ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Sacred Herbs
A talisman is composed of five elements : Earth is represented by gems, Water by herb, Fire by metal, Air by a symbol and
Space by a cosmic number.
The herbs are turned into “Bhasma” (Ashes) by specific processes.
The various herbs correspond to different planets and affect their positioning in the horoscopes.
The different herbs,
their corresponding planets and their uses are as follows :
Arka Plant/Milkweed Plant (Sun)
“Arka Bhasma” is used in the talisman that is made for maintaining the effects of the placement of Sun in the horoscope.
If Arka Bhasma is used when the Sun is placed well in the horoscope, it leads to dignity, leadership, confidence, power and nobility.
The individual is a strong, compassionate, pious, well read and leads a happy life.
When the Sun is ill placed in the horoscope, it leads to low self esteem and energy, lack of confidence and negative results in life.
Arka Bhasma nullifies the malefic effects of the ill placement of Sun.
Palasha Plant/Flame-of-the-forest Tree (Moon)
“Palasha Bhasma” is used for maintaining the effects of Moon on the horoscope. If the Moon is well placed in the horoscope, the use
of “Palasha Bhasma” leads to good habits, stable life and health and the individual is hard working, wealthy and well respected.
If the Moon is ill placed in the horoscope, it leads to depression, hypersensitivity and stress which are removed by the use of “Palasha Bhasma”.
Pippala Tree/Peepul Tree (Jupiter)
“Pippala Bhasma” is used for controlling the effects of Jupiter. When the Jupiter is well placed in the horoscope, the use of “Pippala Bhasma” leads towards spiritualism, caring, optimism, faith, good judgment and the individual is blessed with power and respect.
If the Jupiter is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to unhappiness, selfishness, egotism, sloth and greed and all these bad effects are removed by the use of “Pippala Bhasma”.
Durva Grass/Bermuda Grass (Rahu)
“Durva Bhasma” is essential for controlling the effects of Rahu. If the Rahu is well placed in an individual’s horoscope, it leads to inspiration, originality, insight and uniqueness. The use of “Durva Bhasma” makes the individual wealthy and fortunate.
If the planet Rahu is ill placed in the horoscope it leads to paranoia, addictions, mental ailments, stress and troubles. The use of “Durva Bhasma” removes such bad effects of Rahu.
Apamarga/Prickly Chaff Plant (Mercury)
“Apamarga Bhasma” is ideal for controlling the effects of planet Mercury. If Mercury is well placed in the horoscope of an individual, it leads to rationality, wit and dexterity. The use of “Apamarga Bhasma” makes an individual happy, educated, fortunate and highly respected.
If the Mercury is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to lack of concentration, speech and hearing impediments, lack of vitality and lack of communication. The “Apamarga Bhasma” leads to a removal of these malefic effects of Mercury.
Audumbara/Doomar (Venus)
“Audumbara Bhasma” is used for maintaining the good effects of planet Venus. If the placement of Venus is good in the horoscope, it leads to attractiveness, grace, elegance and long life. The use of the “Audumbara Bhasma” makes an individual refined with humanitarian qualities.
When Venus is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to vanity, corruption, lack of taste and refinement and ageing and the “Audumbara Bhasma” is used to remove these effects of Venus.
Kusa/Sacrificial Grass (Ketu)
“Kusa Bhasma” is used for controlling the effects of planet Ketu. If Ketu is well placed in the horoscope of an individual, it leads to spiritualism, sensitivity and high intuitive powers. The use of “Kusa Bhasma” makes the individual wealthy and protected against evil.
If the Ketu is ill-placed in the horoscope, it will lead towards eccentricity, irrational behaviour, fanaticism and addictions like gambling and fatal diseases such as cancer. To remove these effects of Ketu, “Kusa Bhasma” is used.
Shami Tree/Prosopis (Saturn)
“Shami Bhasma” is used to control the effects of Saturn (Shani). If Saturn is well placed in the horoscope, it leads to discipline in life, responsibility, humbleness and if “Shami Bhasma” is used by the individual, he has a long life, is charitable and proficient in every work.
If Saturn is ill placed in the horoscope, the individual suffers from depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness and disorders of the nervous system. “Shami Bhasma” is used for removing these bad effects of Saturn.
Khadira/Couch Plant (Mars)
“Khadira Bhasma” is used for controlling the effects of the planet Mars. If Mars is well placed in the horoscope, it leads towards positive energy, strength, courage, passion, and aggression. The use of “Khadira Bhasma” makes the individual energetic, learned, well known and noble.
When Mars is ill-placed in the horoscope, it leads to anger, irritability, instability, aggression and the individual is prone to high blood pressure, anemia, and impurities in the blood. The “Khadira Bhasma” is used to counteract these bad effects of Mars.
5 Indian Plants of Religious and Ayurvedic Significance
Indian medicinal plants are the essence of Ayurvedic treatments producing miraculous effects when used judicially.
Their role cannot be confined to curative purposes merely.
They also concentrate on the health and wellbeing of the individual as a whole.
Hence we call Ayurvedic herbs the elixirs of life even today when so many different kinds of medicinal remedies are available.
Apart from their use in medicine, most plants in India have a mythological connection too.
1. TULSI
Tulsi or the Holy basil is the queen of medicinal plants and holds immense significance in Hinduism.
This holy plant is revered as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi.
Tulsi is considered sacred, and its presence is believed to increase purity and meditative powers in temples.
People commonly worship the holy basil in the morning with offerings of flowers, incense, and water from the Ganges.
The ritual of watering and caring for the plant is considered worshipful and a way of attaining salvation (moksha).
Since Tulsi is believed to be the abode of various deities and a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi, disrespecting the plant in any way invites the wrath of Vishnu.
That is why you will rarely find any waste lying around the plant.
It is generally planted in a protected place in altars or courtyards.
Additionally, Tulsi has healing powers, and its medicinal properties help in boosting the immune system.
It is being harvested for use in
Ayurvedic treatments for centuries and has a strong aroma and a flavor that can range from peppery to astringent.
Tulsi combats respiratory ailments and helps in lowering blood pressure and stress.
It is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anticancer properties.
2. SANDALWOOD
Sandalwood, commonly known as “Chandana,” is amalgamated in the Indian heritage, culture and tradition.
Sandalwood has high spiritual significance in ritualistic practices and is used in the sacred fires with a belief that it soothes the troubles of all humanity.
From the times of Harappan civilization, sandalwood was worshipped in India as it is regarded as a protector whose scent drives out evil spirits.
The wood is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and used in making idols and figurines.
In Ayurveda, powdered sandalwood is mixed with rosewater to cure inflammation and skin diseases.
The leaves and bark of the tree are used to treat dandruff, lice, skin inflammation, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Sandalwood oil has a woody odor and its refreshing fragrance is used in incense, cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps.
In India, sandalwood is used in every aspect of human life from cradle to cremation. According to the Hindu faith, sandalwood aids higher reincarnation and that is why it is added to the funeral pyres as well.
In Jainism, during the festival of Mahamastakabhisheka, the colossal statue of Gomateshwar is bathed in sandalwood along with milk, turmeric, etc.
It is also extensively used in Zoroastrian and Sufi traditions.
Thus, sandalwood has been an inseparable part of Indian culture and tradition from the Indus valley civilization to the present modern era.
3. PEEPAL
Peepal or Ficus Tree, also known as “Ashvattha,” has a lot of reverence in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
The origin of the Peepal tree can be traced back to the Indus valley civilisation, where the excavations depict the Peepal being worshiped.
Ancient Puranas describe an incident where the demons captured the abode of gods, which made Lord Vishnu hide inside the Peepal tree.
Thereupon people began to worship the Peepal tree considering it to be a means of offering prayers to Lord Vishnu.
Some legends suggest that Lord Vishnu was born under the peepal tree and that the tree is home to the trinity of Gods, the root being Brahma, the trunk Vishnu and the leaves represent Lord Shiva.
In Buddhism, Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree (another name for Peepal).
Hence, Peepal marks a significant event in the history and formation of Buddhist culture.
Peepal is also extensively used in Ayurveda for treating various infections, healing wounds, improving fertility, and curing poisoning.
The leaves are purgative and are used in the treatment of constipation and jaundice.
Their oral intake gives strength to the heart and helps to control palpitation.
They are also taken to treat feverish conditions and arrest bleeding or secretion.
Peepal fruits or figs are highly beneficial for the digestive system.
The dried fig powder is used for curing asthma.
The nutrient-rich Peepal leaf and bark are also used for numerous Ayurvedic health remedies.
4. BILVA
The Bilva or the Bel tree is a sacred tree to Hindus since ancient times.
No matter where you go, you’ll find a Bilva tree in or around every Shiv temple in India, where it is treated with great veneration and respect.
It is believed that one who performs Bilva pooja with flowers and incense achieves the abode of pure consciousness and is showered with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
The Bilva tree is said to possess the essence of celestial light.
Bel Patra is a leaf of the bilva tree.
and it is widely used in the worship of Hindu deities, especially Shiva.
The bel leaf has more capacity to absorb and emit divine energy.
According to Ayurveda, bel leaf has many medicinal and curative properties as well. The leaves are antibacterial, antifungal in nature.
Each and every part of the tree has a therapeutic benefit, especially the roots that are highly beneficial in pain relief.
5. ASHOKA
The Ashoka tree is given prime importance in ancient Hindu mythology, art, and sculpture.
In the ancient epic Ramayana, it is mentioned that Sita sat under the Ashoka tree during her captivity in Lanka.
The Ashoka tree is also strongly associated with the life of Buddha since his birth took place under this tree.
The yakshi mythological beings that are commonly depicted in Buddhist and Hindu temple ornamentation are generally shown with an Ashoka tree.
In Ayurveda, the Ashoka tree is known for its spiritual qualities as well as in managing gynecological complications.
The herbs of the tree are widely used to treat gynecological and menstrual problems in women.
The consumption of barks and leaves of the Ashoka tree provides relief from pain and swelling.
It also helps in purifying blood.
5 Sacred Plants in Vedas
The idea of plants, bracketed with it being sacred, dates back to ancient times. In India, where plants and trees are worshipped till date, it comes as no surprise that India’s history encompasses this idea since the Vedas were scripted. From amongst the four vedas: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda, Rigveda and Atharvaveda trace the history of plants and its uses, since the ancient civilisations. In addition to this, the state religion of India is Hinduism. Hinduism, since the relics, believes in trees being deities and hence, tree-worship has been a long established tradition. In the earlier times, since the civilisations were more interwoven with the nature, they were also dependant on it significantly. From basic uses like, lighting fire to cook using the branches of trees to plants being used as Bhesaja,i.e, drug for medication purposes, Hindus believe that they’re indebted to trees. Not forgetting that trees and plants also lie at the source of our survival, by providing us with oxygen to breathe. The medicinal and religious importance of trees and plants have co-influenced each other, in establishing their significance.
Cannabis in Ayurveda
Ayurveda, a sub-script of Atharvaveda, recognises cannabis plant as one of the five sacred plants in the Vedas.
Ayurvedic scripts mention cannbis or marijuana as vijaya, translated from Sanskrit.
Cannabis, otherwise know as ganja, bhang is well-known for its connection with Lord Shiva, is believed to have been introduced to the humankind by Lord Shiva.
Citations in history write Lord Shiva, known as the lord of vijaya, once stormed off to the fields after a feud with his family.
It was only then that he was enchanted by an aromatic smell, which calmed his nerves.
His intriguing nature, led him to further investigation of the plant.
And soon, due to the plant exhibiting properties of acting as a driver into the higher consciousness, it was also used by many great sages for their advancement in spirituality.
Indian hemp, cannabis sativa, is being cultivated since then, as a source of oil and medicine, since its non-psychcoactive constituent CBD, exhibit properties of being highly nutritious and therapeutic. Vetvier, organic name of cannabis grass, is hailed for its actions of that of an antidepressant, women hormones balancer, analgesic, appetizer and many more.
The nutritional composition of Indian hemp seed is approximately 20-25% protein, 25-35% oil, 20-30% carbohydrates and 10-15% insoluble fiber.
This composition, when filtered for its unwanted constituents, such as small amount of THC in it, does not only act as a cure for diseases but also as a source of raw material for manufacturing products, such as CBD oil, which has been ingested by many in a vaporizer, as it dissolves in the bloodstream, producing better effects.
The cannabinoid, terpenes, in cannabis plant, is also used for it’s fragrance in the perfume industry.
Tulasi
The other sacred plant in Vedas, found in every Hindu household is Tulasi plant. Also known widely as the Holy Basil, is regarded with the same respect as that of a goddess.
The commencement of every Hindu religious practice is marked with Tulasi leaves.
Worshipped by all Hindus, Tulasi plant is revered as a symbol of purity. It also acts a herbal remedy for mild infections as well as for common cold.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood, used in temples, as a sign of Hindu custom, can be seen on a Hindu forehead, on any average day.
Since aeons, sandalwood is famous for its enchanting scent and hence, is widely used in perfumery. Sandalwood paste, is advised by almost every other skin doctor, when it comes to skincare.
One of the sacred plants, that is acclaimed all over the world, Australia has been trying to grow sandalwood plants and harvest on its properties.
Jasmine
Jasmine, also identified with Lord Shiva, according to the Vedic texts, is effective in controlling the mind, by acting on the receptors in mind through it’s aroma.
Jasmine, as a sacred plant, also has ample medicinal qualities, such as, it offers cure for breast cancer, by acting on the lymphatic system.
The part of jasmine, most extensively used, is its flowers.
Neem
Neem, also called the Indian Lilac, is the fifth sacred plant, written about in the Vedas.
Neem tree, stands for it’s resemblance in appearance to Goddess Durga.
Hence, also sometimes referred to as Devi.
Neem, even in the 21st century, is an ingredient in a range of products from hairoil to skincare cosmetics to medicinal ointments.
For centuries and civilisations, neem continues to be heralded as much as before.