Herb Profile ~ Oatstraw

Also known as- Avena sativa, Oats, Common Oats, and sometimes referred to as "avena."
Oatstraw is one of my favorite herbal allies. I rely on infusions of this wonderful herb to help nourish & tone the nervous system.
Oatstraw is a rich source of calcium and magnesium. It is useful for physical and nervous fatigue and is helpful for depression. Oatstraw also contains B-complex vitamins, silicia, calcium, flavones, saponins, and Vitamin A.

Oatstraw is an excellent overall tonic. It has been used traditionally for regulating thyroid function and sex hormones, for easing symptoms of MS, osteoporosis, appetite loss, anorexia, urinary concerns, colds and chills and to encourage sweating.

Oatsraw increases internal heat and dispels internal chill. It is valued by herbalists to assist in strengthening metabolism and circulation, relieving symptoms of depression, relieving muscle spasms, soothing damaged or inflamed gastric mucous membranes, strengthening the nervous system, assisting the assimilating of foods and and sor it's overall strengthening effect on the body.

I find myself reaching for oatstraw infusion during times of stress or overwork. The plentiful minerals of this wonderful herb help soothe frazzled nerves and give me a lift.
Many people claim that drinking oatstraw infusions daily helps increase libido and energy, (recall the old saying, "feeling your oats".)

Oatstraw is also a good herb to add to other herbal infusions for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

This is one herb I've never tried growing. I'd love to hear from others who have.
I get organinc bulk oatstraw from Mt. Rose Herbs.

Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

Making your own Vanilla Extract is extremely easy, and is much less expensive than purchasing it. Plus, it makes an excellent gift that anyone is sure to enjoy! Below is a simple recipe for homemade Vanilla Extract, but please feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your taste.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

INGREDIENTS

2-3 whole vanilla beans (approximately 1/2 ounce)
1 cup brandy, vodka, or bourbon

DIRECTIONS

Split vanilla beans lengthwise with a knife, leaving the seeds inside intact. Place vanilla beans in a jar, cover with alcohol, and cap tightly. Agitate the mixture by shaking the jar once per day for approximately 4-6 weeks. The mixture will turn a dark brown color, and will become stronger in flavor with time. You may infuse the vanilla beans for as long as you would like, and can also add new vanilla beans to the jar to make a stronger and more concentrated Vanilla Extract! Once that the flavor of the extract has reached the desired strength, strain the vanilla beans out, and bottle the resulting extract. Amber colored bottles are preferred, but any glass bottles may be used. To make the bottles even more attractive, you can insert a vanilla bean into each bottle. If giving as a gift, then you can also tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle and attach a label listing the ingredients and date created.
Vanilla extract will last indefinitely, and will become even more pronounced in flavor as it ages. Homemade Vanilla Extract may be used in exactly the same manner as commercial Vanilla Extract.

I buy Certified Organic and Biodynamic Certified Vanilla Beans from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Bulk Vanilla Beans

Sprout Something!

I know it's the dead of winter and if you're like me, you are itching to see some signs of life! Honestly, it's all I can do to wait patiently for Spring. I miss my greens! I miss my flowers! I miss seeing the kids out in the garden grazing on peas and strawberries and green beans. I would trade my kingdom to pop a juicy cherry tomato - warmed by the sun into my waiting mouth! (Don't even get me started on the price I paid for cucumbers yesterday!)
Well, today I want to share a way to get a little growing action in your kitchen - Sprouts!
Sprouting seeds are treasure troves of nutrition and have been grown by civilizations around the world for more than 5,000 years. Sprouts are considered to be one of the world’s “Super foods” because of their remarkable nutritional content. All natural edible sprouts from organic sprouting seeds offer both flavor and nutrients for culinary dishes throughout the world and have become a staple for many worldwide diets. They are easy to grow, economical, and one pound of sprouting seed can usually generate about five pounds of sprouts!
Sprouting your own seeds can be done all year long - in the winter, summer, spring or fall with just a nice spot in front of your favorite window.
One great benefit of sprouting seeds is that anyone can do it! You may grow your sprouts from start to finish on the kitchen counter with just the light they get from around the room or a little indirect sunlight. Contrary to popular belief, when growing sprouts, room light is nothing to worry about. Sprouts can't begin photosynthesis until they have leaves.

Watch this excellent short video from Mt. Rose Herbs to see how easy sprouting is:



Not only is sprouting your own seeds a lot of fun but there many advantages of sprouting ones own seeds. Increases in protein quality, fiber content, essential fatty acids, and vitamin content are just a few of the amazing nutritional changes that occur upon germination.

Seed Sources Matter!

I get my sprouting seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs because they are guaranteed certified organic and Kosher certified.

Sprouting times for different varieties of seeds will vary. Below is a list of some of the most common sprouting seeds and typical amount of time to yummy sprouts. Of course, tasting along the way will help you determine when your sprouts taste best.


Red Clover: 3-5 days
Broccoli: 3-6 days
Alfalfa: 5-6 days
Red Lentil: 4-6 days
Radish: 3-5 days
Buckwheat: 3-5 days

Organic Bulk Sprouting Seeds