WTP—What the plant—is an herbal horoscope? YES, YOU read that right… on the heels of a solar eclipse, a Full Moon in Capricorn, and the June solstice, our friends at The Chalkboard Mag asked me to answer a question that few have dared to ask:
What do the plants have to say about our zodiac signs?
Whether your intuition urges you to call forth more energy, relaxation, or a boost in creativity, there’s an herb out there that’s already been vibing with your cosmic journey long before you even realized you needed it. That’s why I am so honored to have this opportunity to share with you how matching each sign with its perfect plant companion can revitalize your summer health, enhance bliss, and refocus your energy on the things, people, projects, and pursuits that matter most to you.
Combining astrology with herbalism offers a unique lens through which we can explore both our inner selves and the natural world. This holistic approach makes you feel like the Universe itself has concocted a remedy just for you, bringing celestial guidance down to Earth.
Share this with someone who could use a bit of nature’s magic to realign their stars and rejuvenate their soul’s purpose this summer…
The energetics behind each season catalyze a whole set of energetics for us collectively and individually. Although each zodiac sign neither includes the wholeness of our being nor the totality of our individual birth charts, it does ignite a potential doorway through which balance or imbalance can be witnessed.
In medical astrology, each sign corresponds to organ systems, body parts, and behavioral patterning that has been analyzed for centuries. Physicians in the times of Sumeria and Babylon, where the oldest records of medical astrology have been found, noted zodiac and planetary placements as having specific energetic influences on our bodies and minds. Doctors of the ancient past would create astrological charts to better assess a patient’s story, and would then diagnose that person based on the different alignments of their natal chart.
Beyond just informing our interpersonal relationships (as many casually use the horoscope today), the astrological chart has long been used as a tool to better understand the potential causes of diseases, psychological patterning, spiritual unfoldment, pivotal points within one’s life journey, and much more. Keep in mind that these charts are vast and cannot be summarized in a single horoscope. However, the suggestions I’m offering you here can indeed facilitate moments of ritual and healing throughout your day as you tackle the season with renewed energy and vitality.
Look for your Sun sign below (or your rising sign) to assess potential tips to support your health journey this summer!
Ruled by Mars, Aries is associated with the head in medical astrology. Herbs like mint can soothe inflammation, or the potential of a ‘hot head’, both mentally and physically. Blend with a base oil (like jojoba) and apply to your temples. Other herbs to enjoy during the summer that can be beneficial to soothe inflammation, headaches, and ‘hot blood’ are nettle, spearmint, and rosemary.
Ruled by Venus, Taurus is associated with the throat and the neck. During the summer, it’s vital to watch for acid reflux, glandular swelling, bronchial complaints, sore throats, or inflammatory potentials in the throat area. Herbs to soothe the esophagus lining and throat region are marshmallow, lemon balm, and chamomile.
Ruled by Mercury, Gemini is associated with thoughts, vocal cords, the hands, and more. Watch out for the monkey mind, Gemini! Summer energy can cause a spike in mental chatter, and inflammatory ways within the mind. Be sure to tame the mental fire, so as not to not exhaust your reserves, with herbs that regulate this like brahmi, Gotu Kola, tulsi, and Lion’s Mane mushroom. Another suggested formula: The Mind, which contains a blend of powerful herbs and mushrooms used for centuries as brain-boosting tonics. Several of these herbs have been respected as master tonics for the mind for millennia across many healing traditions in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and rainforest tribal medicine systems, among others.
Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is associated with the stomach, the uterus, the breasts, and the ovaries. During the heat of the Summer, Cancers must watch for indigestion, leaky gut, excess mucus, or the opposite excessive dryness (depending on what side of the spectrum you might tend to fall). Herbs to soothe the digestive tract are aromatic plants such as cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. If your gut is running irritated and hot, try cooling down with hibiscus. Suggested formulas from our apothecary: Belly Love, Womb Tea, Mangosteen, Happiness Herbal ‘coffee’ (a powerful prebiotic).
Leo | Shield your heart
Ruled by the Sun, Leo is at its splendor during the summer. Leo is associated with the heart and the cardiovascular system, so it is vital to watch out for excessive heat or stimulation of the heart. Try not to go for that second cup of caffeine; instead, turn to heart nourishing tonics that give you a sense of euphoric calm. Excellent herbal go-tos are roses (rosewater in the summer, yum!), red clover, bobinsana, and our Happiness Tonic, which supports balanced moods. Other apothecary favorites to try this season: Rose Powder for heart opening, Golden Sun Milk for energy, and Cacao for bliss.
Virgo | Ease digestion
Ruled by Mercury, Virgo is associated with the intestines, the gut-brain connection, the abdomen and our digestive ability. Virgo often feels strong in Summer’s splendor, enjoying this time for purification and service-oriented pursuits. Important to watch for: excessive dryness or nervous inflammation in the gut caused by emotional upset. Enjoy natural digestive enzymes such as papaya and pineapple, and optimize absorption and assimilation with prebiotic plants such as burdock, chicory, and dandelion root. Try our Relax Tonic to decompress, or Happiness ‘Coffee’ for a prebiotic-rich super blend that will restore your mind and body before the day even begins!
Libra | Find equilibrium
Ruled by Venus, Libra is associated with the kidneys, the urinary system, and our hormones. Also said to rule our acid/alkaline balance and our ability to distill and filter liquids in the body, Libras in the summer must watch for an excess of dry heat in the body, including hormonal imbalances that might be potentiated by many sweets. Energize your body and balance your hormones with regular protein intake. Opt for sugar balancing teas like those in our Happy Belly blend, as well as kidney-loving herbs such as yarrow, nettle tea, cranberry, and goldenrod.
Scorpio | Get things moving
Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio is associated with the genitals, the groin, the colon and our sexual drive. The volcanic depths of Scorpio are mystical, and often don’t reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. The gifts of Scorpio can shine in the summer through powerful rituals of renewal that authentically release creative expression. Scorpios, be sure to soothe your belly! Proper elimination can be eased with blends like our Golden Moon Milk and Liver Vitality. To promote gentle detox, try milk thistle or blessed thistle, pau d’arco, or wormwood to renew the intestines and support reproductive health.
Sagittarius | Love your liver
Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius is associated with the liver, the hips, and the lower spine. Summer ignites Sagittarius, creating a harmonic activation to its wise, creative, and free-spirited self. Sags during the summer must be mindful of overstimulation with caffeine and liver congestion. Curb excess caffeine with non-caffeinated beverages, protect the liver from excess heat with cooling and hydrating herbs such as aloe, lemon balm, turmeric, citrus, spirulina, and other liver-loving herbs. Reverse the effects of systemic inflammation by avoiding spicy foods and excess acidic foods.
More apothecary picks I recommend you try this season: Liver Vitality for microbiome support, and Viridem Elixir for blood oxygenation, liver support, and alkalizing.
Capricorn | Take it easy
Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is associated primarily with the skeletal system, the pituitary gland, the kidneys, and our connective tissues. The pituitary gland secretes vital hormones throughout the body, and during the summer there might be irritations to its flow. Beware of unexpressed anger or frustrations, and regulate any irritation (physical or emotional) with schisandra berries, rhodiola, and clary sage essential oil. Support kidney function with chanca piedra, and pituitary function with chaste berries. You may also find our Collagen Booster formula supportive for radiant hair, glowing skin, healthy nails, and for its potential to repair and restore body tissue.
Aquarius | Pay attention to triggers
Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius is associated primarily with the calves, the ankles, the lower legs, the central nervous system, and the inner genius. During the summer months, it’s essential to keep your adrenaline, hypersensitivity, and sensory processing in check. Heat and excess activity might trigger these processes, igniting an overstimulated nervous system and mind. Herbs that can assist with regulating the mind and the nervous system restoration are brahmi, skullcap, ginkgo biloba, mucuna, and Gotu Kola. Ease into social happenings; allow yourself to be emotionally connected this summer.
Pisces | Warm it up
Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is associated primarily with the feet, the toes, the lymphatic system, the pineal gland, and the subconscious mind. The rays of the summer sun can be wonderful for the often cold and moist Piscean constitutions. During the summer, Pisces must tone the lymph and endocrine systems with warming medicines such as chai spices, ginger, and cinnamon. Pick wild cleavers to activate lymphatic purification, and enjoy regular cups of chilled blue lotus or third eye tea in the evening to deepen your meditation practice and psychic tone. You may also find our Golden Moon Milk blend useful for relaxation, joint pain ease, digestive issues, fatigue, stiffness, and much more!
