The third part of this illuminating article by K. K. Bhaumik, concludes the discussion on Ayurveda, the science of life, by examining the technical effects of herbs, roots, extracts and metals as prescribed through a full astrological understanding of the underlying principles.
The underlying principle in Ayurveda is the conviction that all human ailments and sufferings are caused principally by the malevolent influences of planets, their astral positions and transitions. If Mars, Saturn and Moon are not well placed in the birth chart, serious and chronic ailments will arise. Saturn is associated with the winter season and often inflicts serious problems on the senior citizens. Ketu (Dragon's Tail, or south lunar node) creates a variety of maladies in old age. It is therefore evident that a good Ayurvedic practitioner should have a sound knowledge of astrology for effective treatment of diseases caused by the influences of planets. He should be able to diagnose the cause of the malady by reading the birth chart and horoscope of the patient.
Ayurveda prescribes the use of multi-faceted herbs and roots to counter negative planetary influences. These roots and herbs are tied to the upper arm (right arm for men and left arm for women) for a specified period of time. This mode of treatment is called healing with herbs. The following herbs and roots are used to neutralise the harmful effects of the planets:
| Planets | Herbs and Roots
(Indian names - click for herbal glossary) |
|---|
| Sun |
Billwamool |
| Moon |
Khirika |
| Mars |
Anantmool |
| Mercury |
Bridhadwarakmool |
| Jupiter |
Brahmajatimool |
| Venus |
Rambasakmool |
| Saturn |
Swetberelamool |
| Rahu |
Shwetchandanmool |
| Ketu |
Aswagandha |
| Planets | Extract/Mother Tincture | Doses |
|---|
| Sun |
Aegletolia – Q |
5 drops |
| Venus |
Hydroquotile S – Q | 10 drops |
| | Meshashringi – Q |
10 drops |
| Jupiter |
Chirata – Q |
15 drops |
| Moon |
Honey |
One spoon |
| Ketu |
Ahswagangha – Q |
10 drops |
| Saturn |
Shefalika – Q | 10 drops |
| | Dhurba – Q | 10 drops |
| | Honey | 20 drops |
| Mars |
Anantamool – Q | 10 drops |
| | Panchamukhi Jaba – Q | 10 drops |
| | Neem – Q |
10 drops |
| Rahu |
Swetchandan – Q |
5 drops
or paste: spoon |
| Mercury |
Hydrocotyle – Q | 10 drops |
| | Amala – Q | 5 drops |
Some metals have proved to be extremely effective in neutralising the malefic effects of planets on human beings. The chart given below shows some of the metals that have been proven in countering the malefic effects of planets:
| Planets | Metals |
|---|
| Sun |
Gold/Copper |
| Moon |
Silver |
| Mars |
Gold |
| Mercury |
Brass |
| Jupiter |
Gold |
| Venus |
Silver |
| Saturn |
Iron/Lead |
| Rahu |
Panch Dhatu
(metallic alloy of 5 metals: gold, silver, copper, tin & lead) |
| Ketu |
Panch Dhatu |
Astrologically, the twelve zodiac signs, each representing a part of human body, have a tremendous influence on our mind and body and play a pivotal role in causing human ailments. The following chart shows which zodiac sign represents which part of human body:
| Zodiac Sign | Bodily Correspondence |
|---|
| (These vary somewhat in Indian Astrology from Western counterparts) |
| Aries |
Head |
| Taurus |
Neck, throat and face |
| Gemini |
Upper arms and chest |
| Cancer |
Elbows and heart |
| Leo |
Belly |
| Virgo |
Hand and waist |
| Libra |
Urinary organs |
| Scorpio |
Sexual organs |
| Sagittarius |
Thighs |
| Capricorn |
Knees |
| Aquarius |
Legs, ankles etc |
| Pisces |
Toes and feet |
Within the Vedic system, gem therapy is associated mainly with the science of Astrology. The nine main gemstones all have planetary connections. Included in the Vedic list of planets are Rahu and Ketu, the Dragon's Head and Tail or north and south nodes of the Moon. These two nodes of the Moon have powerful, often dark and dire effects on individuals during periods when the nodes afflict their horoscopes, and are therefore held to have planetary status.
Apart from taking account of the planetary associations, traditional Ayurveda uses gemstones as internal medicine. The gemstones are reduced via complex processes to ashes or bhasmas. However, they must be used in ways that leave their substance completely intact. Gem tinctures can also be used in healing. The bhasmas are used to treat physical conditions, some of which are listed in the table below:
| Bhasmas/Ashes | Usages |
|---|
| Ruby ash |
For vayu, pitta and cough |
| Pearl ash |
It is sweet and cool and good for eyes |
| Coral |
For cough, pitta etc |
| Emerald |
Sweet and cool and good for acidity and heat |
| Moon stone |
For cough and vayu |
| Diamond |
Makes body strong |
| Sapphire |
For improper behaviour and neural pains |
 Click to return to the beginning of Ayurveda, the science of life.
 For more on Ayurveda, click here.
About the Author:
Renowned astro-spiritual personality, philosopher and philanthropist, Shri
K.K. Bhaumik, has had an extremely successful career of over
three decades in corporate management.
He served leading enterprises of the Government of India enterprises in
several senior management capacities. A lawyer and advocate, he combines a command of the material world with a truly spiritual vocation.
Born into a spiritual family, at the early age of 15 he attracted
the attention of a great sadhu. The sadhu gave Shri Bhaumik the Goddess Durga mantra. Having learned this long-lost knowledge from his guru, he has revived the study of Ayurveda, the practical, ancient science that can bring perfect health and enlightenment. Every year, armed with blessings
from great spiritual men, Shri Bhaumik in his quest for universal enlightenment
visits the temples of Tripureshwari in Tripura and elsewhere in India to perform puja.
Along with his formal education, he soon mastered
the divine science of vedic astrology. Because of the accuracy of his predictions, his reputation
as an astro-occult expert soon spread across the globe. He, however, has always used his powers, both spiritual and
astrological, only for the welfare of mankind.
Driven by an indomitable spirit
to serve the community and the downtrodden, Shri Bhaumik set up Matribhumi Seva Pratishthan Kolkata, an NGO, Astro-occult and Ayurvedic Institute of Asia and Institute of Public Speaking and Leadership Development.
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