Milky Oats: The Nerve Tonic
By Sean Rose, Herbalist & Co-Founder of STRŌB Apothecary
All information contained in this article is for educational purposes. Please consult with an herbalist, nutritionist, or physician you trust before beginning any medicinal-strength herbal regimen. Although the oat plant does not produce gluten, oats in all forms may be contraindicated for those with more sensitive cases of Celiac disease.
Oats (Avena sativa) are one of the more versatile grains available to us today. Not only is it nutritious and delicious as oatmeal when paired with antioxidant-rich berries and the healthy fats and proteins of your favorite nuts and seeds, it also can be used nutritionally to re-mineralize a depleted body and tone and calm over-stressed nerves.
Oatmeal is made from the matured seed of the oat plant. Delicious and demulcent, it forms a thick, gooey porridge when cooked in water or milk, made from starchy complex carbohydrates absorbing the liquid.
This starchy substance acts as a battery for the body, providing long-term energy as it takes more time for the body to break down than a simple sugar, making oats an excellent breakfast food. It also contains fiber, protein, heart-healthy polyphenol antioxidants, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
These properties make oatmeal an effective go-to home remedy for basic stomach upset, high LDL cholesterol, and supporting healthy blood sugar levels. However, oats are nutritious far before they mature into the rolled or cut seeds you get in your bowl: Enter the Milky Oat.
The name “Milky Oats” refers to the immature stage of the oat seed, in which it produces a milky, white substance called latex for a short period. This latex contains high concentrations of nutrients that act as specific nutrition for the nerves, especially those found in the gut. Many plants produce latex, each variety with its own unique properties and usefulness.
While the oat straw also contains nutritious vitamins and minerals (and makes a divine herbal tea by itself or as a smoothie liquid base!), it doesn’t contain quite the same levels of happy-nerve constituents as the latex of the immature seed. For this reason, immature milky oats are relied upon for conditions where stress and anxiety sit in the gut.
We use the word “trophorestorative” to describe herbs that provide specific nutrients for an organ or tissue in the body, acting through nutrition to restore proper function to that organ or tissue. Milky oats are considered a nervine tonic trophorestorative, which means its constituents work as a restorative for frayed, overtaxed nerves, nourishing them back to health.
Tincturing oats fresh in their milky stage preserves the most potency for nervous support, but dried milky oats are also supportive in tea form. As a dried herb, it is best used in a decoction, in which the herb is simmered to release more of the heavier constituents such as minerals. Its light, grassy notes and subtle sweet flavors are enchanting! Here’s a simple decoction recipe, from my brain to yours!
StressShield Decoction
For supporting the nerves, heart, gut, and adrenals through stressful times.
Supplies:
- a large pot with stirring spoon
- a measuring cup
- a kitchen scale
- a stove or hot plate
- a sieve or in-cup tea strainer
- mason jar(s) or other containers to store extra liquid in the refrigerator
- your favorite tea mug
Ingredients:
- 8 cups (~1900 mL) filtered water
- 1 oz (~30 g) Milky Oat tops, fresh or dried
- 0.5 oz (~15 g) Ashwagandha root, dried
- 0.5 oz (~15 g) Hawthorn berries, dried
- 0.25 oz (~7.5 g) Schisandra berries, dried
- 0.25 oz (~7.5 g) Ginger root, Cinnamon bark, or Orange peel, dried
Instructions:
- Bring the water to boil on the stove. Reduce the heat to simmer.
- Add herb blend to the water. Allow the herbs to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes or until the water has reduced by 1/4 (to 6 cups).
- Turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let it sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Strain the tea into airtight containers (such as mason jars) to safely store it up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Drink 1–2 cups per day to support your nervous, cardiac, digestive, and adrenal health when dealing with periods of high stress.
- For additional effect, drink your tea in a peaceful, comfortable place with no electronics nearby (including your phone!). As you drink, read a book, listen to relaxing music, or employ mindfulness techniques, noticing your breathing, the taste and texture of the tea, or what’s going on in nature or the community around you.
Remember: Herbs are great at supporting health when combined with dietary and lifestyle adjustments that support your health goals. They are not a band-aid fix! If you lead a high-stress life, you may need to make lifestyle adjustments that remove as many stressors as possible or otherwise mitigate excess stress in addition to herbal remedies to truly address the effects stress has on your body.
Milky oats are such a reliable ally for your apothecary shelf. When you’re feeling energetically overtaxed, overburdened, or over-stressed, reaching for a good cup of milky oat tea can take the edge off even the roughest day.
Remember to purchase local when you’re able! Supporting local herb farms and apothecaries keeps your money in your neighborhood, helping your neighbors put meals on the table for themselves and their families while doing the work they love and supporting their community. When we support our our neighbors, we can grow better, together.
STRŌB Apothecary is an idea borne from five individuals with a shared goal: a place where herbalism, spirituality and wellness come together in the interest of wholeness for all. Pulling from our varied and lived experiences, STRŌB is here to provide affordable remedies for the mind, body and spirit. Find more info at: www.strobapothecary.com
About Sean:
Sean Rose is an herbalist and one of the five co-founders of STRŌB Apothecary. He is a recent graduate of the Maryland University of Integrative Health’s Clinical Herbal Medicine program. His relationship with plants began when he was just a child, living on the banks of the Greenbrier River, spending his days beneath the boughs of a gigantic willow tree. In his free time, he enjoys reading, gaming, writing, and of course, enjoying a delicious cup of herbal tea. Find more about Sean at https://flow.page/tenderhearted.love
Please find more information about STRŌB Apothecary and its founders at www.strobapothecary.com/about
