Whole grain oats – Avena sativa

An annual plant of the Poaceae family, oats have been cultivated in Europe since ancient times. Their seeds are rich in nutrients and gentle on the body. In herbal medicine, they are prized for making decoctions or milk baths.

Description

Whole, dry, elongated seeds, beige to light golden in color. The odor is subtle and cereal-like. Their dense texture requires slow preparation to fully release their softening components.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Oats, cultivated oats
• Latin name: Avena sativa
• Family: Poaceae
• Part used: Seed
• Form: Whole, dry
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Oat grain
• German name: Haferkorn
• Name in Spanish: Oatmeal
• Name in Italian: Chicco d'avena
• Name in Arabic: حبة الشوفان (Habat al-Shawfan)

Main virtues

Oatmeal is traditionally known for its softening and nourishing properties. As a decoction, it soothes sensitive skin. As a bath or poultice, it provides natural comfort to dry or irritated skin.

Main constituents

Complex carbohydrates, beta-glucans, lipids, proteins, minerals (iron, magnesium), B vitamins, saponins, mucilages.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds for 500 ml of water, boil for 20 minutes, filter.
• Softening bath: concentrated decoction added to bath water.
• Cosmetic: used in soothing compresses or homemade masks.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• No known contraindications to traditional doses.
• Check for cereal allergies before external or internal use.
• Store away from moisture and food pests.

History and origin

Oats have been cultivated since ancient times, both for human consumption and medicinal purposes. Known for its strengthening and softening properties, they were incorporated into baths in ancient thermal baths. They are still used in many natural preparations today.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container away from humidity.
• Packaging: bulk, kraft bag, glass jar or iron box.
• Appearance: elongated, dry grains, golden color.
• Odor: neutral to slightly cereal-like.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Corpus of traditional European medicine
• Home herbal medicine and popular uses
• Works of artisanal natural cosmetics

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.