Milky Oats

Oats (Avena sativa) has been used for human and animal food, for centuries,
It has also been used in traditional medicine as a nerve tonic and for external use, to alleviate skin irritations.
Traditionally, it has been used in baths, poultices and cosmetic masks.

Oats is a very safe and nourishing plant.

The varied names for Avena sativa depend on the part of the plant being used.

The mature seeds that are found in the food stores are: oats, oatmeal, rolled oats, etc…

The main parts used in herbal medicine are the immature flower heads, also called milky oats, the stems and the leaves.

The fresh milky oat tops or the immature flower heads are made into a tincture.
When the seed in the flower head is young and exudes a white starch, it is the right time to make a tincture out of the plant. The terms used for this stage in the life of the oats plant that is the most valuable medicinally are: Oats flower heads, flower tops or seed heads.

Also employed for medicinal tea are the dried stems (culm), leaves, and seed heads, called oat straw or wild oats.

Avena is in the Poaceae or Gramineae, grass family, one of the largest family of plants that includes Rice, Wheat, Corn, Sugar cane, Sorghum, and Rye, among others.

The most commonly cultivated Avena species for food is Avena sativa. The plant is also grown as a cover crop or as animal fodder.

To find out the right time when the oat tops are at the best stage to be picked up, squeeze the immature flower top.
If a white fluid comes out of the base of the flower top, it is the time to harvest the plant for medicine.
Use a large paper bag or a large bucket to harvest the milky oats.
Use your hands  to gather the oat tops. Use pruners to cut oats stalks to be dried for tea.

Milky Oats used medicinally can be dried for tea or made into a tincture or glycerite.

A. FRESH MILKY OATS tincture 1:2
B. FRESH MILKY OATS Glycerite 1:3
C. DRIED MILKY OATS tincture 1:5
D. OATS TEA from dried stem (culm), leaves, and tops.

Medicinal Qualities:

Avena sativa is used as a nerve tonic  that, when taken regularly, over a period of time, can support your nerves – having nerve restorative properties.

It helps alleviate exhaustion or burnout that results in constant fatigue, even sleep or rest.

Also great after going through a stressful time such as exams, grief, loss, etc.

It is used in convalescence, for difficulty concentrating or feeling disconnected, in headaches, irritability and difficulty sleeping.

Oats can help people feel more revitalized.
The fresh milky oat tincture is stronger than the tea which is nourishing and rich in minerals.
You can use both, as needed.

The amount taken should be personalized – adapted based on how helpful it feels.
TINCTURES: 1 to 2 dropperfuls (2-4 ml) taken on a regular basis, as often as needed.
In stressful situations, one can increase the dosage slightly.
TEA: Drink a few cups of tea a day.

Use the tea or tincture at the same time, each day.

Other Nervine Tonics that work well in combination with Milky Oats are:
– Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
– Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)
– Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
– Rose (Rosa species)
– Wood betony (Betonica officinalis).

Milky Oats and aerial parts ot Avena Sativa are safe to use and easy to prepare.
Enjoy this helpful nerve restorative!