Oats, or to use the 'herbalist' term avena sativa is used to help with conditions such as nervous debility, exhaustion, stress and various other 'nervous' conditions.
It is also felt to be an aphrodisiac on some levels for women, helping to restore the libido and for men helping with any erection problems. (Note it is not as effective as some drugs such as Viagra, but can assist in alleviating problems).
It is also thought to be useful when treating addiction, most notably relieving stress and feelings of anxiety when withdrawing from alcohol or cigarettes. Note, however, that if withdrawing from alcohol, conventional medicine may be required to administer 'withdrawal drugs'.
When used to treat smoking addiction, the doses administered may be higher and it may be used over a longer period of time than if simply for a nervous condition. This is to ensure that when the person stops using the Oats, the urge to smoke has truly dissipated.