Milky Oat: Avena sativa

Oat: Avena sativa — Thomé, 1885 — Public Domain — Wikimedia Commons

Plant Family: Poaceae

Herbal Actions: Nutritive, nervine tonic, adrenal tonic, antispasmodic, vulnerary, aphrodisiac.

Parts used: Immature seed in the "milky stage" before it fully develops (milky oats)/ aerial parts (outstraw).

During the milky stage, minerals such as potassium and magnesium are more concentrated in the plant.

Forms: Strong tincture (1:2, 90-95%) or glycerite prepared fresh during the milky stage is typically indicated for the nervine/adrenal/restorative properties.

However, there is concern that vital minerals and nutrients will be broken down at this high alcohol content, and so a lower alcohol content tincture (1:2 or 1:3 @ 50-75% alcohol) can be made. Some herbalists make both and combine them. Infusions of dried milky oats or oat straw are a wonderful way to absorb the nutrients and energetic qualities of oat. Strong oatmeal infusions are used as a soothing anti-itch and vulnerary wash.

Season: Summer

Taste/ Smell: Astringent, sweet.

Energetic Qualities: Moistening, heavy, slow. Anabolic!

Indications: All forms of nervous system imbalance, depleted states, emotional stress, sympathetic dominance, stress, low libido, wounds (external use).

Body system affinities: Nervous, endocrine, integumentary.

Key Points: Milky oats are a plant that blur the distinction between a medicinal plant and food. They can help with almost every type of body dysfunction because they offer their high nutritional content as well as their rejuvenating/tonic actions on the nervous system. Milky oats are especially indicated when there is nervous system breakdown/deficiency. Milky oats are thought to nourish all types of nerve cells, helping improve the tone and strength within the system. Since they are also an adrenal tonic (not an adaptogen, but they provide support to the adrenal cortex this makes them especially helpful in times of overworked/overstressed/HPA axis chronic stimulation situations. They are incredibly helpful when there is emotional stress. They can ground those with too much light/dry/mobile qualities. They also taste delicious, helping balance formulas.