Nature provides us with some wondrous things and surely, the Oat is one of them. Avena sativa (better known as oatmeal, but both the grain and grass are used) is used internally and externally to calm, soothe and nourish.

Oat straw is extremely rich in vitamins and minerals so it is naturally very nutritious and can help in reducing high cholesterol. What may not be as well known is that oats may have a general soothing and centering effect, improving coordination, attention span and helping to regulate the nervous system. It is even reputed to tighten veins decreasing varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Oat tea can be ingested as a nerve tonic or taken for flu or coughs.

Externally, oatmeal can be applied to the skin to ease skin inflammations as it relaxes cells, and cools tissues. Oatmeal's mucilage reduces itching when used as a poultice and is gentle enough for infants. It has been used with great success in treating rashes, chicken pox, poison ivy, eczema, and shingles. Oatmeal footbath is a good remedy for unceasingly cold or tired feet.

Oat Tea
Pour boiling water over one heaping half teaspoonful of oats. Allow to cool and strain.

Oatmeal Poultice
Put 1 cup of oatmeal into a muslin bag. Run water over the bag. When it is wet through, squeeze the bag to release the oat mucilage and dab the wet bag on the bites or sores. This helps to reduce itching and heal the sores.

Oat Straw Bath
Boil for 20 minutes 3 ½ ounces of chopped straw in 3 quarts of water. Add to bath water.

Sources:

Grieves, M., A Modern Herbal, Botanical.com. http://www.botanical.com. (June 2000)

Jackson, Vickie, MSN, RN, CS, Holistic Nurse Consultant, The Holistic Haven.http://www.HolisticHaven.com (June 2000)

Ody, P., The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Dorling Kindersley, New York, 1993, p.40.

The Lycos Network, Lycos Health with WebMD. 1996. http://www.webmd.lycos.com (June 2000)