Avena

A. sativa common names: oat extract, wild oats


Avena is the green tops of the cereal plant oats, harvested before the plant flowers. The name is latin for "wild oats" and some studies have shown it may be beneficial for male libido. It is also used to threat nervous exhaustion, insomnia and is an anti-inflammatory. This is where the terminology "sowing wild oats" came from.

There have been claims for hundreds of years regarding the effects of Avena on sexual performance. Unfortunately there really aren't any published medical journal studies to back up this claim. Apparently one holistic institue in the 1980's did do a study regarding this herba s a sex enhancer. They claimed it did work and also marketed a form of the herb. This seems calls the study into question right away since they were selling their own product. It creates what we call "bias" for the research.

One thing to consider, however is to combine it with other herbs such as tongkat ali.

UPDATE:this is the supplement that was apparently found in BinLaden's compound in May of 2011. (!)

It is a sedative for ADD (attention deficit disorder) and for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is rich in calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins.

Benefits

Benefits for specific health conditions include the following:

• Attention deficit disorder (ADD). Reduces symptoms of withdrawl from Ritalin, relieves sadness.
• Eczema. Oatmeal baths sooth skin.
• Menopause. Eases hot flashes, PMS symptoms, insomnia, depression and anxiety. The calcium component helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Diminished sex drive. Increases free testosterone, thereby increasing libido for men.

When used for diminished sex drive, avena is ususally taken in tincture form with other herbal combinations.

Considerations

Do not take this herb if you are already taking Viagra or any other medication for erectile dysfunction. Also, patients with celiac disease patients should not use oats of any kind as it may cause excessive diarhhea.

Read about more herbs at the herb online dictionary.

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