Wild Oats, Avena Sativa – An Aphrodisiac for Men

Since the beginnings of human civilization, mankind has invested considerable time and research into ways of improving their sex life. Over time certain substances like foods and herbs acquired the reputation of heightening sexual desire and even bettering sexual performance when used by men and women. These came to be known as Aphrodisiacs. One such plant which has been long supposed to have aphrodisiacal properties is wild oats, especially when used by men.

About Wild Oats

This is a kind of grain whose plant is known by the botanical name of Avena sativa. Since ancient times, oats have been believed to be a rich source of energy. However the product which is supposed to have aphrodisiacal properties and is now popularly referred as Avena Sativa is actually the extract of wild oats straw.

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How Avena Sativa works as an aphrodisiac

The extract from wild oats straw, also known as avena sativa, has long been believed to give a boost to the male libido. While the exact mechanism of this action is still not clear, according to some sources the herbal extract works by freeing up bound testosterone in the body. Testosterone is one of the most important hormones necessary for the building up of sexual desire. Present in normal levels in the male body, it helps to bring about sexual arousal and attains as well as maintain an erection among men. However only about 2 percent of the body’s testosterone is in a ‘free’ state with the other 98 percent being bound with protein molecules. The greater the level of ‘free’ testosterone, the more effective is the hormone in boosting libido. With fall of testosterone levels, a person may be unable to be adequately aroused or achieve an erection. In such cases, natural substances which raise the levels of free testosterone in the body may aid sexual stimulation and consequently sexual performance. It is perhaps for this reason that wild oats straw extract or avena sativa has been traditionally used in the treatment of impotence and premature ejaculation among men.

Yet another way by which wild oats have been known to induce sexual stimulation among men is by its effect on the nerves of the motor ganglia. The pericarp of oats contains an amorphous alkaloid which is thought to act as a stimulant of the motor ganglia, consequently heightening stimulation in the muscles of the sex organs. In fact some studies have shown that wild oats when consumed by horses produces unnatural excitement in the animals and the same effect may be duplicated among humans.

According to some sources, the chemicals present in wild oats straw are also beneficial for relaxation of the central nervous system. Hence avena sativa has been used to treat mild depression, soothe the nerves and remove anxiety – in other words create a mental state conducive to sexual pleasure.

Like most grains, wild oats is extremely rich in nutrients essential for sexual health. It is an energy powerhouse since only 100 grams of the grain produces 389 kcal of energy.  Besides this, it is an excellent natural source of proteins and contains most of the essential amino acids including substantial amounts of leucine and arginine. In fact arginine has been known to form nitric oxide in the body which increases blood flow to the genitals and thus helps in attaining erection among men.

Moreover wild oats is an important source of many vitamins and essential minerals. It contains substantial levels of magnesium, phosphorus and potassium – minerals which are not adequately found in other foods but extremely important for production of sex hormones in adequate quantities. Among other minerals present in wild oats are calcium and some amounts of iron, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese. Some of the most important vitamins present in the grain are Vitamin B6, B12 and E besides Pantothenic acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin and Folate, all of which are necessary for the healthy functioning of the sex organs.

Using Avena Sativa

Wild oats straw extract or avena sativa can be taken in the form of capsules which are available at large health food or herbal stores. Alternatively the herb can also be taken in the form of tinctures in case of which the usual dosage is 10 drops two to three times a day. As a grain oats can be consumed in the form of a gruel to get the maximum advantage of its nutritional properties and has been widely used in folk medicine as a strengthening agent after illness or childbirth. Also a thick emollient poultice made from boiled oats is said to offer relief from skin diseases like eczema or inflammatory conditions.

Possible side effects of using wild oats extract

In general wild oats are well tolerated and its use has not been known to lead to any severe side effects. In fact it is much safer to use wild oats extract as an anti-depressant as compared to other herbs like St John’s Wort which may be contraindicated due to certain drug interactions. Avena sativa is also a safer alternative to herbal libido boosters like yohimbe as well as to chemical sexual stimulants which may result in undesirable side effects. Used with Valerian root, Avena sativa is known to be extremely helpful in treating withdrawal symptoms arising from addiction to tranquilizers, alcohol and even cigarettes.  The herb does not seem to have any known drug interactions so it is usually safe to use it in recommended dosage. However it is best to take advice from a healthcare professional before being used by pregnant of lactating women.

Also if avena sativa tincture is taken in excessive quantities, restlessness and overexcitement may occur.

In Europe, the extract of wild oats straw has been used for centuries by men for their reputed libido-boosting properties. This is perhaps why the phrase, “sowing your wild oats” referred to sexually promiscuous behavior. While modern research is just beginning to explore the aphrodisiacal possibilities of Avena sativa, the nutritional and therapeutic properties of wild oats has already been borne out in many scientific studies.