Oatstraw (Avena sativa) including oats and milky oats are rich in minerals, vitamins, trace minerals and are a wonderful nourishing food for our nervous systems.
Oatstraw is often used in situations of stress, depression, etc. For this, we usually use the oatstraw and/or milky oat part of the plant. The gentle, restorative herb is high in silicon, which strengthens the hair, skin, nails, and bones. Oatstraw is a great source of minerals, especially calcium, but also boasts an array of other vitamins and minerals like iron, protein, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants.
Like most herbal tonics, oatstraw is meant to be used over a long period (three months plus) of time as a tea to help bring the whole body back in balance. It has a wonderfully calming effect on the nervous system, so the herb can be used to help with sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Milky oats are especially helpful in these types of imbalances. If you are the type of person who feels on the edge, pushed too hard, and just worn out, oats just might be your best friends.
The most popular way to enjoy this is in oatmeal. A simple and delicious way to get all these nutrients into your body every day. Here is one recipe we like to make using organic rolled oats.
CHAI TEA OATMEAL
Start by making chai tea (use Rooibos chai if you do not want the caffeine). You can add other spices like cinnamon chips, cloves, star anise, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, etc. if you like.
To make: Use 1 tablespoon herb blend per cup of water and steep for a few hours.
Next, put oatmeal in a pot (or crockpot if cooking overnight). Spray your crock-pot (or pot if making on stove top) and put in 1 cup oatmeal.
Add 2 cups chai tea and about ½ cup of milk of your choice (to make it nice and creamy).
Bring to simmer, turn down and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For overnight, put on warm. Stir occasionally, adding liquid if needed.
Top with blueberries, nuts, and some honey or maple syrup and you have a delicious, calming, and highly nutritive breakfast. As a side note, several brands are now selling gluten-free oats. Something for everyone.
Because oats impact every part of your body, daily use can improve your overall health. But you will not know until you try, so grab a bowl and enjoy.
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