What Are the Benefits of Oat Straw?

Alternative medicine options are becoming more popular as people look to natural ways to improve their overall health. Oat straw, or avena sativa, is one of these options as it has been known to have certain therapeutic properties and benefits when using it internally in the form of a tea or externally as a poultice or bath. Following are some health conditions oat straw has been effective at treating.

Skin

• Oat straw, when applied externally as poultice or in a bath, is a soothing and effective skin treatment for conditions such as: dry skin, sunburns, chicken pox, eczema and psoriasis. The mucilage and silicon in the oat straw moisturize and cleanse cells providing relief to people who have these skin conditions.

Bones

• Oat straw, when taken as a tea, has been used for building bones and reducing the impact of osteoporosis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it may boost hormone levels to encourage cell growth. It is rich in calcium as well as silica. Silica is found throughout the body in the teeth, bones, ligaments, and skin. Silica, combined with oat straw's soothing mucilage content also relieve joint inflammation.

Mental Health

• Oat straw has been effective in helping with hyperactive children, anxiety, panic attacks, overcoming addictions, reduces stress, and depression. The oat seeds carry antispasmodic, nervine and stimulant properties which help with overall mental health. It also contains calcium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins that are necessary for mental well-being.