Avena sativa
Relaxing, Restorative Tonic
A bridge between food and herb. Oats are revered for their soothing and nourishing effects upon the nervous system. Did you know that ‘Avena’ translates to “nourishing”, in Latin? Oat is a plant, much like Dandelion, that you can work with all the parts, and each one offers building nourishment for the nervous system.
Oatmeal is made from the hulled kernels and has been shown to help normalize cholesterol and support heart health. It is also often used externally soothe skin conditions such as eczema or hives.
Oatstraw refers to the entire aerial part of the plant. It is nourishing and calming for the nervous system. Being a gentle tonic, oatstraw is safe for all ages and is beneficial for long-term use.
Milky Oats are the creamy oat tops. These need to be picked fresh at the height of the season to receive the full benefits. Milk Oats offer a wealth of nutrients like B-complex, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. They are both calming and energizing, making them a good ally for the long run, especially for those of us who feel overworked and overwhelmed, like new parents, entrepreneurs, and people with multiple jobs who are trying to make ends meet. Milk Oats ease physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, as well as encourage deep, restful sleep.
There have even been studies done on the effects Milky Oats has on sexual energy. They both calm and relax an overworked mind (which is a major libido blocker), as well as encourage blood flow to the pelvic region. That sounds like a great combination to get the sexual energy moving.
Spiritually and energetically, Milky Oats teaches that it’s okay to ‘just be.’ We live in a world that prizes active productivity and always being on the move. If you look at how Milky Oats soothes and nourishes the nervous system, you get a glimpse of the lessons they are trying to teach us as well. There is just as much importance in being actively productive as there is in being passively productive.
Suggested practices while working with Oats:
Find a quiet and relaxing space, sip on some Milky Oat tea or take a dropper of tincture, and take a deep, slow breath. Can you let go of expectations of what you ‘should’ be doing? Notice the messages that come up for you in this space. Can you sink into the present and just be? Take some moments to breathe into your heart and notice a soothing energy wash over your system, softening your tensions and quieting your mind.
"Make an oat scrubby: Take a handful of rolled oats and put them into the center of a washcloth. Pull the sides of the washcloth up over the oats to make a bundle and close the top with a rubber band. Use this scrubby the next time you shower. Oat softens your skin, and they’ll do the same for the rough edges of your nerves." (Maia Toll, The Illustrated Herbiary)
