HERBS OF JUPITER .:. Adaptogens + Longevity Tonics

From our Herbs + Astrology series

The correlation plants to planets has existed since time immemorial. Herbs and dis-eases were classified and described energetically in terms of astrological symbolism from the times of ancient Egyptians. In fact, the understanding of the principles of diagnosis and treatment according to occult science, were considered an essential part of the study of medicine. Hippocrates himself classified diseases based on astrological phenomena, and using planetary archetypes in deciphering how to heal sickness.

Herbs ruled by Jupiter 

Jupiter, the first of the giant, gaseous planets gives off more energy than it receives. It is not surprising that this planet has represented concepts of generosity and benevolence to wise people for many thousands of years. Despite its turbulent atmosphere, it reflects the Sun brightly, shining the night sky as if it were a beautiful serene star.

Jupiter is often associated to the planet of abundance, higher wisdom, success and expansiveness. Its energy allows us to have and expansive outlook in order to have increased access to resources.  

S A C R E D  A N A T O M Y

Anatomical correspondences include the liver, pancreas, the production of insulin, including the entire adrenalin-producing system. As the ruling planet of Sagittarius, the thighs and the base of the spine (including the sacrum and hips) are also under the Jupiter branch. 

Other parts of the human body, include the arterial circulatory system, subcutaneous fat tissue, adrenal glands, spleen, kidney, resistance to disease, oxygen in the blood, energy levels, digestive organs, thighs, buttocks. If afflicted, or perhaps during a rough jupiter transit, medical astrology associates the following dis-eases as a result to this aspect: liver and blood related di-seases, abcess, arteriosclerosis, strokes, and cancer. Emotional conditions include a sense of depression, a lack of direction in life, feeling as if success and good things are out of reach, financial anxiety and the belief that a relief in unavailable (hypochondriac).

E N E R G E T I C S 

Jupiter herbs are warm and moist, and mostly masculine. These herbs tend to be very expansive, and magnify whatever it’s paired with. Herbs that are considered uplifting, with “anti-depressant” qualities, joyful, mood enhancing and inspire a positive feeling are Jupiterian. This category of herbs the spiritual enhancing herbs  that are appropriate for meditation, also like herbs that induce lucid dreaming, like Kalea sacatechichi (also a bitter tonic for the liver!), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) 

J O V I A N  H E R B S

Adaptogenic Herbs + Longevity Tonics

Archetypally speaking, the class of herbs that can encapsulate Jovian herbs at its best are herbs that build longevity. Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that provide a great amount of vitality, enhancing longevity in the body and mind overall. They’re commonly known for their powerful ability to prevent the damaging effects of stress to the organs, and enabling deep protection on a multi-organ level, assisting the body in adaptation to life. Many of Jupiter’s herbs share this ability energetically, as they are multi-organ targeting herbs that enable a general state of well-being and longevity.

Jupiter has long been associated as the Guru amongst the planetary bodies, embodying higher wisdom and access to the sacred. Due to this, many medical astrologers have also considered the third eye to be part of its esoteric anatomy. Interestingly enough Adaptogenic herbs also have profound stabilizing effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is also known as our “god center”. This center, to say the least, is known by many to be the origin of our hormones, the molecules of consciousness, the command center of our subtle body, acting as gateway to higher consciousness.

Very popular adaptogenic herbs that contain a Jovian essence are: ashwagandha (Sun-Jupiter), astragalus, bala, cordyceps, shizandra (Jupiter-Venus), licorice, ginseng, gynostemma, reishi, suma, tulsi.

Part of what makes Adaptogenic herbs so interesting is that they exert seemingly paradoxical effects (alike Jupiter’s transits). The same herb may simultaneously enhance adrenal function while also helping an individual relax and sleep better (like ashwagandha). Adaptogens normalize levels of HPA hormones, raising those that are low, while lowering those that are excessively elevated. The same herb may have differing biochemical effects in different individuals, or they may affect the same individual differently at different times. The fact that a single substance can attenuate certain mediators in one person or one tissue while increasing them in others may seem paradoxical or even implausible.

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H E R B S   o f  J U P I T E R

"BULLET-PROOFED" SHROOMY LATTE