Oat Straw (obena dayami in tagalog)

(Avena sataiva) Part used: Stem and fruit. Properties: Nervine, tonic, antispasmodic, stimulant. What it affects: Nerves, uterus, stomach, and lungs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1 tsp. 3 times daily. Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, oat straw tea is recommended for chest and kidney problems. It acts as an antidepressand and a restorative nerve tonic. It increases perspiration. For bed-wetting, give this tea to children. It is also good for insomnia, colic, depression, stress, epilepsy, heart palpitation, occipital headaches, weak muscles from nerve exhaustion, nervous diseases, and stomach problems.

Externally, oat straw tea is used in Europe for a number of ailments. Full bath (adding a gallon of the tea to the bath): good for rheumatism problems, paralysis, lumbago, liver ailments, gout, kidney and gravel problems. Sitz bath: bladder and abdominal problems, intestinal colic, and bed-wetting. Local wash: skin disease, frostbite, flaky skin, wounds, chilblains, and eye problems. 

• Fresh oats (not oat straw): An extract made from fresh oat berries, picked when the milky substances is in the grain, is good for the brain and functions of the body. It is a specific for weak nerves and can be used as a nerve tonic. It will overcome most diseases caused by nervous disorders and physical exhaustion, including ovarian and uterine disorders.