Avena sativa
(Oats)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Alterative
• Antidepressant
• Cerebral trophorestorative
• Nervine
• Sedative
• Stimulates the nervous system due to the property of the alkaloid, avenine
• Stimulates the limbic system and motor ganglis leading to increased energy and sense of well-being

Clinical Indications:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Breaking addictive habits, including morphine, opium, alcohol, nicotine, coffee, etc
• Insomnia

Contraindications:

• None known

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Antagonizes the antinociceptive effect of morphine
• Antagonizes the hypertensive response to nicotine in animal studies
• Hydrocolloidal fiber of oats may slow absorption of oral drugs

Chemical Constituents:

• Alkaloids:
  
  Avenine, stimulates the central nervous system
  Trigonelline
• Calcium
• Copper
• Fats
• Flavonoids
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Protein (gluten)
• Saponins
• Starch
• Sterol
• Zinc

Toxicity:

• Extremely large doses can cause headaches located at the back of the head

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).