Avena sativa, commonly known as oat, originated in England, France, Poland, Germany, and Russia. It's now grown as a cereal grain around the world. Beyond food, oats are used to manufacture paper, mulch, thatching, mattress stuffing, and mulch. Additionally, raw materials are taken from oats to make nylon and other materials. Traditionally, oats were used to treat nervous exhaustion, sleeping difficulties, and weakness of the nerves. It was also used to help with withdrawal from opium and tobacco abuse. Oats are antispasmodic, demulcent, diuretic, neurotonic, and can help heal wounds.

Perhaps surprising to the average person, oats have almost as much plant protein as soy does. This plant also contains soluble and insoluble fiber, making it helpful for gastrointestinal health. It's rich in minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium and contains small amounts of copper, iron, and zinc.

How Can Avena Help?

First of all, oats help maintain a healthy cholesterol. It is anti-atherogenic, meaning it may help keep cholesterol from sticking to the walls of blood vessels. A study on green oat extract found cognition improved when used daily in adults for four weeks. This plant is also a potent antioxidant that supports overall health. Additionally, Avena, taken daily in 1200 mg doses or more, was found to modulate stress responses.

Avena is useful in lots of different ways. The green oat pod is typically used for herbal use. Used topically or in a bath, oats can be helpful with a wide variety of skin conditions. Oat can be used in recipes or taken to support health as a tea, glycerite, or tincture. As always, discuss things with your doctor to make sure it's a good fit for you.

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Resources:

1. Kennedy DO, Bonnländer B, Lang SC, Pischel I, Forster J, Khan J, Jackson PA, Wightman EL. 2020. "Acute and Chronic Effects of Green Oat (Avena sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function and Mood During a Laboratory Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans." Nutrients; 12(6) :1598. doi: 10.3390/nu12061598. PMID: 32485993; PMCID: PMC7352613.
2. Singh, R., De, S., & Belkheir, A. 2012. "Avena sativa (Oat), A Potential Neutraceutical and Therapeutic Agent: An Overview." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition; 53(2): 126–144. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.526725