WARNING:

It is possible for contamination to happen at the source. Oatstraw is commonly grown in areas where Barley is harvested which may result in cross contamination. If gluten is an issue, we recommend the customer testing for it.

Botanical Name: Avena sativa

Common Name:

English: Oat, Common oat
Also, known as: Sult, Jao Birahnaa, Jao Gandum, Evenhafer, Husks of oats, Avoine, Avena, Groats, Biada, Haber, Hafer, Oatgrass

Origin: USA

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Aerial parts

General Information:

Avena sativa, the common oat, is an annual member of the grass family Poaceae which has also given us wheat, rye, barley rice and maize and one of the eight major cereal crops of the world. It was domesticated about 3,000 years ago, in the wetter, colder conditions of Europe, in which oats thrive, and soon became an important cereal of Europe. Oats have been eaten since prehistoric times. The genus name, Avena, is derived from Latin and means "nourishing". Sativa means "cultivated". It is an annual grass grows to 1-1.5 meters tall; culms tufted or solitary, erect or bent at the base, smooth.

The leaves are non-auriculate, green and the sheaths rounded on the back, 15-30 cm long, 0.5-1 cm wide ligules blunt, membranous. The panicle stands upright, loose and fans out with fine side branches which barely branch out. The 15-30 cm tall panicles usually bear two- or three-flowered ears. The flowers are androgynous, as are most types of cereal grain. The herb known as oat straw refers to the whole plant, including the leaves and stems. These parts of the plant are dried and chopped, and used in both internal and external forms by traditional herbalists. Stems are smooth and erect. Oak grains are borne on a drooping panicle. Harvest the green grain in the early fruiting stage. The milky oat tops while still green are the best, but you can also use the entire plant if it is still in its early or immature phase and still greenish in color.

Oats are cultivated for the grain, as source of protein, for hay, as winter cover, and are used as a pasture crop in the growing or 'milk' stage. Oats are used for cereals, as rolled oats, in cakes, biscuits and other pastries. Oatmeal, oat flakes and groats are all highly nutritious and are a valuable source of food. In the food industry, oatmeal is used as a stabilizer in, for example, ice cream; in the cosmetic industry it is used in various skin care products. Oats are also used as fodder for livestock and in the manufacture of ethylene. Oats extract is especially used in products that have a moisturizing and anti-aging effect, as well as in products that are used to alleviate acne, pimples and to treat problem skin.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Oatstraw Herb Cut