Avena Sativa - Sow your Wild Oats

Avena Sativa comes the top of the oat plant. That is why it is also called wild oats. The part of the plant used for medicinal purposes is the green top of the plant. The extract is taken from the plant before it fully flowers. Wild oats are native to England, Germany, Poland, France and Russia.

This herb has a reputation for causing sexual stimulation and arousal if it is eaten. If you heard the term “sowing your wild oats", now you know where it came from. These days, various scientific studies are proving this old saying to be true. Is it any wonder that horses like to eat oats so much?

The Health Benefits of Avena Sativa

In herbal and folk medicine, this herb is given to people suffering from various nervous conditions and insomnia. It also has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties that can help those suffering from attention deficit disorder. In addition, it contains various beneficial vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, Calcium, and Phosphorus.

Lets take a look at some of the conditions and illnesses this herb can be helpful for.

Attention deficit disorder - Many herbalists say that wild oats relieve symptoms of withdrawal from Ritalin, and ease sadness and mild forms of depression in adults with the disorder. This herb has medicinal actions highly similar to those of opium, which is why it is so calming.

Eczema - Wild oat or oatmeal baths can help to relieve inflamed skin.

Nervousness and Menopause - This herb is a nerve tonic. It provides nourishment and balance to both the nervous and hormonal systems. It eases hot flashes, blood sugar, elevations, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, depression, insomnia, as well as exhaustion. It helps to fend off osteoporosis because of the calcium that is in it. In order to relieve PMS symptoms it should be taken every day for two weeks every month.

Sex Drive - This herb has been found to increase thoughts and pleasure that accompany sex by freeing up more testosterone in the bloodstream. Testosterone is the hormone most responsible for a healthy sex drive. The older we get the more testosterone becomes bound. Bound testosterone is not as potent as free testosterone.

Considerations and Uses

Avena Sativa is commonly used as a bath for various skin conditions and in extract or tincture form in combination with other herbs to enhance sex drive.

Return to natural Herbal remedies Home Page from this avena sativa page