Wild Oats Herbal Remedies
Wild oats is one of the first herbs herbalists think of for any kind of nerve trauma, nervous system weakness, or for addictions. It is a mild herb used to nurture the nervous system and counteract mild depression. Its restorative and nerve-strengthening effects are said to make it useful for withdrawal from addictions (i.e., nicotine and morphine), and it is found in a number of commercial formulas for kicking the smoking habit. Wild oats reportedly has been used for nervous exhaustion, general weakness, nervous heartbeat, and insomnia. This herb can also be beneficial for nerve weakness from too much mental work. Herbalists generally consider a tincture of wild oak spikelets harvested at the "milky" stage, when the starch in the grain itself is still liquid, to be the strongest form of the remedy. Optimum results come after taking the herb for a few months, and it can be taken for at least a year. Dried wild oat stalks are often recommended as a mineral tonic, but it is doubtful if it contains enough minerals to make it worthwhile. Wild Oats has a taste of SWEET, BLAND and a temperature of COOL.
Wild Oats Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Wild Oats Infusion | 1 cup 3-4 x daily |
| Wild Oats Tincture | 3-6 droppersful 3-4 x daily |
Wild Oats Reference Information
| Latin Name | Avena fatua, A. sativa |
| Other Names | |
| Part Used | Spikelets |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, bulk herb for tea. |
| Affects | Endocrine system, Nervous system |
| Cautions | None noted. |
| Botanical Info | Common grass throughout the northern hemisphere. The small fruiting parts, called spikelets, are collected when the starch of the grain is still white. |
Supporting Research
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Ellingwood, F. 1983. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Harper-Shove, F. 1952. Prescriber and Clinical Repertory of Medicinal Herbs. Rustington, England: Health Science Press.