Avena sativa, which is also known as wild oats or oat extract, is the green tops of the cereal plant oats, harvested just prior to the plant is in full flower and is part of the poacea (hay grass) family. Oats originated in Russia, Germany, England, France and Poland.

Originally used as a food, avena is now used medicinally to treat insomnia, weakness of the nerves and nervous exhaustion. The herb is also a strong sexual stimulator and is said to be the source of the phrase "sowing one's wild oats". When fed wild oats, stallions are said to become libidinous and some studies suggest that human males experience a similar effect through wild oat consumption.

Avena is also a sedative that helps in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an anti-inflammatory as well. It is also rich in many vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients including phosphorus, calcium and the b-complex vitamins.

Avena is beneficial in treating the following conditions:

Eczema - Avena or oatmeal baths have a soothing effect on inflamed skin.

Nervousness and menopause - Avena is nerve food. It provides nourishment for the nervous and hormonal systems, easing blood-sugar swings, insomnia, depression, exhaustion, PMS and anxiety. Its rich calcium content can help fight osteoporosis. For menopausal symptoms, avena should be taken daily. For premenopausal symptoms, it should be taken two weeks per month.

Diminished sex drive - As people get older, the binding of testosterone increases and bound testosterone is not as effective as free testosterone. By freeing up testosterone, avena has been shown to increase thoughts and pleasure associated with sex. According to one double-blind study, both male and females experienced a dramatic increase in sexual pleasure, sexual activity, performance, sexual desire and sensation after taking avena. Some evidence however does exist which suggests that avena stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) which can interfere with the normal production of testosterone in men, especially those age fifty and over.

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) - Herbalists maintain that symptoms associated with Ritalin withdrawal as well as sadness and mild depression in adults with ADD can be reduced with avena. Its calming affects are attributed to the pharmacological actions it has which mirror those of opium.

Avena is used as a bath for eczema and as a tincture for diminished sex drive along with other herbs.

* Important notes: There are no known side effects or interactions associated with the use of avena.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using avena or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.