Wild oat is the remedy for people who feel they want to do something worthwhile with their lives but don’t know which direction to go. They tend to drift from one thing to another without finding a true path. They become frustrated and downcast as a result.

We can compare the Wild Oat state with that ofScleranthus. In the latter the goal itself isn’t in doubt, but we need to decide how to get there. For example, you might know that marriage is for you. But which partner to choose? – that would be a Scleranthus problem, one of choosing between a limited number of options.

In a Wild Oat state the goal itself is less defined. For example, you know you want a fulfilling life. But does that mean getting married or staying single? Finding a career? Changing religion? It’s much more difficult in a Wild Oat state to define the options as our goal is not clear.

When we are in this state of frustrated and vague ambition, Wild Oat helps us find our true path. It puts us back in touch with our sense of purpose so that the way ahead seems clearer.