Use of Oats
Use of Oats
Scientific name: Avena fatua L.
Family: Gramineae
Common name: wild oats
Dialect name: ina, ena
Herbaceous annual plant with erect habit, linear light green leaves, enveloping the stem; the inflorescence is a panicle consisting of several spikelets and the fruits are kernels similar to wheat seeds, but thinner and with a lower starch content.
It is widespread, from sea level to mountain areas, with different species having all the same characteristics and the same uses.
Active principles
The active principles are contained in the culms and in the kernels.
Collection
Harvesting must be done in summer, after the ear has matured.
Property
Diuretic, expectorant, refreshing, emollient, antipruritic.
It is also used in the kitchen and in cosmetics for the preparation of soaps and creams.
Internal use
Diuretic, expectorant
Diuresis: boil 50 grams of seeds in a liter of water, filter and consume several times a day.
Phlegm: boil 20 grams of leaves in a liter of water, filter, add a teaspoon of honey and consume several times a day.
Oat kernels are used in family medicine, in decoction, as emollients, for the treatment of bronchial inflammatory processes.
By adding oat and barley seeds, carob beans and dried figs to cooked wine, an excellent preparation is obtained against coughs and colds.
External use
Anti-itch, refreshing and emollient
Anti-itch for erythema: boil 100 g of shredded leaves and seeds in two liters of water for 5 minutes, filter and add to the bath water, or use to rinse the affected areas. For the same purposes, poultice can be used.
Forest uses
Suitable for the recovery of limestone cliffs and tuffs in Mediterranean habitats.
Source: “The shrub species of the Mediterranean scrub.” Forest series.
Maria Canzoneri