I wrote this article about oatstraw’s benefits because there were so many people emailing me wanting a remedy with calming herbs. I kept on getting the same question: “What can I take to naturally calm me down?”
And I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that many ailments and diseases people experience are a result of stress – the most common being colds and flus.
So, whether you have a condition that resulted from stress or you are experiencing stress and would like to use calming herbs like oatstraw to prevent a condition from happening, this article is for you.
Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to stress. Addressing stress in your life necessitates a holistic approach that includes but certainly isn’t limited to herbs. But working with herbs is a fantastic way to help support a holistic protocol for nervous system vitality.
With stress, we are mostly focusing on supporting the nervous system. You may have heard of valerian as one of the most calming herbs. This is a sedative herb. It’s a powerful herb if you are stressed out and can’t sleep, for example, but it isn’t an herb you would want to use every day. Instead, I’d opt for experiencing oatstraw’s benefits: a much gentler, calming herb that doesn’t cause drowsiness.
How to Make an Oatstraw Nourishing Infusion
Making an oatstraw nourishing infusion is a simple way to support your nervous system’s vitality and to experience oatstraw’s benefits. This mineral-rich plant is one of my go-to herbal allies for supporting the body in times of stress.
What you’ll need…
- 1 ounce oatstraw herb
- Boiling water
- Put the oatstraw in a quart-sized canning jar or a saucepan with a lid.
- Pour boiling water over the herb.
- Cap your jar with the lid.
- Let it sit for 4 to 6 hours on the counter to pull the minerals into the solution.
- Strain it out. Making it before you go to bed and straining in the morning is a great idea.
- Drink this within 2 days and store it in the refrigerator when you’re not drinking it.
What are the benefits of oatstraw (Avena sativa)?
Faced with intense stress, many people turn to sedative herbs like valerian, hops, or passionflower. A more sustainable choice for your body, however, is oatstraw. Oatstraw is incredibly gentle, nourishing, and doesn’t cause drowsiness. Plus, drinking an oatstraw nourishing infusion daily will not only nourish and tonify your nervous system, it will also build healthy teeth and bones because it’s high in calcium. These are just some of the many oatstraw benefits.
A Nourishing Infusion is a Nutrient-Dense Drink Full of Minerals
A nourishing infusion is a long-steeped tea (typically 4–8 hours) that includes gentle, nutrient-dense herbs with minimal aromatics like oatstraw, nettles, and red clover. This long steep time helps extract the rich mineral content in these herbs and make them more bioavailable for our bodies.
These minerals are in whole, complex forms, easily absorbed and used by our bodies. It is different from tea and is the foundation for daily herbal nourishment. So, sipping on an oatstraw infusion is not only calming, it’s also VERY nutritious.
What else can you make with oatstraw?
An oatstraw infusion is a great base for many different recipes because it has a mild, delicious taste. Here are a few ideas for creativity incorporating more oatstraw into your kitchen:
- An oatstraw nourishing infusion is a great base for frozen concentrates, lemonade, and juices of all kinds.
- Take the above and make popsicles or ice cubes.
- Oatstraw combines well with lavender, lemon verbena, or rosemary. Add a pinch of any of these herbs with the oatstraw to your quart jar.
- Serve your brew with frozen raspberries and sprigs of herbs.
Frequently asked questions about oatstraw, my go-to calming herb…
Is oatstraw a stimulant?
Oatstraw is neither a stimulant or sedative. It is a deeply nourishing, mineral-rich plant that has an affinity for the nervous system. When the nervous system is nourished, you may notice that you have a little more energy and you may be able to sleep better at night.
How long does it take for oatstraw to work?
You’ll most notice oatstraw’s benefits after longterm use. Sure, sipping on a cup of oatstraw tea does immediately bring me a sense of calm, but you’ll get the most benefits from oatstraw after regularly consuming an oatstraw nourishing infusion for at least 6 months to a year.
Does oatstraw help you sleep?
Oastraw is deeply nourishing for the nervous system, and having a well-nourished nervous system is conducive to better sleep. Oatstraw is not a sedative, so it won’t have as strong of an effect as sedative herbs like hops or valerian.
