The Wonders of Oatmeal- Inside and Out

Photo Credit: The Honest Kitchen.Com

Oats are a universal and resolute grain. Known for their ability to heal on the inside as well as the outside, oats (avena sativa) are at the core of healthy overall well being.

Oats can be used in many ways from its most conventional form as the beloved, hot cereal that fills you up to being mixed with water into a paste to soothe dry, itchy skin. Since they are chock full of fiber they are on the top 5 list of natural remedies to cleanse one’s system; promote heart health and keep one feeling full longer.  Oats are also a saponin – for those of you who enjoy soap making as I do, you know all too well the significance of this word—being that it holds this unique quality it is also widely used as a natural way of cleansing and balancing oily skin types; locking in moisture for those with dry skin and relieving discomfort for problem skin (one of the few ingredients which can be used to aide all skin types).  

Check out my favorite things to do with Oats (below):

Relieve the itch of bug bites: Place ¼ cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- meal the oats (if desired).
add 1 tablespoon of water (more if needed to make paste consistency) & 1 teaspoon honey (known for it's moisturizing & anti-bacterial properties).
Rub on affected area- let sit about 10 mins- wash away with warm water & gently pat dry.

Balance Oily/Acne-prone skin (works great for back acne):

Place ¼ cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- meal the oats (if desired).

Mix oats with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (adjust as necessary) add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil.

Dab onto problem area & allow to dry. Rinse with warm water & gently pat dry.

Natural relief from eczema, rashes and problem skin:Place ½  cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- grind to medium consistency (if desired).
Take cheesecloth or an old nylon and place ground oatmeal inside (tie at one end to keep oats in)
Draw a warm bath and submerge the ground oatmeal into the tub- add 1 cup of milk if skin is really irritated. Soak in the tub & enjoy!
**If doing this just to relax- add a few drops of lavendar essential oil or dried lavendar flowers to the oat mix & prepare to relax. **