SUN

Solar energy is increased by taking spicy and fiery herbs, like cayenne, black pepper, dry ginger,
long pepper, cardamom, saffron, calamus, bayberry and cinnamon (specially the Ayurvedic
formula Trikatu). Calamus is best for the sattvic side of solar energy in the mind. Aromatic oils
and fragrances for the Sun are camphor, cinnamon, eucalyptus, saffron - most warm and
stimulating oils.

MOON

Good herbs for the Moon are demulcent and tonic herbs like marshmallow, slippery elm,
comfrey root, Solomon's seal, Shatavari, white musali, bala and rehmannia particularly taken in
milk decoctions. Fragrance of white flowers like jasmine, gardenia, lotus and lily are good as is
sandalwood oil. These can be applied to the heart or to the third eye.

MARS

Most of the spices that are good for the Sun, work well for Mars (like cinnamon, saffron,
cayenne or black pepper) but combined with tonics like ginseng, astragalus, ashwagandha,
guggul or myrrh, turmeric, garlic, onions and asafoetida can be very good (particularly the
Ayurvedic formula Hingashatak). When Mars is strong, however, we need bitter herbs like
aloe, gentian, golden seal and Echinacea.

MERCURY

Good herbs for Mercury are nerviness like gotu kola, bhringaraj (eclipta), skullcap,
passionflower, betony, jatamansi, zizyphus, camomile, mint and sage. Basil, particularly holy
basil (tulsi) is specific for Mercury (Vishnu). Good oils and aromas are mint, wintergreen,
eucalyptus, cedar, thyme and sage, which clear and open the mind. Yet they should be
balanced with mind-calming oils like sandalwood, plumeria (frangipani) and lotus.

JUPITER

Jupiter energy is increased by tonic herbs like ashwagandha, bala, licorice, ginseng and
astragalus particularly as taken in milk decoctions, with ghee (clarifies butter) or a herb jellies.
Good foods for increasing Jupiter energy are nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews and sesame
seeds and oils like ghee, sesame and almond.

VENUS

Venus likes all flowers and sweet fragrances: rose, saffron, jasmine, lotus, lily and iris. Other
good herbs are tonics like shatavari, white musali, amalaki, aloe gel, rehmannia dang gui and
red raspberry.

SATURN

Good herbs for a weak Saturn are myrrh, frankincense, guggul, ashwagandha, shilajit, haritaki
and comfrey root - herbs to strengthen the bones and promote healing. The Ayurvedic formula
Triphala is specific for Saturn, as it cleanses all waste materials and also tones the deeper
tissues.
Good aromas for Saturn are sandalwood, frankincense, cedar and juniper, much like the herbs.

RAHU

Rahu is very subtle force and cannot be dealt with on a simple outer level. Aromas for clearing
the psychic air can be helpful like camphor, bayberry, sage, eucalyptus or wintergreen as can
calming fragrances like sandalwood, lotus and frankincense. Calamus is the best herb for Rahu.

KETU

Ketu, like Rahu, is subtle. Herbs to increase perception like sage, calamus, bayberry, wild
ginger and juniper may be useful. Penetrating aromatic oils like camphor, cedar, myrrh and
frankincense can be good. Afflictions of a strong Ketu, however, required cooling nerviness like
gotu kola, bhringaraj, skullcap and passion flower.