Centuries ago, oats were considered only a weed, and it was only with time that people came to appreciate their nutritional and medicinal values. It should be noted that both the seeds and the herb of oats have significant biological value. These raw materials are rich in saponins, flavonoids, proteins, healthy fatty acids, minerals and other elements that contribute to beneficial health-promoting effects. One of the most intriguing health discoveries is the positive effect of oats on sleep and the functioning of our minds. Oat herb infusions promote relaxation of the body, leading to easier falling asleep and a more restorative night’s rest.
In a nutshell:
- Due to its various health properties, oats are a valued natural support for both mental and physical well-being.
- The herb extracted from oats promotes relaxation while improving cognitive abilities, mental performance and concentration.
- Drinking tea made from oat herb in the evening has a positive effect on the quality of sleep. It helps relieve nervous exhaustion and reduces stress levels. Baths with oat decoction provide comparable benefits.
- Including oats in daily meals benefits the entire body. It improves the immune system, supports the digestive and circulatory systems, and helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Contents
- 1 Oats – a herbal remedy with multifaceted effects on the body, and an important component of a healthy diet
- 2 Herbal medicine and uses of oats
- 3 Health benefits of consuming oats
- 4 Oats – health properties
- 5 Oat herb and its anti-stress properties. Strong support and normalization of the nervous system
- 6 Oat herb as a way to regain inner peace and good sleep
- 7 How to prepare oat tea to ensure a restful sleep?
- 8 Oatmeal baths – comfort after a long day and support deep sleep
- 9 Oats as a treasure trove of dietary fiber and a way to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Oats – a herbal remedy with multifaceted effects on the body, and an important component of a healthy diet
Oats (Avena sativa) belongs to the panicle family, is native to Central and Eastern Europe and is an annual plant. In its natural habitat it grows mainly in mountainous regions. This extremely hardy plant has a remarkable ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Historical records indicate that oats were known as far back as ancient Egypt, with the earliest appearance in the Bronze Age, about 1,500 BCE.
Oats are characterized by a tall, slender, stiff stem, also known as straw. It usually reaches a height of 80 to 100 cm. Long, narrow, intensely green leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. The plant’s inflorescences form loose, branched panicles that end in drooping spikes. Each spike produces 1 to 3 flowers, from which seeds are formed. Surrounded by scales, oat seeds are characterized by increased durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The plant thrives optimally in humid and temperate climates.
Oats are grown in many regions of the world, such as North America, Europe and Asia. It has significant value in both the food and dietary industries. In addition, oats serve as a key raw material in the feed sector and are used in the pharmaceutical, herbal and cosmetic industries.
In the field of nutrition, the most preferred product made from oats is oatmeal. They are an excellent source of slowly digestible carbohydrates, minerals, beta-glucans and many other beneficial components. Other notable oat products include oat drinks (also known as oat milk), oat flour, oat groats, oat bran and young green oat grass juice.
Herbal medicine and uses of oats
Rich in phytochemicals and dietary fiber, oats are gaining increasing recognition in the field of natural medicine. It has very favorable proportions of nutrients for the human body, including proteins, amino acids and fatty acids. As a result, oats are considered the most beneficial cereal for our health. In both prevention and treatment of various health problems, fresh grass from young, freshly germinated oats is primarily used, as well as dried oat herb known as oat straw.
In phytotherapy, both oat grass juice and oat infusions serve many purposes. Known for its calming properties, an infusion of dried oat grass also aids the quality of sleep. The herb has a positive effect on the nervous system and proves to be very beneficial during periods of mental fatigue.
In addition, oatgrass infusions support the natural management of cholesterol levels. They help improve digestive function and improve the digestive system, which is especially valuable for people with intestinal problems. Oat grass is also known for its body-strengthening properties.
Freshly squeezed oat grass juice is distinguished by its rich concentration of chlorophyll, antioxidants and B vitamins, thus strengthening the immune system. This juice helps cleanse the blood while increasing oxygen levels. In addition, it exhibits detoxifying properties, supports heart health, improves circulation and positively affects eyesight. Moreover, it can help improve the condition of skin, hair and nails.
Health benefits of consuming oats
There are 389 kcal in 100 grams of oat grain. Complex carbohydrates play an important role. Oats offer a higher content of them compared to other cereals. Thanks to them, it is a great source of energy for the body. Starch is the main type of carbohydrate here. Thanks to it, oats are strongly filling, which makes them ideal for people with active lifestyles.
Oats are a phenomenal source of dietary fiber, and its key feature is a particularly high concentration of soluble fiber. The presence of beta-glucans and phytosterols in this plant positively affects immune function, while helping to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In addition, oats contain an insoluble form of fiber. It aids digestion and acts as a natural intestinal cleanser.
Oats are rich in minerals. It contains: silicon, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus. It also provides B vitamins and vitamin E, which are crucial for the proper functioning of the body. Also worth mentioning, the protein found in oats is very beneficial to us. This is because it is characterized by a significant level of globulins and contains as many as 7 essential amino acids – those that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must obtain from food sources. These essential amino acids include lysine, tryptophan, valine and isoleucine.
Oats are also a source of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (24-48%), oleic acid (29-53%) and alpha-linolenic acid (1-5%), which contribute to the proper functioning of the heart and nervous system.
The presence of saponins and alkaloids in oats is beneficial for brain health. Polyphenols in the plant provide strong antioxidant activity, helping to reduce the risk of cancer and other lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Oats – health properties
Oats exhibit a range of healing properties that benefit our entire body. Our digestive system works better, our metabolism is more efficient, we have more energy and vitality, our heart is stronger and our complexion looks healthier. Our overall well-being also improves. The diuretic properties contained in oat extracts have a positive effect on the function of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and prevent the formation of kidney stones. In addition, due to its soluble dietary fiber content, oats exhibit prebiotic properties that help maintain a healthy intestinal microflora and have a positive effect on digestion.
Importantly, the herb derived from oats supports the elimination of toxins from the body. The bioactive compounds it contains show anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects. Due to its silica content, green oats are beneficial for bone and joint health. Another important reason to include this raw material in your diet is the beneficial effect of oat herb decoctions on mental well-being and sleep quality.
Key properties of oats:
- relaxing and calming,
- improving sleep quality,
- reducing stress and anxiety,
- reducing the effects of fatigue,
- cardioprotective,
- antioxidant,
- anti-cholesterol,
- diuretic,
- detoxifying,
- anti-inflammatory,
- regenerative,
- prebiotic,
- strengthening,
- moisturizing,
- protective,
- soothing.
Oat herb and its anti-stress properties. Strong support and normalization of the nervous system
The presence of lignans, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids in oat herb contributes to strengthening the nervous system and normalizing its functions. These compounds help to reduce stress levels while offsetting anxiety. Regular consumption of oat infusions or decoctions promotes emotional balance and relieves signs of mental fatigue. Such benefits of oats are important for people experiencing neurotic and anxiety disordersanxiety, as well as for people exposed to long-term stress who seek stability and a sense of inner peace.
It is also worth noting that oat leaf extracts improve brain function. They positively influence memory, concentration and overall cognitive performance. Active plant compounds, including chlorophyll, promote blood circulation in the brain, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nerve cells.
As a result, the brain works with greater efficiency, which proves beneficial in high-pressure situations, during periods of nervous tension and for tasks requiring intense concentration. Regular consumption of oat grass juice or oat infusions has a positive effect on cognitive function, making it easier for the brain to process information efficiently.
The positive effects of oats on the nervous system are associated with the presence of B vitamins, magnesium and calcium, which are crucial for the regeneration and optimal functioning of neurons.
Oat herb as a way to regain inner peace and good sleep
The green parts of oats provide a tonic effect, taking care to maintain an efficient neurotransmitter economy. This, in turn, contributes to mood stabilization and relieves mental fatigue. Therefore, oats are a beneficial aid for people struggling with chronic stress, who often face increased nervous agitation, irritability and sleep disorders.
Oat infusions promote feelings of calm, helping to relieve tension and facilitating relaxation throughout the body. The plant is an effective remedy for shattered nerves, especially when stress interferes with mental balance and daily activities.
Oats are particularly rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that plays a key role in the production of serotonin, which in turn increases the secretion of the sleep hormone. This makes oats beneficial for people who have difficulty falling asleep, especially in cases of mental fatigue or emotional stress.
Oats are also one of the best dietary sources of melatonin, which further assists the body in regulating diurnal rhythm disturbances and potentially provides relief for those suffering from chronic insomnia.
The use of oat herb in the evenings promotes a smooth, quick fall asleep and facilitates deeper, more restorative sleep. For optimal results, it is beneficial to incorporate oats both internally, through infusions, and externally, through baths. This method provides a comprehensive calming effect in both physical and emotional aspects.
Baths with green oat extract relieve excessive nervous tension and help relax the body, making it easier to achieve restful sleep.
How to prepare oat tea to ensure a restful sleep?
Consuming an evening infusion of oat herb will calm our nerves, help us relax and fall asleep faster, while improving the quality of our sleep.
To prepare the infusion, put 1 tablespoon of dried oat herb in a saucepan. Then pour in 200 ml of water, bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes over low heat. After this time, set aside to cool, strain and drink before going to bed.
To increase the effectiveness, we can mix oat herb with other sleep-supporting herbs, such as: baikal thyroid, angelica litvora, lemon balm, lavender, woodsweed, Asian basil, membranous astragalus or catnip.
Oatmeal baths – comfort after a long day and support deep sleep
Bathing with oat herb decoction is a great way to soothe your nerves after a hard day and a patent for a good, intense, uninterrupted sleep.
In 2 liters of water, boil 3 handfuls of oat herb over low heat (the time needed is about 10 minutes). Then strain the mixture and add the decoction to the bath.
A noteworthy practice, after such a relaxing bath with oats, is to wrap yourself in a weighted quilt. It can increase the soothing and relaxing experience.
Check: Ranking of Weighted Quilts
Oatmeal baths relieve fatigue and stress while promoting better sleep. In addition, they are used for such maladies as rheumatism, arthritis, skin ailments, urinary tract problems, migraines, weakness and lowered immunity.
Oats as a treasure trove of dietary fiber and a way to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Oats contribute to cardiovascular health thanks to their rich content of dietary fiber, beta-glucans and sterols. It also positively affects carbohydrate metabolism due to its active substances. Thanks to its low glycemic index, it helps normalize blood glucose levels.
Oat grains promote a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which helps reduce snacking between meals. Regular consumption of oat products (such as oat bran, oatmeal, oat porridge, oat juice) can reduce blood cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic lesions.
