Oat Straw also known as Avena sativa or groats is loaded with minerals such as calcium, chromium, silicon, potassium and magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamins A, C, D and E, saponins, flavones, chlorophyll, and soluble and insoluble fiber. The benefits of Oat Straw are many and include an all over tonic with energy support, antidepressant, diuretic, bone support, memory booster, relaxant, lowers blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and maintains a healthy gut. Oat straw can be taken as a supplement, eaten as a food (oat meal), made into tea and used as a poultice on irritated skin. Oat Straw contains silicic acid which has strong skin healing properties. Every part of the plant is used including the stalk, seeds (oats) and leaves. The straw part is lower in calories but contains more Vitamins A and C. Supplements are available or you can cut and dry your own and grind it into a powder. Dried pieces of straw can be used to make tea by steeping the straw for 10 to 15 minutes or infuse overnight to get the most calcium out of it. Strain the liquid before drinking.

Oat Straw is believed to be the best remedy for osteoporosis of all the herbs. Osteoporosis is a bone condition that results in low bone density due to calcium loss which can result in fractures and broken bones. Bone tissue is a living tissue made up of cells that lay down bone (osteocytes) and cells that destroy bone (osteoclasts). As we age the rate of breaking down bone works faster than the rate of building up bone. In order to drive the reaction in favor of building up bone, it is necessary to have all the components available that are required for making bone. That’s where Oat Straw and oatmeal comes in because it contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and vitamins that are needed to rebuild bones thereby increasing bone density and decreasing the probability of fractures.

If you happen to have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or it runs in your family it is important to increase you intake of calcium. This of course is not sufficient but is an essential part of any therapy you will undergo. Exercise and proper diet are paramount to rebuilding bone. Choosing foods such as Oat Straw and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will all help improve bone strength. As we age our eating habits tend to fall by the way side. Oat Straw and oatmeal should be taken in everyday and is a great way to ward off osteoporosis and fatigue.

Oat Straw is also used to treat physical and mental fatigue and decreases depression. This is due to the high concentration of calcium and magnesium. Magnesium has a number of functions but simply put it is a cofactor that activates a number of enzymes. It aids in the production of energy, synthesizes protein, important for nerve signals and helps to relax muscle. Supplements and tea work well for this. Don’t forget the the old favorite fatigue reliever, an Oat Straw/oatmeal bath. This is certainly relaxing but also healthy for your skin.

Oat Straw and oatmeal must be taken in for long periods of time to be effective. However, once it is part of your diet it can be quite effective.