Like a lot of people, I have struggled with anxiety. The demands of our fast-paced society often lead to excessive stress for so many.

I’ve taught workshops on yoga and meditation for the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and these everyday worries. But, sometimes we need more help. Sometimes, anxiety overtakes us and our minds can’t get to our breathing techniques.

When I began my study of herbs, I was fascinated by how many plants fall under the category of “nervine” (an herb to calm the nerves). I decided I would try the ones that were safe for me and my particular symptoms. I wasn’t surprised by how many worked. I had used valerian root, a more popular calmative that has since hit the mainstream enough to show up on Whole Foods’ shelves. With the number of plants on this earth, it was unsurprising that so many others would have a calming effect.

What did surprise me was how the various nervine herbs worked differently, treating specific sets of symptoms. Some were sedating and helped put me right to sleep. Others were gentle; I’d realize a few hours later that my heart wasn’t pounding and I was no longer chewing my fingernails. Some of these herbs relaxed my mind while others distinctly relaxed my body. One helped a stress headache. Another helped neck and shoulder tension. Among all of these emerged a favorite. Wild oats.

In the herbal medicine world, oats are sometimes referred to as milky oats. This is because wild oats release a milk-like sap when the plant starts to flower. This is the time to harvest the herb for its medicinal properties.

I remember the first time I took Avena Sativa (its Latin name), in tincture form. I am sensitive to herbs, so I only took 15 drops in a small amount of water. I’d been having a hard time winding down that night. Anxiety was causing me to jump from one task to another, then to social media and email, then back to another task. I was amped and unfocused, when I should have been heading to bed.

After taking the herb, I started my evening ritual of preparing for sleep. I got into bed about 20 minutes later. I began reading a book, not realizing the effects of the oats. About 30 minutes later, I noticed that I’d been solely focused on reading. Normally, I might read a few pages, then send a text, read a few more pages, then check email. That night, I read without my mind moving in ten different directions. My mind had relaxed, but it had also focused.

The next day, I went back to my books for review and saw that some consider oats to be a nervine and a mild stimulant. It is used to both strengthen and relax the mind. Another book described the herb as useful for nervous exhaustion and to improve concentration. Bingo, I thought to myself. That is precisely how I experienced milky oats.

Since then, Avena Sativa has been a go-to herb for me when I need this exact kind of calm focus. Ask me if this herb might be right for you!