Oat

Oat, also known as wild oat, is an annual grass which is widely cultivated for its edible grain. A fibrous root produces a hollow, jointed stem from 2 to 4 feet high with more or less rough, pale green, narrow, flat leaves. The flowers are arranged in a loose terminal panicle from 6 to 12 inches long which consists of (usually) two-flowered spikelets from 3/4 to 1 inch long. The hairy, grooved grain is narrow, with almost parallel sides.

Oat has been used effectively as an antispasmodic, nervine, and stimulant. Oats are used primarily for their nutritional value; they are of particular benefit in special diets for convalescents or fore those with certain illnesses, including gastronenteritis and dyspepsia. Oat extract and tincture are useful as nerve and uterine tonics. A tea made from oat straw has been recommended for chest problems. In Europe, oat straw is used for various baths, which, when taken regularly, are helpful for a number of ailments:

Full Bath: Good for rheumatic problems, lumbago, paralysis, liver ailments and gout, kidney, and gravel problems.

Sitzbath: Good for bladder and abdominal problems, intestinal, colic, and bedwetting.

Footbath: Good for tired or chronically cold feet.

Local Wash: Good for skin diseases, flaky skin, frostbite, chilblains, wounds, and eye problems.

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