Avena Sativa, The Common Oat

• As the third most important grain crop in the United States, oats are cultivated in almost all of the contiguous states. European settlers introduced the crop to the North and South American continents.
  
  

Food Staple

• People consume the seed portion of avena sativa, or oat plants. Oats reach the retail market in various forms. Rolled, flaked and steel cut oats meet the market demand for oatmeal. Manufacturers add oat fiber and flour to breads, biscuits, cereals and pastries to increase their nutritional value and shelf life.
  
  

Sedative

• Oat tea and oat tinctures have been recommended for use as a sedative.
  
  

Digestive Aid

• Traditional folk medicine recommends eating oatmeal to increase a suppressed appetite and improve digestion.
  
  

Skin Treatment

• Some cosmetics contain avena sativa in powder or extract form to soothe and moisturize skin. Cooked oats or colloidal oatmeal may be added to baths or a steam shower to treat dry or itchy skin.
  
  

Additional Uses

• Farmers use avena sativa as an alternative grain crop; oats grow in fertile as well as undesirable and acidic soils. With appropriate drainage, it can grow in areas where wheat would not be viable. Oat crops also provide hay and fodder to grazing animals, cattle, goats, sheep, etc.