Navgrah Plants in Ayurveda: Navgrah’s influence on Health & Harmony

Ayurveda is not just a science of life; it is a spiritual journey intertwined with nature and the universe. At its core, this ancient wisdom guides us toward achieving the four Purusharthas -Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and ultimately, Moksha (liberation). To walk this path toward spiritual freedom, one must embrace the rhythms of life through daily practices, which include the use of healing herbs, as outlined in Ayurvedic texts.

The Aushadhi Sookta speaks of the sacred power of plants. Just as the celestial bodies influence the cosmos, the motions of planets directly impact our physical and mental well-being. When the stars and planets fall out of harmony, it can manifest as ailments in the body. However, ancient wisdom has provided a remedy: the use of specific astrological medicinal plants to neutralize these effects.

Vedic astrology teaches us about the 9 Grahas (planets), 12 Rashis (zodiac signs), and 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions), all of which shape our destiny from the moment of birth. The positions and movements of these celestial forces leave their imprint on our lives, affecting everything from our health to our emotions. To protect ourselves from the negative influences of these planetary energies, it is advised to cultivate a connection with the medicinal plants that correspond to one’s Rashi and Nakshatra.

This connection not only shields us from potential health issues but also serves as a pathway to healing chronic conditions. In exploring the sacred relationship between the Navagrahas, Rashis, Nakshatras, and their corresponding medicinal plants, we gain a deeper understanding of how the universe and nature work together to support our well-being.

The significance of Navagraha plants and the organs they correspond with in the body–

1. Sun: The Arka (Milkweed): The Surya rules the body’s bones, skin, stomach, skull, and right eye. Ark is the plant connected to Surya. The plant’s dried roots, bark, leaves, and flowers are the portions that are utilized medicinally. This plant’s latex has analgesic, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, antipyretic, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is also hypertensive. Tender leaves of the Arka plant are used to alleviate migraines, and dried leaves have aphrodisiac and purgative qualities. Rheumatism is treated with warm leaves applied to the legs. Boils and pimples on the skin can be removed using latex and turmeric. An ear infection can be treated with ear drops made by boiling ghee in fresh leaves.

2. Moon: The Palash, or “Forest Flame” – Chandra is the goddess of the heart, blood, brain, breast, and lungs. Palash roots, stem bark, flowers, leaves, and gum have all historically been utilized as remedies. During Poojas, sacred fire is created using the dried stem. Palash flowers are used as a brain stimulant and to treat menstruation issues and enlarged spleens. It has blood-purifying, anti-leprotic, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, and anti-asthmatic qualities. In addition, palasha possesses anti-diarrheal, anti-stress, anti-diabetic, wound-healing, and hormone-balancing qualities. The roots induce partial infertility in women and are used to treat snake bites. Skin diseases are treated by bathing in water infused with soaking flowers. Reduction of joint discomfort can be achieved by taking resin powder with milk.

3. Mercury: The Apamarga (prickly chaff flower) is a symbol of the face, hair, nose, chest, and tongue for the Buddha. To treat infections, its leaf juice is applied as an ear drop. Redness in the eyes is treated by applying a mixture of root juice and rose water. Mouth ulcers can be healed by chewing fresh leaves. Ripe seed powder inhaled helps lessen migraines. It works well for harmful bites, fever, coughing, and colds. This leaf juice is a dysentery treatment. In addition to its spermicidal effects, this plant also possesses anti-allergic, nephroprotective, cardiovascular protective, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective qualities. It is antibacterial, antiperiodic, and affects the stomach.

4. Venus: Fig tree, or Goolar tree The reproductive system, facial emotions, urine glands, and physical attractiveness are all under the control of Shukra. Its leaves, fruits, bark, latex, and root sap have medicinal value. Its qualities include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antifilarial, radioprotective, chemo-preventive, antitussive, anti-diarrheal, hyptotensive, and wound healing. It has been widely used to treat inflammatory diseases, jaundice, dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea, and biliary disorders.

5. Mars: Khadira (Cutch tree) – Khadira (Cutch tree): Mangal is in charge of the anal, neck, and marrow regions. It is used to cure boils, colic diarrhea, bronchitis, asthma, painful throats and coughs, and skin irritations. It aids in healthy digestion and has an astringent quality. The heartwood of the Khadira tree is boiled and processed to make kattha, which is utilized in betel leaves. When administered topically, kattha heals oral ulcers, boils, and skin eruptions. A mixture of milk and Khadira bark decoction helps cough and colds. Diarrhea can be treated with a blend of cinnamon powder and Khadira powder.

6. Jupiter: Ashwattha, also known as the sacred fig or peepal tree, is associated with the kidney, pancreas, liver, and thighs. This Graha is linked to the peepal tree. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticonvulsant qualities. It also exhibited antimicrobial qualities that aid in wound healing. It helps with the treatment of stomach and respiratory issues. A bark infusion helps treat asthma and whooping cough. For stomach ache, swallow powdered tender leaves mixed with milk. Using bark juice or decoction as mouthwash helps lessen tooth pain and strengthen gums. Tender root paste applied topically can heal skin conditions. Fruits’ laxative properties aid in relieving constipation.

7. Saturn: Shami, or the Spunge tree Shani rules the legs, knees, teeth, and muscles. Shani Graha’s related tree is Shami. The stem bark relieves piles, rheumatism, and the common cold. The blossoms are used as a cooling and blood purifier for skin conditions. A decoction of bark can help with toothaches, mouth ulcers, and sore throats. An infusion of tender leaves can quickly treat dysentery and diarrhea. The pod is used to treat urico-genital problems, and the seeds have anti-diabetic qualities. The leaves repel insects.

8. Rahu: Rahu is the shadow body connected to the ascending (or north) lunar node, Durva (Bermuda grass). It is connected to the neck, legs, lungs, and breathing. The plant that represents Rahu is Durva. This medicinal grass has antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective properties. Antioxidants are abundant in it. It is a well-known agent that prevents diabetes. This grass also helps with other menstrual issues including heavy bleeding. In addition to being an antipyretic and appetizer, it is also used to treat fever, cough, and colds. It functions as a blood-purifying, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic.

9. Ketu: Ketu is the shadow body connected to the descending (or south) lunar node, which is represented by Darbha (Halfa grass). Ketu controls the hands, feet, and abdomen. The plant designated for Ketu Graha is darbha grass. Darbha is a potent adaptogen. Its properties include being astringent, antipyretic, and antiviral. High levels of antioxidants are present in Darbha grass. It is employed in many different treatment systems and possesses insecticidal and antihypertensive qualities.