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.
Nervines for Mercury/Nervous
System Problems
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.
Copyright by Gretchen Lawlor 2000
