good for mood balance, stress and nervous exhaustion. You can purchase oat straw from health food stores and boil it on the stove to make a decoction, or purchase a ready-made tincture.
Safety and Toxicity
Mature oat seed, green oat seed and oat straw are all considered safe and well-tolerated by the majority of the population, though the pollen from oats is an allergen. According to Drug Information Online, there are reports of anaphylaxis in response to a protein in oats called gliadin, and sensitization to oats in children is growing. If you are currently taking prescription medications, check with your physician before purchasing oats products as they may cause undesirable interactions with some drugs.
References
- "Eat Smart, Stay Well"; Susanna Lyle; 2010
- "Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs"; Kerry Bones; 2003
- "The Wise Woman Herbal"; Susan Weed; 1989
- "Drug Information Online": Oats
