taking oats beyond oatmeal

While eating my granola and yogurt this morning, I recalled to myself that I needed to update my blog with a new post. As I munched on my chewy granola, inspiration hit.

Folks, oats aren't just for breakfast. Oats are actually an herbal plant, full of vitamins and minerals, and useful for many different illnesses and imbalances.

Feeling stressed and overworked? Are you anxious? Do you have burns or hemorrhoids in need of tender loving care? If so, oats should become a regular part of your diet. According to Rosemary Gladstar in her book Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, they are among one of the best nerve and cardiac tonic herbs.

Here is a quick list of ailments that oats can assist with:
decreased energy
nervous disorders
depression, anxiety
low sexual vitality
urinary incontinence
nicotine and other chemical withdrawals
those healing from a long illness without an appetite
and last but not least, itchy skin (as many of us know!)

The important thing to realize about oats are that along with the grain, the green milky tops and stalks are used in herbal medicine. For calming nerves, a tea can be made from the grains and stalks and can be mixed with other herbs such as lemon balm and passion-flower, or with valerian to help one sleep.

The website Global Herbal Supplies gives great suggestions on how one might use oats as an emollient (external agent used to soften or smooth) or demulcent (demulcent=substance than soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects from irritation). How about as a foot bath for tired feet or as a facial scrub for those suffering from acne?

I myself utilize a wonderful recipe called Miracle Grains for a facial scrub. It was recommended by Rosemary Gladstar in the book mentioned earlier. I've even convinced my man to use it, and he requests it when we run out. It's powerful stuff.

MIRACLE GRAIN

2 parts white clay (although I use a stronger version!)
1 cup finely ground oats
1/4 cup finely ground almonds
1/8 cup finely ground lavender
1/8 cup poppy seeds or finely ground blue corn
1/8 cup finely ground rose petals
I also add lavender essential oil or other oils 

1. Combine all the ingredients. Store the grains next to the sink in a glass container or in spice jars with shaker tops.
2. To use, mix 1-2 teaspoons of grains with water. Stir into a paste and gently massage on the face. Rinse with warm water.

Easy-peasy. Try it yourself! I keep mine in a recycled jar and use a little shell to scoop it out. It's great on your face, or all over your body.

Enjoy your oats, folks!