Based on a conversation with RavenCroft Garden's Director Sally King, CCH and apprentices Kristin Colby, Samantha Desmond, Kristi Dranginis, Sierra Keylin and Michaela O'Bryan.

Cradling a creamy bowl of oatmeal on a crisp northwest morning settles me slowly into fall. That same sense of soothing, backed by oats' powerhouse of nutritional strength, can be found in herbal form in a glass of brewed oatstraw. Drinking my oats is a new experience, and a great way to absorb its incredible range of health benefits. Sally reminds me that, whether cultivated like oats or wild like nettle (see April 2004), these herbs are essentially super-foods. "We live in a world devoid of earth — of mineral — in a lot of ways. We bring that back into our life by incorporating these herbs to create a foundation of health."

Oatstraw, Avena sativa, is a combination of the oat grain itself along with its grassy stalk and leaf. Oatstraw has a sweet, light, nutty flavor. Harvested, dried and prepared as a standard brew (see sidebar), oatstraw provides the daily liquid we need in a highly nutritious form. It is rich in protein, and in minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Oatstraw is a good source of B vitamins, and also contains vitamins C, E, K, A and G. It is particularly good for infants who are struggling to thrive or anyone with chronic illnesses.

Oatstraw builds and strengthens bones, teeth, hair and nails. It supports the nervous system and is an excellent ally for depression and stress. Oatstraw is a blood tonic and aids circulation, which alleviates hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It builds energy slowly, helps stabilize blood sugar levels and promotes sound sleep. Oatstraw assists the adrenals and helps regulate hormones and avert prostate problems. When the highs, lows and heat surges of menopause crack your ability to cope, reach for oatstraw brew to help calm the transition. Soothing and relaxing, "Oatstraw is a fantastic herb for women during any kind of change," says Sally.

"Healing from the Ground Up" is RavenCroft's apprenticeship program, which Kristi describes as learning about herbs combined with "a course in life." Michaela enjoys how the program brings a sense of community to their learning. Apprentices participate in a three-year program staged in nine-month segments: "Initiation: Being human," includes the practical use of dooryard herbs in cultivation of life and creation of health; "Deepening," explores the relationship between the use of plants, the elements and health (personal, community and environmental); and "Mentoring," consists of creating a personal practice of Community Centered Herbalism.

I am curious about the apprentices' experiences with oatstraw. Sierra says it's one of the easiest herbs to use, as people like the taste and feel of it right away. Michaela notices that it is grounding. Kristin says that since using oatstraw her fingernails are stronger, while Kristi finds that it promotes faster hair growth. Kristi also says that it eases her digestion, is comforting and brings a sense of power that both calms and energizes her. She recommends drinking it while you work as a source of water and nutrition. "I'm getting something more (nourishing) to sustain me, so I don't need to snack as much."

"She's a sexy gal," says Sally of Avena's "wild oats" reputation. Michaela experiences the effect as a "huggy" feeling; Kristin describes it as greater enjoyment and a heightened sense of love. Oatstraw's gift is less an aphrodisiac and more a side benefit of nourishing the nerves (sense of touch), improving circulation (blood flow) and stabilizing blood sugar, making you less tired and irritable. Whatever the science, "feeling your oats" is a treat!

Find oatstraw at your local herbalist or order online through RavenCroft.