Oatstraw Avena sativa
Oat straw is actually an anti-depressant and can assist with mild improvements in mood. It helps to relieve anxiety and generlaly provide energy. Oat straw can also be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. In addition, oats are considered a very healthy food that help with overall nutrition.
Oat straw is used in various forms to treat numerous ailments including arthritis, rheumatism, and fluid retention. Some herbalists recommend Oat straw for treating shingles, herpes infections, and addictions; however, this herb’s soundest reputation by far is as a topical remedy for irritated and inflamed dry skin.
Historical or traditional use: In folk medicine as well as among current herbalists, oats are used to treat nervous exhaustion, insomnia, and weakness of the nerves. A tea made from oats was thought to be useful in rheumatic conditions and to treat water retention. A tincture of the green tops of oats was also used to help with withdrawal from tobacco addiction. Oats were often used in baths to treat insomnia and anxiety as well as a variety of skin conditions, including burns and eczema.