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Mercury is the messenger of the gods, the planet that links and makes connections.
In medical astrology, Mercury is the natural ruler of the nervous system.
Its position in an individual’s horoscope is a significant indicator of
the health and resilience of their nervous system and how they will cope
with stress.
The
nervous system carries information regarding the condition of the body
to the brain. It then processes it and carries back instructions from
the brain to the rest of the body regarding function. Mercury oversees
the sifting and synthesis of information, and is the common linking factor
between the systems of the body. The mechanism of breathing is also
ruled by Mercury.
Mercurial
Disorders
Mercury
disorders are the nervous disorders, both physical and mental, from neurological
disorders where disease affects the brain and nervous system disturbing
its normal function, to situations where the ill health is more of a mental
nature, disrupting the nervous state of the individual.
Neurological
disorders range from vertigo, convulsions, paralysis, sciatica, Parkinson’s
and respiratory complaints. Nervous disorders tend toward communication
and learning problems as well as to anxiety and nervousness. Obviously,
Mercury being the planet of connections, there is frequently an overlap
between nervous and neurological disturbances.
Mercury’s
Health Impact Through the Signs
The sign
that Mercury occupies in the natal chart is indicative of specific nervous
system weaknesses to be alert for. Its position can also indicate what
remedial measures will be most effective in prevention or treatment. To
find out what sign Mercury occupies in your birth
chart, go to the StarIQ members page. (If you are not already a member you will need to register and enter your birth data.) To see what health issues and therapies can be
associated with your Mercury placement, click here.
Mercury
Aspects in the Horoscope
Mercury
has a chameleon-like quality and easily takes on the color of any planet
it aspects. The messages Mercury conveys can easily be distorted by its
contacts, leading the brain to process inaccurate information and transmit
inappropriate commands. Click here
to see a table of Mercury aspects and their associated nervous functions.
Nervines
for Mercury/Nervous System Problems
Now
that you know a little more about how Mercury and the nerves interact,
and what Mercury influences exist in your own birth chart, I’d like to
look at nervines to help support the nervous system. Remember to consult
with a doctor, naturopath or herbal practitioner to ensure that you are
taking the appropriate doses of nervines and herbs.
Even
without a medical background, an astrologer can confidently improve a
client’s well-being with the suggestion they consider the use of a gentle
nervine tea. Nervines are herbs that support the nervous system. Nervines
not only strengthen the nerves, but also support a process of discrimination
and prioritizing of information. In this age of information explosion,
most of us suffer from an overload of media assault, from TV to the Internet.
Nervines support memory and encourage healthy sleep patterns, reduce reactivity
to external stressors and strengthen the immune system.
Some
common and safe nervines to recommend in tea form are the sedative nervines
such as balm, chamomile, hops, lime blossom and lavender. These exert
a calming effect on the central nervous system, and are frequently used
in formulas for nervousness, sleeplessness and mild anxiety.
More
Potent Nervines
A
medically-oriented astrologer will be particularly alert for stresses
to the nervous system indicated by astrological configurations involving
Sun, Moon and/or Ascendant in Gemini or Virgo, or with challenging aspects
(squares, oppositions, semi-squares and quincunxes) from Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune, Pluto or Chiron to Gemini/Virgo placements or to Mercury.
Beyond
the use of simple herbal teas, more concentrated forms of herbs such as
tinctures, tablets and extracts may be needed during periods of extreme
stress to the nervous system. This is another place where the skills of
the astrologer come to the fore. An astrologer can predict when to expect
periods of heightened stress, and most usefully, when they will let up.
A properly chosen and applied program of nervous system support can mitigate
stress to the system during times of aggravation by tonifying the nervous
system ahead of time.
Tinctures
Tinctures
are concentrated forms of herbs that enter the system quickly and efficiently,
either taken directly in the mouth by drops, or mixed with water for taste.
Although they frequently have an alcohol base (used not only to preserve
the medicine but also as a significant part of the extraction process), the
alcohol can be easily dispersed by placing the drops in hot water and
letting them sit for five minutes. Alternatively, glycerine-based tinctures
are becoming more and more popular, though they may be slightly weaker.
They are used in many children’s formulas, and can be helpful for elderly
or debilitated clients, as well as for recovering alcoholic patients.
Analgesic
or Pain-Relieving Treatments
Analgesic
nervines such as Roman chamomile
help reduce nerve or muscle pain. These might be particularly relevant
with Mercury-Mars or Mercury-Pluto configurations. Valerian is a stronger
analgesic, though it should not be used for long periods due to a cumulative
depressant effect upon the central nervous system over time.
Sedative
or Ralaxant Nervines
Sedative
or relaxant nervines are those that reduce anxiety and have a calming
effect on the central nervous system. Hops, valerian, lavender, kava kava
and California poppy are particularly good relaxants. These are frequently
used in formulas for nervousness, sleeplessness and mild anxiety. They
are particularly indicated with Mercury-Uranus, Mercury-Mars and Mercury-Jupiter
configurations.
Care
with the Stimulants
Stimulating
nervines such as kola nut, coffee bean and black and green tea are frequently
used and misused to keep someone going. They enhance mental and physical
performance and reduce fatigue, but have a number of side effects when
overused and can be involved in causing anxiety and tension. It is usually
better to use treatments that stimulate the body’s innate vitality. To
create a deeper and more lasting effect, they are best used in combination
with adrenal supports such as gotu kola or gingko. See also the comment
on oat below.
Anxiety-Relieving
Nervines
All
the nervine relaxants will ease anxiety and tension, though their effectiveness
varies with each individual constitution. Kava kava is currently quite
popular for anxiety, though lady’s slipper and skullcap are also quite
effective. Consider these when observing a Mercury-Uranus or Mercury-Saturn
placement.
Excellent
Overall Nervous System Tonics
The
best overall tonic nervines are oat and passion flower, which can be used
for extended periods of time to help nourish and support the function
of the entire nervous system. Either of these can be used in combination
with relaxants, stimulants or any other indicated remedy to feed nervous
tissue. Oats nourish the nervous system in any form, including old-fashioned
oatmeal. A person with a prominent Mercury or significant planets in Gemini,
Virgo, Libra or Aquarius will be particularly responsive to long-term
tonic use of oat or passion flower.
In
the concluding part of this series on Mercury and its impact on health,
I will discuss the use of energetic medicines, including homeopathy, flower
essences and aromatherapy in treatment of Mercurial/nervous system disorders.
Editor’s
note: The health information given in this article is not meant as
a substitute for care from a qualified physician. This information is
given for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or
prescribe. StarIQ.com is not responsible for any mishaps that occur as
a result of using this information.
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