Oats have a wonderful, gummy fiber that is not only a great topical moisturizer, but it can also soothe the digestive tract and lower cholesterol. Oats help rebuild strength by nourishing the nerve cells and help the body cope with stress and other nerve disorders. Oats is one of the best nervous system tonics for our poultry, and would be a good addition in a tonic for stress. Oats also contain a considerable amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals that would be a good addition to any general nutritive tonic as well.

Oats can be cultivated anywhere, and is easy to grow, but generally takes up a lot of garden space. If you opt to grow it, harvest the top 6-12 inches of the plant after the seeds have formed but before the plants begins to dry. Oats is an annual that blooms from June to August. Oats look very much like any other tall grass, and wild oats (Avena fatua) are a common weed that has the same medicinal attributes as its cultivated relatives. Early in growth, oats have a counterclockwise twist in them; as the plant matures, the leaves progressively straighten out. The second unique feature is the plant’s seeds which look like loosely arranged drooping spikelets. The post-flowering tops are used before the seeds are fully mature. This is called the milk stage of the plant. Herbalists refer to these parts as oatstraw. Preparation of oats can be as a tea, tincture, fresh or dried herb.

Contraindications: Too much oatstraw might cause excitability or vomiting. Reduce the amount used if this occurs.