Warning:
It is possible for contamination to happen at the source. Oatstraw is commonly grown in areas where Barley is harvested which may result in cross contamination. If gluten is an issue, we recommend the customer testing for it.
Botanical Name: Avena sativa
Common Name:
- English: Oat, Common oat
- Also, known as: Sult, Jao Birahnaa, Jao Gandum, Evenhafer, Husks of oats, Avoine, Avena, Groats, Biada, Haber, Hafer, Oatgrass
Habitat: Europe
Origin: Germany
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Aerial parts
General Information:
Avena sativa, the common oat, is an annual member of grass family Poaceae which has also given us wheat, rye, barley rice and maize and one of the eight major cereal crops of the world. It was domesticated about 3,000 years ago, in the wetter, colder conditions of Europe, in which oats thrive, and soon became an important cereal of Europe. Oats have been eaten since prehistoric times. The genus name, Avena, is derived from Latin and means “nourishing”. Sativa means “cultivated”. It is an annual grass grows to 1-1.5 meters tall; culms tufted or solitary, erect or bent at the base, smooth.
The leaves are non-auriculate, green and the sheaths rounded on the back, 15-30 cm long, 0.5-1 cm wide ligules blunt, membranous. The panicle stands upright, loose and fans out with fine side branches which barely branch out. The 15-30 cm tall panicles usually bear two- or three-flowered ears. The flowers are androgynous, as are most types of cereal grain. The herb known as oat straw refers to the whole plant, including the leaves and stems. These parts of the plant are dried and chopped, and used in both internal and external forms by traditional herbalists. Stems are smooth and erect. Oak grains are borne on a drooping panicle. Harvest the green grain in the early fruiting stage. The milky oat tops while still green are the best, but you can also use the entire plant if it is still in its early or immature phase and still greenish in color.
Oats are cultivated for the grain, as source of protein, for hay, as winter cover, and are used as a pasture crop in the growing or ‘milk’ stage. Oats are used for cereals, as rolled oats, in cakes, biscuits and other pastries. Oatmeal, oat flakes and groats are all highly nutritious and are a valuable source of food. In the food industry, oatmeal is used as a stabilizer in, for example, ice cream; in the cosmetic industry it is used in various skin care products. Oats are also used as fodder for livestock and in the manufacture of ethylene. Oats extract is especially used in products that have a moisturizing and anti-aging effect, as well as in products that are used to alleviate acne, pimples and to treat problem skin.
How to use:
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as “Electuaries”.
Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.