Gemini in Medical Astrology and Herbalism

Astrological Blueprint

 

Planetary Ruler: Mercury

Mode: Mutable

Element: Air

 

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As the spark of creation continues along its evolution of consciousness through the wheel of the zodiac, it arrives in Gemini where it finds itself perceiving polarity for the first time. The classic archetype for Gemini is that of the twins and points towards its dual nature. As a mutable air sign ruled by mercury, this is a sign of movement. From the stability of Taurus, consciousness is now resourced to explore. The key phrase for Gemini is "I Speak." This is a sign of communication and relations. In order to know the world outside of ourselves fully, we must be able to communicate with and learn about the world around us. This is a very heady sign. Highly intellectual and curious, Gemini learns by exploring both sides of the coin, and comes home to themselves by synthesizing and beholding opposition. Gemini loves information, researching, and thinking logically. These types are often sharp and witty.

 

 

In the body

The primary correspondences for Gemini are the respiratory system, the hemispheres of the brain, the act of speaking, arms, hands, shoulders. It is not uncommon for folks with strong gemini placements to speak with their hands, or need to be fidgeting with them in some way. 

 

The nervous system also corresponds to Gemini. When out of balance this sign is prone to burnout, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, mental illness, and digital & information addictions. It can also suffer from respiratory infections, speech impediments and asthma.

 

It is interesting to observe the correlation between the respiratory system and the nervous system. How common is it today to say "take a deep breath" when someone is in a state of nervous activation? Regulating our breath inherently regulates our nervous system. 

 

'Tis the season of scroll holes and meditation folks.

 

 

Herbal Actions

Expectorant, demulcent, nutritive tonic, nervine, nerve trophorestorative, antispasmodic, carminative, nootropic.

 

Herbal Allies

Milky Oats, Gotu Kola, Passion Flower, Lobelia, Thyme, Marshmallow leaf

 

Milky Oat Tops (Avena sativa) : Antioxidant, antispasomdic, nervine, nerve trophorestorative, cardiotonic, nutritive, demulcent. Milky Oat is a soothing nervine and the rich mineral content and latex work on the physical tissues of our nerves. Taking the tincture has an almost instant calming effect; you may feel as though it is coating your nervous system. We love this plant because it is not sedating or stimulating, the effect is fairly neutral; making it suitable for most constitutions. As a trophorestorative for an affinity for the nervous system, you can think of this plant medicine as food for the nerves and the stressed out state; in fact oats are a very nourishing food! While "milky oats" are the same plant at "oat straw," when talking about milky oats we are talking about the medicine that comes from the latex that comes from the fresh oat tops. Once dried, it becomes oat straw, and while still calming, does not repair the nerves in the same way. This is an incredible useful plant for burnout and states of chronic anxiety. It is most effective when used in moderate - high doses consistently over long periods of time. The demulcent and moistening qualities coupled with the mineral content has a rebuilding effect on skin, hair, nails and connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, fascia). Some find it useful in addiction by easing symptoms of withdrawl. It is also indicated for exhaustion, multiple sclerosis, vata & pitta constitutional types, anxiety, mild depression, chronic stress, poor concentration & memory, addiction, alzheimer's, chronic neuralgia, eczema.

 

Lobelia  (Lobelia inflata): Respiratory stimulant, anti-asthmatic, spasmolytic, expectorant, nervine, relaxant, emetic, diaphoretic. It is a classic remedy for the lungs, as a relaxant expectorant it helps to relieving asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and croup. It is specific for bronchiole constriction, tension and tightness and alleviates spasm very quickly. Also very effective for relief of sinusitis. As a relaxant it works specifically on the smooth muscles more than the nervous system itself, this makes it useful in for some cases of IBS. It is a power purgative so  make sure to start with low doses! Lobelia contains an alkaloid called "lobeline" which is similar to nicotine, which binds to nicotine receptors in the brain and helps to reduce cravings! To work with it in this way you must also use an alcohol tincture of the fresh plant, otherwise this alkaloid is not present. 

                                                                       

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Anti-septic, anti-helmintic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, astringent, expectorant, spasmolyticOne of our favourite under-rated kitchen herbs, thyme helps clear the lungs of thick, heavy mucous while also relieving constriction of the bronchioles. Thyme is a potent remedy for upper and lower respiratory infections. The constituent of thymol is very antiseptic, and helps thin the mucus so it can be brought up and out of the respiratory tract. We see in this scenario that Thyme is well suited to treat damp stagnation, especially when there is active infection. Thyme is slightly agitating to the mucous membranes, thus stimulating function and moving cold out through the periphery.  Thyme is indicated when there are chills and shutters throughout the body. Typically what we see in the flu. Chills & body tension is a result of the wind/tension tissue state. Thyme opens the channels with warmth and stimulation, counteracting built up constriction.

 

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)Sedative, anxiolytic, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, nervine, mild anodyne.  Passion flower is useful for insomnia, disturbed sleep patterns and short term bouts of sleeplessness. It is helpful in supporting deep rest without any grogginess the next day. As a nervine it is useful for anxiety, tension, and irritability. Passion flower's gentle sedative properties produce a relaxing effect that reduce nervous overactivity and panic. Even though it is a sedative, it is mild enough to use during the day and maintain normal function. It is a non-addictive herbal tranquilizer. An ally for high tension conditions like  asthma, palpitations, high blood pressure, and muscle cramps. Trials have shown to benefit for conditions as diverse as: pre-op sedation, nervous tachycardia, and opiate withdrawal. It has been used for convulsions/seizures, Parkinson's disease and hysteria. As a mild anodyne  (pain reliever) it can be given for toothache, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and headaches. You can work with passion flower in both our Unwind  and Dream Potion 

 

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Tonic, adaptogen, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, circulatory/capillary/venous tonic, peripheral vasodilator, nervine, sedative, anti-rheumatic, mild diuretic, hypoglycaemic, nootropic. This low lying creeping plant combats oxidative stress and stimulates neurogenesis by helping prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which improves mood and; improves cerebral circulation. It can promote calmness while increasing energy. It is a wonderful herb for supporting focus. On a more esoteric level, in Ayurveda, Gotu Kola is revered as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs. It is said to improve meditation by developing the crown chakra, as well as balancing right and left hemispheres of the brain. Like in the west, in this system it is looked at as one of the main herbs used to nourish and revitalize both the nerves, brain and adrenals. In doing so it can be used to treat both physical and mental fatigue. ⁠We use this in our Nootropic Formula. Use code "mindfulMush!" to access.

 

Marshmallow Leaf (Althea officianalis): Expectorant, emollient, diuretic, antilithic. Marshmallow leaf has a particular affinity for the lungs and the urinary system. While both the leaves and roots have similar qualities, as an expectorant the leaves are effective for  bronchitis, respiratory catarrh and irritating coughs. Its demulcent action helps to relieve dry coughs, bronchial asthma and pleurisy and soothes sore throats.

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