Tips using Oats – ChatterTip April 2014
Before I get into the tips, here’s a nibbly little tidbit for you – as I mentioned earlier I was born in The Year of the Horse and I love Oats, and we know that Oats are one of what we call the Cereals. In Astrology, besides the Planets, we also have what are known as the Asteroids, and Ceres is one of them. The word Cereal comes from Ceres, who was the Roman Goddess of Agriculture (and in Greek Mythology she was Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest, who presided over Grains and the Fertility of the Earth). Ceres is connected with the 2nd Earth sign of Virgo and is associated with all Cereals including Barley, Oats, Rye, Wheat and Grasses. Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting…
I have the Asteroid Ceres right on my Rising Sign (or Ascendant), which explains why I love all things Cereal! I can quite happily eat Cereal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but I always used to feel guilty because growing up in England, one only ate cereal at breakfast-time, one was supposed to eat “breakfast” foods at breakfast, tea-time foods at tea-time… and that was that, but for me, a bowl of Cereal or a slice of Toast was always a favorite snack at any time of day or night. So once I learned that Ceres was literally right on my Ascendant, I realized it was perfectly natural for me to enjoy all those foods. Now I eat a bowl of Cereal or a slice of Toast whenever I want – totally guilt-free!
According to the Bach Flower Essences: Wild Oat is for capable people who have ambition to do something meaningful in their lives but have not yet found their true calling. They may have several choices or directions they could follow and may be working hard on a given path, but fundamentally they are dissatisfied and frustrated. Somewhere deep down they know that they have not found their vocation in life, and are emotionally or spiritually unsatisfied. Wild Oathelps to tune the heart (ruled by Leo) to what will bring true meaning and purpose. It helps us the make choices, sometimes difficult, which unite all aspirations. It also helps us to balance the needs of spirituality and making a living. [Excuse me while I run out and get me a bottle…]
No big surprise that I am giving you 5 Tips using Oats this time…
Oats for Convalescents
According to my old Herb Book, although Oats are used primarily for their nutritional value, they are also particularly helpful for certain convalescing patients. In Europe for example, Wild Oats (which are picked whole as a young green plant and known as Oat Straw) are used to make a tea to help with Chest complaints, and Oat Straw is also used in various baths, which aid in healing a number of ailments including Rheumatism, Lumbago, Gout, as well as Liver & Kidneyproblems.
Oats for Menstrual Cramps and More…
Eating a daily bowl of Oatmeal can help to end Endometrial pain, making Menstruation less miserable with fewer cramps, aches & pains. Oats can also help to control Hormonal activity, lower blood Cholesterol levels, ease Constipation, as well as aid with Fatigue and Depression. Who knew?
Oats for Poison Ivy
If you happen to have a bad case of Poison Ivy, or even the Chicken Pox, grind 1 cup Oatmeal (or Oats) until fine and wrap in cheesecloth. Place the cheesecloth in the end of a stocking or pantyhose leg and tie it so it hangs under the faucet when you run the bathwater. It’s best to go with lukewarm water and soak for about 30 minutes. You can also apply the Oatmeal pouch directly to the infected areas to help soothe the rash as well.
Oatmeal Facial Mask
Make a simple face mask by combining Oatmeal with a little Warm Water until it forms a paste. Especially good for oily skin, and rubbing Dry Oatmeal directly onto the skin will remove any flaky or peeling skin. If you want some thing a little more tasty, then combine ½ cup Hot Water with 1/3 cup Oatmeal. After about 3 minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons Plain Yoghourt, 2 tablespoons Honey and 1 small Egg White (optional). Apply thin layer of the mixture to your face and leave on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with Warm Water.
Oatmeal Dry Shampoo
For those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair, this can apparently be a great solution. Take 1 cup of Oatmeal, place in blender and grind to a fine powder. Add 1 cup Baking Soda and mix well. Rub a little of the mixture into your hair, give it a minute or two to soak up the oils and then brush (or shake) it out of your hair (preferably over the bathtub or a towel). This can also be a great solution for bedridden patients who cannot bathe or wash their hair in the shower. And, it can even be used to deodorize your dog’s coat!