Oat Straw
Oats are one of Britain's most familiar crops, from breakfast porridge to Scottish oatcakes. Oat straw is the green stem and leaf of the same plant, harvested while still young and full of life.
At a glance
- Botanical name: Avena sativa
- Plant family: Grass family (Poaceae)
- Part we use: Green stem and leaf
- Native to: Europe, including Britain
- Character: Mild, sweet and grassy
History and tradition
Oats have been a staple food in northern Europe for many centuries, particularly in Scotland, northern England and Wales, where they thrive in cooler, wetter climates.
In Western herbal tradition, oat straw and the "milky" oat tops have long been regarded as gentle, nourishing herbs for the nervous system and are often used as a mild, everyday tea.
Herbalists traditionally harvest oat at the milky stage, when squeezing the young seed head releases a white, milky sap.
Where you will find Oat Straw in our tinctures
- In NIGHTTIME, Oat Straw brings a gentle, nourishing base to the blend, supporting the floral notes of Chamomile, Lavender and Linden Flower alongside Ashwagandha.
- In CALM, it adds a soft, grounding note to Lemon Balm, Vervain, Linden Flower and Ashwagandha.
Did you know?
Samuel Johnson's famous dictionary of 1755 defined oats as "a grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people". The Scots have been answering back ever since.
Good to know
Oat straw is generally well tolerated. If you have coeliac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, please speak to your GP before use.
As with any herbal supplement, please speak to your GP or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition.
Meet more herbs
If you enjoyed learning about Oat Straw, you may also like Linden Flower, Ashwagandha and Chamomile. Or browse every plant in our blends on Meet the Herbs.
Blooming Blends tinctures are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
