HERBS OF MARS: Action, Strength, The Muscular System, Adrenaline

Mars represents primal energy, the fuel in which we bring ideas, dreams, and desires into manifestation. Mars yields and fuels us with power, strength, courage and physical activity.  Within astrological charts, Mars is a key element noting aspects to one’s drive, desire, agility and the nature of one’s physical energy.

Anatomically this energy corresponds with the muscular system, the motor nerves, and the production of adrenalin. Astrologers look to Mars’ placement in the natal chart to describe how we pursue many aspects of sexual fulfillment, along with how we source energy within the body and mind. Medical astrologers include the external sexual organs in correspondence to Mars.

Diseases which induce a fever are sometimes associated with Mars. Other inflammation based outbreaks, like herpes, cirrhosis, candida, are often connected to Mars. Due to the sexual nature of Mars, a lot of medical astrologers have also associated sexually transmitted diseases with this planet. Accidents due to “spacey-ness”, or a lack of coordination, are directly associated to Mars and its transits. Other conditions in relation to Mars include fatigue,  energy levels (high or low), hyperactivity, living in “fight-or-flight mode.”

By nature, the herbs of Mars are energetically yang and considered hot, energetic, and dry. They frequently cause an increase in energy or heat, even if only energetically. These herbs need to be used mindfully, as using them extensively can overthrow the adrenals for example, along with emotions. As you might relate, an excess of Mars energy can lead to behavior patterns generally perceived as aggressive, egotistic, argumentative, confrontational, etc. Or, a deficiency of Mars energy can lead to behavior patterns where we lack libdio, general desire, motivation, or even enough energy to act on something we love. Many of the herbs that fall under Mars’ umbrella are often protecting, strengthening, warming and energizing.

H E R B A L   C O R R E S P O N D A N C E S

There’s a broad spectrum of herbs that fall under Mars’ category, encompassing mineralizing tonics, like Nettle, to highly protective plants that help purge, like Rue, to energizing powerhouses that stimulate our system like Guarana. Mars’ herbs are activating one way or another, therefore they must be used wisely since they tend to activate all facets of one’s being; energetically and spiritually. It’s important to note, that if you’re engine is already running hot, and there is a prominence of Mars energy, don’t over consume plants that might make your engine overheat. 

“A classic herb, like Rue, is an aromatic and stimulant whose energizing qualities have been known to relieve nervous heart problems such as arrhythmia and palpitation. Rue also relieves colic, eliminates worms and can bring on menstruation.” Paul Beyerl 

Nettle, another classic that greatly embodies Mars, in its physicality and medicinal action, possesses thorns that act as hypodermics, injecting subcutaneous doses of stinging fluid. It is this same irritating juice, that when properly prepared becomes a powerful internal astringent, that through it’s heating action it relieves arthritic and rheumatic conditions, helps eliminate infections, regulate blood pressure, reduce susceptibility to colds and much more.

A combination of Solar Herbs with those of Mars add strength and forcefulness to the formulas’ personality, hence our personality. On an emotional level, they can increase a feeling of purposefulness and independence, enhancing our natural ability to not just to survive, but to thrive with our internal reservoirs as resources.  An example of this combination would be pairing turmeric (sun) with pine pollen (mars).

Combining with Herbs of the Moon, for example, it can trigger deep emotional healing. This pairing can also be excellent for detoxification and combat gut issues. On an emotional/spiritual level diving deep into the emotional world can be pairing blue lotus (moon) with nettle root (mars).

For generating abundance, or being a better provider of resources, herbs of Mars can be combined with those of Jupiter. This increases a sense of abundance, self-confidence, delight, and spontaneity. A pairing that could reflect this would be: Meadowsweet and Maca.

HERBS of MARS

STIMULANTS + ENERGIZERS:

Coffee (+Uranus), Catuaba, Guarana, Maca, Prickly Ash, Pine (+ pine pollen), Ginkgo (+Mercury), Ephedra.

MUSCLES + JOINTS (Herbs that assist rheumatism + arthritis):

Chuchuhuasi, Cat’s Claw, Sarsaparilla, Nettle, Rheumatism weed (Chimapila), Hemp (CBD), Kratom (+ Saturn).

BITTERS + IMMUNE STIMULANTS:

Blessed Thistle, Milk Thistle, Cinchona (+Pluto), Pau D’Arco (+Pluto), Nettles, Rue (+Pluto), Plantain leaf, Quassia, Gentian, Indigo.

CULINARY:

Aloe, Basil, Black Pepper, Bay Laurel, Cashew, Chives, Cumin, Cayenne, Coriander, Garlic, Onions, Paprika, Parsley, Mustard, Marjoram, Radish. 

RESINS + OILS:

Benzoin, Dragons Blood, Castor Bean, Palo Santo

VISIONARY:

Anemone, Juniper (+Jupiter), Palo Santo (+Pluto), Wormwood (+Pluto), Indigo

TURMERIC TONIC