Oat Straw Extract Tea, Health Benefits & Side Effects
Today's hectic world demands that we stay healthy, and nature has the best answers. Everyone is familiar with the medicinal benefits of oats and oatmeal, with millions of people consuming this cereal grain for breakfast. But have you heard of oat straw?
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Oat straw is a lesser-known part of the oat plant and a health supplement used for medicinal purposes.
If you’d like to know more about oat straw, its benefits, and how to prepare and consume it, the following guide is everything you need.
Discover the Hidden Gem - Oat Straw Health Benefits, starting with: what Is Oat Straw?
Oat straw, also known as Avena sativa, common oats, or wild green oat extract (neuravena), is a cereal grain species. Native to North America and Northern Europe, this plant is famous for its numerous health benefits. The human race has been using Avena sativa for the last 3,000 years. In fact, in 1987, the German Commission E approved oat straw for use as a nervine herb due to its ability to relieve anxiety and stress.
The oat plant is a truly versatile gift from nature. The “straw” is typically harvested while the crop is still young and green. Harvesters know the plant is ready when its green tops release a small amount of “milk,” thereby referring to them as milky oats. Furthermore, milky oats benefits have long been recognized, as they also have medicinal use.
Oat straw, or the stalk of the plant, is collected at the same time as the milky green tops and is also packed with nutrients. Afterward, the plant will keep growing until its seeds are large enough to be collected as oats. These mature seeds are what you eat every time you have a bowl of porridge.
Avena sativa is predominantly used to calm your nervous system, relieve anxiety, and as a sleeping aid. It has a high nutritional value, containing antioxidants, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber. Considering that zinc, iron, and manganese are difficult to get, especially from a plant-based diet, oat straw is an excellent nutrient-dense addition to your meal plan.
How to Make Oatstraw Infusions and Tinctures
Infusions and tinctures are common methods of preparing oatstraw. Infusion differs from regular tea since the brewing time is longer. This way, you’ll get a strong, therapeutic drink and reap all its minerals and vitamins.
When it comes to ingredients, you’ll need 2–3 tablespoons or 1 oz of dried oat straw, a large glass container, and four cups of boiling filtered water. Once you have everything, put the dried herb in a container, pour boiling water over it, and cover it with a cloth.
Making an infusion requires several hours — it’s best to leave it overnight or at least for four hours and strain it in the morning. You can refrigerate the drink for up to three days if you are not using it right away. Consume 1–2 cups daily, hot or at room temperature, and top with milk.
Oatstraw infusions are also effective as facial washes, in bath waters, or in hair rinses. If you have dry, itchy skin, incorporate two cups into your bath water. Alternatively, you can add a cup of regular or milky oats to a nylon bag and place it under hot water as you fill your tub.
Oatstraw Tincture
The tincture is made by steeping fresh or dried Avena sativa in an alcohol-water mixture. The alcohol extracts the herb's active ingredients and preserves the tincture.
The preparation process is not complex — you’ll need 14 oz (400 g) of fresh herbs or 7 oz (200 g) of dried herbs, a glass container, and one quart of a 25% alcohol and water mixture. Then, put the oat straw in the container, pour the alcohol/water mixture, and seal it. Store it in a cool place for two weeks and shake regularly. Once ready, strain the liquid, pour it into a dark glass bottle, and consume it with water or tea three times a day.
Regular or milky oat tincture benefits are numerous. This potent elixir can help you fight inflammation, lift your mood, relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and more.
Oatstraw Herb Extract Dosage
You can purchase the Avena sativa extract in health food stores or online, and it is typically available in the form of oatstraw herbs, tinctures, capsules, or powders.
If you opt to make tea, you should consume up to three cups a day after a meal. The recommended dosage for an oat straw tincture is one-half to one teaspoon up to three times per day after a meal. Meanwhile, capsules should also be taken three times daily with at least 8 oz of water.
Research indicates that 800–1,600 mg per day is the most effective dosage. Although amounts may vary depending on the product or your needs, you should not exceed the prescribed dosage. This is because excessive inhibition of the MOA-B (monoamine oxidase-B) enzyme prevents oat straw supplements from providing their usual benefits.
If you intend to use the oatstraw herb, it is best to consult a doctor or a healthcare provider first.
Oatstraw Tea Benefits and Uses - What Is Oat Straw Tea Good For?
Although there is not enough clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of oat straw extracts, it appears to be effective in certain instances. Read about oatstraw benefits in the following sections.
Boosted Brain Function
It is believed that oat straw can increase our cognitive abilities by stimulating blood circulation to the brain. We’ll focus better, have clearer thoughts, and perform mental tasks faster. According to some studies, oat straw can influence the left frontotemporal area, leading to improved cognitive function.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels can often lead to heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Researchers have found that oat straw contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that binds cholesterol and bile acids in the stomach and inhibits their bloodstream absorption.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Regular oatstraw uses can decrease stress levels and calm our nerves and irritability. Thanks to a special compound called saponin, oat straw can regulate the nervous system and reduce tension. Incorporating oat straw into your routine will also brighten your emotions, help fight depression, and raise your mood.
Reduced Inflammation
Oat straw extract offers inflammation-fighting benefits, as it’s rich in antioxidants, including avenanthramide. Consider giving it a go if you suffer from stress, lack of sleep, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or poor gut health. Oat infusions and tinctures will help reduce inflammation and the risk of developing said conditions.
Better Sleep
Most users reported a sedating effect after consuming oat straw tea, rendering it a popular sleep aid. Although there has not been enough clinical research to support this claim, sativa Avena contains magnesium and calcium — both known for producing the sleep hormone melatonin. Furthermore, oat straw increases alpha brain waves, boosting relaxation and promoting sleep.
Enhanced Libido
Despite its calming effect, oat straw can boost libido in both men and women. In fact, it has been used as a herbal aphrodisiac for centuries. Oat straw infusion regulates blood flow, which increases desire and improves performance in both sexes. This plant contains high amounts of a special antioxidant, avenanthramide, which reduces artery inflammation and improves atherosclerotic plaques. This, in turn, enhances the blood flow needed to maintain an erection in males.
Healthier Skin, Bones, and Hair
Zinc and iron from an oatstraw herb improve skin health, preventing fine lines and leaving your skin glowy and youthful. Additionally, oat straw is rich in calcium, silica, and other minerals, providing essential nutrients for healthy hair and nails. Calcium found in Avena sativa helps maintain healthy teeth and bones.
Potential Oat Straw Side Effects
Despite limited research on the safety of oat straw extract, no major side effects or medication interactions have been reported. It's also unclear whether this supplement is safe for children, pregnant, or nursing women.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before consuming it, because you may experience:
- Allergic reaction — If you are allergic to oats, you may develop a rash and swollen lips and tongue. Therefore, make sure you are not intolerant to it prior to consumption.
- Digestive issues — Drinking oat straw infusions may cause bloating and stomach cramps in some individuals. Oat straw is naturally gluten-free, but note that there is a risk of cross-contamination during processing.
- Skin irritation — Discontinue consuming oat straw infusions and tinctures if you experience swelling, itching, or redness. Skin irritation can range from mild to severe, so it is vital to seek medical attention.
- Headaches — Taking high doses of this supplement may result in headaches. Therefore, it is best to start slowly to avoid any side effects. Then, you can gradually increase the intake, but be careful not to exceed the recommended daily amount.
Oatstraw Benefits for Hormones
Oatstraw is a powerhouse when it comes to hormonal balance. Rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, oatstraw supports the endocrine system, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal health. Regular consumption of oatstraw tea or supplements can help alleviate symptoms of PMS, improve mood, and enhance overall energy levels. By nourishing the adrenal glands, oatstraw can also help in managing stress and reducing cortisol levels, making it an excellent natural remedy for hormonal imbalances.
Avena Sativa Extract
Avena sativa extract, commonly known as oat extract, is a concentrated form of the beneficial compounds found in oats. This extract is widely used in skincare for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for sensitive and irritated skin. Internally, avena sativa extract is valued for its ability to calm the nervous system, improve cognitive function, and support heart health. It’s a versatile ingredient that enhances both physical and mental well-being, making it a staple in natural health products.
Final Thoughts
Despite the fact that many people aren't familiar with oat straw, its importance cannot be overstated. This incredible herb can improve your heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, enhance brain function, regulate blood sugar, boost immunity, and so much more. With such a long list of Avena sativa benefits, it is definitely worth trying. You can easily incorporate it into your diet by adding it to your smoothies, brewing it as an oats tea, or simply taking it with lots of water.
Remember that oat straw extract may not be for everyone, so be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen. Lastly, always purchase high-quality oat straw from reputable brands to ensure purity and minimize contamination. Unlock the secrets of nature and enhance your well-being – enroll in our transformative herbalism online course today to embark on a journey of healing and knowledge!
