Avena

Oats

Avena sativa

People for whom Avena is most appropriate are prone to mental and physical exhaustion accompanied by poor concentration. These people typically tend to be nervous or elderly. Alternatively, they may be feeling the effects of a drug or alcohol addiction.

Great weakness, and a tendency to suffer sleeplessness are key symptoms associated with the remedy. There may be a very low libido or male impotence, possibly linked with excessive sexual activity. The tincture is often prescribed as herbal drops rather than homeopathic pills.

Oats have a long history of medicinal use in Europe for a wide range of ailments. They are most often used in debility, eczema, and nervous conditions.

The fresh, green aerial parts in flower are expressed for their juice, which is mixed with alcohol.

Uses

Most oats are used for feeding livestock, but some are processed for breakfast foods. Oats are a nutritive food and are used as a nerve tonic in both herbalism and homeopathy.
Avena is used mainly as a tincture to strengthen the nerves, in nervous exhaustion, or for worry and anxiety. It is also said to help impotence and is very useful in treating nervousness and insomnia in alcoholics and heavy drinkers.