Oats
Avena sativa
The grain that we know and love today originated in Scotland, with a weed, wild oats, which volunteered in cultivated wheat fields. Oats tolerate cool conditions better than some other grains are are a good alternative for northern areas and offer an off-season winter crop for growers of other grains in Southern areas.
Oats have many uses today from feeding livestock to feeding people to brewing beer.
Oat straw can also be used to feed a variety of livestock, make corn dollies and infused into a tisane for calming the nerves and for general sexual health. Both the straw and the grain are used on skin-softening and healing preparations.
Fresh green oat grass can be juiced to help balance the female cycle and help with other hormonal issues in both men and women.
Immature oat tops, at the "milk" stage, are used to help relieve nighttime anxiety and tension and encourage a restful sleep.
Oat meal, or rolled outs, can be applied externally to sooth inflamed skin from a variety of conditions. It may be added to a soak and is found in lotions, soaps and other products for people with skin conditions. Eating oat meal is also said to help keep the skin in good health and to help relieve hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Oatmeal is a main ingredient in face food, a moisturizing and exfoliating scrub that is exceptionally useful in the winter.
Oat cakes are traditionally served at many Wiccan ceremonies, particularly Beltane. Oats were once believed to attract vampires.
Oats make a tasty porridge better known in the US as oatmeal that can be combined with a variety of fruits, nuts and sweeteners to further enhance the money and prosperity energy inherent in oats.
Some people with celiac disease find relief in replacing wheat with oats. However, some do not. I understand that some products are better than others.
Note that the high fat content of the oat grain makes it subject to rancidity. Store your oat grains in a cool, dark place and try to use them up quickly.
Oats are rich in dietary fiber and said to be good for the heart and colon and may lower cholesterol. Oats are also rich in thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus and has the highest protein content and the second highest fat content of any grain. (Corn/maize has the highest).
Correspondences
Element(s): Earth -
Planet(s): Venus -
Zodiac Sign: - -
Season: -
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Deities:
Gender: Feminine
money, prosperity, beauty, healing, skin, heart, health, tonic
Recipes that contain Oats
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tell us about your experiments and experiences with this magical food.
