Oat straw is a highly nutritious part of the oat plant.
Traditionally, it was used for soothing skin, its dense nutrient content, and for nervous system support.
Although oat straw is not as famous as ripe oats, both parts of the plant share medicinal properties.
This article will look at the health benefits of oat straw, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Oat Straw?
Oat straw is the ground-up stems and leaves of the oat plant. The oat plant is an ancient grain and is one of the first wild plants to be domesticated by early human civilization.
While the oat seed is what you might eat for breakfast, the rest of the oat plam is considered “oat straw” and is ground up for medicinal use.
The scientific name for oat straw is Avena sativa. While this name refers to the whole oat plant, different parts of the plant contain specific medicinal properties.
Ancient medicine systems around the globe used oat straw, green milky oat tops, and oats. The oat straw and milky oats were used for their medicinal effects on the body, while oats were prized for their nutrient and fiber content.
In traditional medicine, oat straw was used as a tincture to balance energy levels, soothe skin, and support the nervous system. It’s also said that oat straw helps release tension in the body.
Modern research suggests that oat straw benefits the nervous system, especially for individuals with high levels of stress.
Various scientific studies and traditional accounts summarize the numerous benefits of oat straw.
Health Benefits of Oat Straw:
Oat straw benefits have been observed in human, animal, and lab-based studies.
Below are the top research-backed studies and expert accounts from professional herbalists describing the benefits of oat straw.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Oat straw is thought to be a helpful herb for inflammation.
The immune system triggers an inflammatory response when the body is exposed to trauma. Short-term inflammation is a key part of the healing process; however, chronic inflammation is the body’s signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
Research suggests that the oat straw and the oat plant are rich in beta-glucan, a plant compound that is known to regulate and reduce inflammation.
A 2015 clinical study observing children aged six months to six years old with eczema found that oat cream significantly reduced the size and redness of rashes. The cream was administered twice daily for three months.
A review of medicinal plants used for inflammatory skin diseases mentions that oat straw is especially effective for skin disorders that are accompanied by itching.
Another research review suggested using oat straw for skin warts that cause inflammation.
A review of oats mentions the anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols, which are active constituents in oat straw.
American Herbalist Guild registered herbalist David Hoffmann (2003) suggests using oat straw in baths to treat “irritated skin conditions.”
The German Commission E approves oat straw for external application in cases of “inflammatory and seborrheic skin disease, especially those with itching.”
Traditional accounts of Persian medicine explain that oats and the oat plant were topically applied for their skin-soothing properties. Oat was used in baths and as creams and poultices for inflamed and itchy skin.
Summary:
Research reviews have found that oat straw may work to reduce inflammation, especially inflammatory skin conditions. Additional human studies are needed to confirm this finding.
2. May Support Bone Health
Research shows that oat straw may benefit bone and connective tissue health due to its nutrient content.
Optimal physical health and movement rely on bone and connective tissue integrity. Adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and macronutrients is important for maintaining healthy bones and connective tissues.
A lab-based study observed that avenanthramides, active constituents in oat straw, may regulate bone cells responsible for strong bone structure. These constituents also prevent the death of these bone cells, decreasing the possibility of degenerative bone diseases.
Famed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar writes that oat straw is rich in the mineral silica, which “is needed for strong bones, hair, teeth, and nails.” She also mentions that this herb has high levels of calcium which is necessary for strengthening and healing bones.
The Commission E also recommends oat straw for “connective tissue deficiencies.”
Summary:
Oat straw contains nutrients that may work to benefit bone and connective tissue health. Human research is required in order to verify these findings.
3. May Support the Nervous System
Traditional accounts and registered herbalists claim that the entire oat plant helps those that struggle with anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders. Both conditions affect the ner