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Herbs: Oatstraw - cut

Excerpts from Nutritional Herbology

Oatgrass, or oatstraw as it is popularly known, is the young shoots of the grain plant Avena sativa. Much has been written about the seed of this plant and especially about the effect of oat bran on serum cholesterol. To herbalists, however, oatmeal is for breakfast while oatgrass tea is for dinner. The young shoots of the oat plant can be sprouted like alfalfa and eaten as a rich source of minerals. The shoots and even the straw remaining after the grain has been harvested are excellent sources of the major minerals used in the structure of the body including magnesium and calcium.

A tea or extract of this herbal product is the most effective way of obtaining its virtues. The dried plant material is too fibrous to be eaten directly. Oatgrass tea is said to relieve hysteria and balance the menstrual cycle of females. Further, it is touted as a prevention for osteoporosis and a quick cure of urinary tract infections.

Little is known about the chemistry of oatgrass. We performed a nutritional analysis on it for this work but little else is available. It ranks as the best terrestrial source of magnesium in our study. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to menstrual disorders, irritability and poor calcium absorption. This may contribute to its folk uses.

Contains mucilaginous compounds as well as crude fiber that encourage normal bowel function. These compounds reduce bowel transit time, absorb toxins and enhance the efficiency of digestion. Oatstraw is an excellent herbal source of magnesium. The herb has been used to treat hysteria, calcium deficiency, nervous disorders, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis.

Oatstraw is high or very high on the following nutrients:

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

• We use it very often in tea and tincture combinations. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies.
• Oatstraw is a highly nutritious food. Thus, we keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. We add it in small amounts to many dishes (salads, meat dishes, stir fry, vegetables, etc.) to add nutritional value to our foods.
• Oatstraw can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
• As is the case with most herbs, Oatstraw should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.

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