Charis Cuisine

OATS AND OATSTRAW
by Susan Oshel, CPM

Avena Sativa

OATS AND OATSTRAW ARE A STRENGTH-GIVING FOOD

Oatstraw herb includes the green stalk, leaves and grain.  The nutritive properties of oats and oatstraw are not very different, except that oatstraw is lower in calories and higher in vitamin A (carotenes) and vitamin C than the grain alone.  It is rich in calcium and magnesium.  It is used as an infusion during pregnancy and lactation with many benefits.  It can be used for both physical and nervous fatigue and is helpful for depression, appetite loss, skin and bones.  Oatstraw has been found to be an excellent toner for the whole system.

Consistent use of oatstraw infusion usually brings about noticeable improvement in coordination, bone density, length of attention span, balance, memory, sensitivity to pleasant stimuli, clarity of thinking and overall calmness and centeredness.

Some of oatstraw’s nutrients include calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B complex including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and B6, vitamins E, G, K and fiber. It is rich in bio-active minerals and is an easily digested inexpensive source of calcium.

Oatstraw (and oats) are also a source of potassium, carotenes expressed as vitamin A, vitamin C and protein, including amino acids such as histidine, arginine, tryptophan, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, valine, threonine and methionine, the “limiting” amino acid (15% supplied).  Oats are one of the most protein-rich grains generally available.

Oats are quite low in calories (less than 100 per cup of cooked grain, none in the infusion) and fat.

Plain oatmeal or oatstraw infusion – all mellow and very pleasant tasting – are effective forms of oats used regularly.  Oatstraw tincture has less nutritive value than the cereal or infusion, and only used occasionally.

OATS AND OATSTRAW ARE A NERVE TONIC

Oats and oatstraw strengthen and nourish the nerves and nervous system.  Full of nerve cell nutrients, oatstraw helps regulate nervous system energies.  The emotional body benefits amazingly from regular use.  By nourishing and tonifying the nerves and helping eliminate bio-electrical resistance, oatstraw opens the nervous system to sensitivity.  Pain reduction is a side effect.

When edgy, under stress, stretching limits, hysterical, exhausted, grieving or frazzled, drink oatstraw all day. When healing during chronic tension headaches, continuous eye strain or a high stress life style, oats are a reliable ally.  Healing from nervous breakdown and emotional breakthrough is assisted with copious amounts of oatstraw infusion as long as needed.  Those who are sleepless due to overwrought, highly strung nerves or leg cramps are eased by oatstraw.  Try a cup of infusion before breakfast and a cup, warm, before bed. Change can be noticed in about two weeks.

OATS AND OATSTRAW ARE A MODERN-DAY HEART TONIC

Love goes right to the heart, and so do oats.  It clears the vessels of fatty deposit and eases the beat of your heart, eases those with heart palpitations.  It helps tighten and re-elasticize your veins, eliminating / reducing varicosities and hemorrhoids.

OATS AND OATSTRAW REJUVINATE

How does it rejuvenate?  It increases your sensory sensitivities, restores bone mass, strengthens your capillaries, clears your blood vessels and nourishes your hormonal and circulatory systems to optimal performance.

Alliance with the oat family will give you increased energy.  Oatstraw infusion nourishes, strengthens, regulates and vitalizes the endocrine system.  It especially nourishes the thyroid, ovaries and uterus.

Women weakened and tired by childbearing find themselves feeling spry again after becoming friends with oats and oatstraw.  Regular use of oats can help strengthen your adrenals as well, thus helping you heal allergies and some menopausal problems such as night sweats.

References
Pedersen, Mark.  Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs
Watt, Bernice K & Merrill, Annabel L.  Composition of Foods (Agriculture Handbook No. 8)
Weed, Susan.  Healing Wise

TO MAKE INFUSION:

In a glass container (1 quart mason jar) place 1 inch oat straw
Cover with boiling water, place cap on jar, let steep (infuse) for 2 hours
Strain and drink

HOW TO PURCHASE HERBS

Purchase herbs in bulk, not tea bags. Health food stores supply bulk herbs or you can purchase them on-line from Mountain Rose Herbs.