Avena Sativa is the latin name for oats. Other names are Groats and Oatmeal. Avena Sativa preparations are taken internally for a wide variety of ailments, including digestive problems, gallbladder complaints, kidney disorders, rheumatism, heart disease, chest and throat complaints, fatigue, diabetes, constipation, depression, diarrhea, anxiety, stress, nerve disorders, bladder problems, sleeplessness, gout, connective tissue disorders, the symptoms of old age, and narcotic and tobacco withdrawal. However, the value of Avena Sativa for these problems remains unconfirmed; and only external use for skin conditions is considered clearly effective. Oatmeal baths are frequently given to relieve itching from local skin irritations.
The straw from Avena Sativa is also used as a remedy, for inflammatory skin diseases accompanied by itch, as well as for impetigo (a contagious skin eruption), frostbite, eye problems, bladder and rheumatic disorders, gout, and disorders of the metabolism. In foot baths, Avena Sativa is employed as a remedy for chronically cold or tired feet, and as a tea Avena Sativa is taken for flu and coughs. Effectiveness of the straw has not, however, been studied.
Cultivated worldwide, Avena Sativa is an annual, light green grass with a bushy root that grows from 24 to 40 inches high. Avena Sativa is used as an additive in natural cosmetics, and is found in a variety of household foodstuffs and animal feeds. Avena Sativa straw is the dried, threshed leaf and stem of the plant.
Avena Sativa has been shown to lower cholesterol and combat the production of prostaglandins (hormones that act on the blood vessels and other organs in the body).

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