Oats

The image above is from the class I attended.

There are no new actions in this listing so I will go straight to constituents with the next post. Love and Light!

On to oats.

Constituents: Petersen (2018) says protein, fat, fiber – most water-soluble fiber of all grains; beta-glucans lower cholesterol. She explains in depth how this works. Alpha-tocotrienols which inhibit hepatic hydroxymethylgluaryl coemzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase which also helps cholesterol. The above ground parts contain soluble oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (saccharose, kestose, neokestose, beta-glucans, galatoarabinoxylans, silic acid, steroid saponins, aventic acid A and B and flavonoids.  Bran: oat gum/beta-glucan, a soluble polysaccharide, increases viscosity of food in the intestine which reduces glucose by delaying absorption. Hoffman (2003) says proteins (prolamines known as avenins), c-glycosyl flavones, avenacosides (spirostanol glycosides), fixed oil, vitamin E, and starch (p. 532). Gladstar (2012) says silicon, sterols, flavonoids, starch, protein, calcium, silica, and B vitamins (p. 182). Chevallier (2016) says saponins, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, silicic acid, starch, proteins (gluten), vitamins (B), and minerals (calcium) (p. 175).

Therapeutic Actions: anti-inflammatory. Hoffman (2003) says nervine tonic, antidepressant, nutritive, demulcent, and vulnerary (p. 532). Gladstar (2012) says anti-inflammatory (p. 181).

Indications: Petersen (2018) breaks it down this way: Oat: acute/chronic anxiety, excitation, stress, neurasthenia syndrome, pseudoneurasthenia syndrome, weak bladder, connective tissue disorders, gout, kidney ailments, old age syndromes, opium withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal, rheumatism, skin diseases, tonic, and when used with other herbs, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, metabolic disease, diseases/discomforts of old age, anemia, hypothyroidism, neuralgia, neuritis, hematoma, pulled muscles, sexual disorders, tobacco abuse, spasms, increasing milk production, increasing performance.  Topically, dry/itchy skin, weeping eczema, contact dermatitis, chickenpox, skin hydration. Also eaten as a cereal or a grain.  Oat bran: heart disease, diet of low-saturated fat/cholesterol, lower cholesterol, reducing postprandial blood glucose, blocks fat absorption, prevents gallstones, reduces colon cancer risk, treats irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease. Oat fruit: hypercholesterolemia, gastrointestinal tract disorders, gallbladder disorders, kidney disorders, cardiovascular disorders, constipation, diarrhea, rheumatism, throat/chest complaints, physical fatigue, diabetes, neurasthenia, neurasthenia syndrome, prevent colon cancer, nicotine withdrawal, reduce uric acid levels, tonics, sedative, diuretic, opium withdrawal. Oat straw: topically for skin inflammation, irritation, injury, pruritus, seborrhea, warts, arthritis, paralysis, liver disorders. Folk medicine says tea for flu and cough, abdominal fatigue, bladder disorders, rheumatic disorders, eye ailments, frostbite, gout, impetigo, metabolic disorders, and a foot bath for chronically cold/tired feet (p. 140-1). Hoffman (2003) says oats “feed” the nervous system, especially stress, nervous disability, exhaustion with depression, relaxant/stimulant when used with other herbs, strengthens nervous system, and general debility (p. 532). Clark (2011) says beneficial to the nervous system, calms/relaxes the body, Topically, its used for skin irritation, chicken pox, eczema, hives, measles, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, shingles, and sprains/muscle aches (p. 46, 94). Gladstar (2012) says the green milky tops are great for the nervous system because of the nutrients they provide, relaxing stress, exhaustion, irritation, anxiety, multiple sclerosis (nerve endings which help fatigue, muscles, and nerve function), and hyperactivity. Oats combined with oatstraw strengthen bones and provide calcium. Oatmeal helps when ill and sooth skin – itchy, sunburn, facials (p. 181-2). Chevallier (2016) says rheumatism, itchy skin, leprosy, nutrition, muscle function, stamina, cholesterol, tonic, general debility, nervous conditions, antidepressant, increase energy levels, stressed nervous system, depression, nervous debility, insomnia due to nerves, and convalescence. Externally, cleansing and emollient, itchiness, and eczema (p. 175)

Safety: Avoid medicinal doses while pregnant (dietary amount is safe). Bran may interact with glucose tests. Bran can cause intestinal blockages in people who don’t chew well. It contains gluten so if you have this allergy, avoid consuming it. The fruit can cause increased defecations, irritation, and gas. If this happens, reduce daily intake until there are no symptoms and slowly increase. Oat flour has caused contact dermatitis is some. May decrease absorption of medications.  Take them 1 hour before consumption. Has Generally Regarded as Safe status (Petersen, 2018, p. 146-7).  Hoffman (2003) says there are no side effects (p. 532).

Have a Great Day!