Oat Seed (Avena sativa), also known as Milky Oats, is a premier tonic for the nervous system. After oat plants flower, they produce a milky sap in their seeds before the seeds harden. Oat seed extract is made using fresh oat seeds harvested during this milky stage. As a botanical remedy, oat seed has a long-standing history of supporting the nervous system. It is regarded as a safe and gentle herbal supplement. Just as whole oats nourish our bodies with deep nutrition, the extract of milky oat seed provides deep nourishment to our frazzled and weary nervous systems. This remedy will leave you sighing with relief as you tackle cleaning up the oatmeal your toddler just smeared all over your new couch and the meltdowns that occur when you tell your children that screen time is over. 🙂

Soothe Stress

Milky oat tincture is known to ease the experience of stress, panic, and restless sleep. It may even support the body in healing damage to nerves. The soothing nature of the milky sap of the oat plant makes it an indispensable remedy for our fast-paced, modern lives. In traditional herbal systems, the use of milky oat extracts is indicated for use during times of pronounced stress to ease all the side effects that come with this all too common modern state of being. Modern herbalists often recommend the regular use of oat seed tincture to promote a parasympathetic state – an overall experience of calm, relaxation in the body. Many studies have explored the damaging effects of consistent fight-or-flight experiences, and oat seed can be a go-to remedy for relief. 

May Repair Nervous System 

Another important note on the benefits of milky oats is the potential for the plant to support the body in repairing damage to the myelin sheath surrounding our nervous system. The myelin sheath is an insulating layer made of fats and protein that wraps the nerves in our body, including the spine and brain. This important coating on our nerves allows for the quick and efficient communication of electrical impulses in our bodies. Several chronic conditions can create damage to the myelin sheath. Oat seed can be a wonderful remedy for supporting overall healthy function of the nerves. 

Deep Nourishment

It’s also important to make note of the deep nourishment found in other parts of the oat plant such as in oat straw, a classic tea ingredient. Many herbalists and midwives recommend daily tea infusions that include oat straw due to the plants’ dense nutrient content. Infusions of oat straw are rich in minerals and trace nutrients like calcium, magnesium, silica, phosphorus, chromium, and iron. Many report improvements in skin, hair, and nail health as a result of regularly drinking oat straw tea.