Oats are a wonderfully nutritious remedy, full of protein, calcium, magnesium, silicon, potassium, iron and vitamins. Their bodybuilding nutrients help make strong bones and teeth and are vital to a healthy nervous system - oats have traditionally been used as a nerve tonic to treat depression, debility and nervous exhaustion.
They are helpful when withdrawing from tranquilizers and antidepressants. While being stimulating and energy-giving, they are also relaxing and aid sleep. Since oats are easily digested they make an ideal food for the chronically sick, convalescents and when recovering from childbirth.
Oats have the ability to regulate estrogen levels. Oat fibre can significantly lower blood cholesterol, helping to combat cardiovascular disease. Oat can be helpful for high blood pressure, obesity, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Oats have been used as a soothing remedy for irritated conditions of the digestive tract, and for problems such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and constipation.
Oat fibre produces bulkier stools and speeds their passage through the gut, reducing the exposure of the gut lining to irritants and carcinogens. This is why oat fibre is said to help prevent cancer of the bowel. Oats are also thought to protect against cancer generally. Another exciting discovery is that oats are helpful to diabetics as they lower blood sugar. They are also useful for fluid retention.
Oats are best known as a nutritious cereal, but they benefit the health in numerous other ways. Oat bran lowers cholesterol, and an oat-based diet may improve stamina (see Research, below). Oats, and oat straw in particular, are tonic when taken medicinally.
Oat straw is prescribed by medical herbalists to treat general debility and a wide variety of nervous conditions. The grains and straw are mildly antidepressant, gently raising energy levels and supporting an over-stressed nervous system.
Oats are used to treat depression and nervous exhaustion, as well as the profound lethargy that results from multiple sclerosis, chronic neurological pain, and insomnia. With insomnia, oats are thought to stimulate sufficient nervous energy to make sleep possible. Oats are on of the principal herbal aids to convalescence after a long illness. Externally, the grain is emollient and cleansing, and a decoction strained into a bath can help soothe itchiness and eczema.
Avena Sativa
