OATS

Botanical name: Avena sativa L.

Family name: POACEAE

Oats has been used effectively as an antispasmodic, nervine, and stimulant. Oats are used primarily for their nutritional value; they are of particular benefit in special diets for convalescents or fore those with certain illnesses, including gastroenteritis and dyspepsia. Oat extract and tincture are useful as nerve and uterine tonics. A tea made from oat straw has been recommended for chest problems. In Europe, oat straw is used for various baths, which, when taken regularly, are helpful for a number of ailments: Full Bath: Good for rheumatic problems, lumbago, paralysis, liver ailments and gout, kidney, and gravel problems. Sitzbath: Good for bladder and abdominal problems, intestinal, colic, and bedwetting. Footbath: Good for tired or chronically cold feet. Local Wash: Good for skin diseases, flaky skin, frostbite, chilblains, wounds, and eye problems. Oats have been found to be rich in several classes of compounds with antioxidant activity including vitamin E, flavonoids and phenolic acids. However we found the greatest concentration of antioxidant activity in the outermost layer or the aleurone of the oat