Herbal Medicine Through the Zodiac: Leo (Sun, Fire, Fixed)
Following the emotional, watery and introspective season of Cancer, we transition into Leo season (July 21st to August 20th). In Cancer we moved into the lower point of the chart, the fourth house, and with Leo we get to witness the rising of consciousness from the depths of our being.
Leo season is infused with the sun and summer energies; its ruling planet is naturally the Sun,- and the element of Leo is Fire. The symbol of Leo is represented through the the Lion 🦁; courage and strength. Generally speaking, Leo’s tend to have a confident nature, be strong in their self-expression, be strong-willed, protective, fierce in their love and deeply connected to their hearts.
ENERGETICS
The dominating qualities we see in Leo are hot and dry. We see these energetics expressed in the physical body as well as psychologically. Leo’s tend towards a Pitta constitution; medium sized, strong/athletic build, strong metabolism, strong pulse, possible redness in the skin, and the chest area is often accentuated. We sometimes see tendencies of oiliness in the skin and hair, if there isn’t too much heat present to dry this out.
ORGAN RULERSHIP
Due to Leo’s rulership if the sun, we see a direct relation to the heart and cardiovascular system. Leo is also related to the eyes, spinal cord, general circulation of the blood and the electrical impulse in the body (pulse diagnosis).
HEALTH & HEALING
Remedies, modules and lifestyle practices that support the heart and cardiovascular system is of great importance to Leo. This goes for both physical support, such as exercise and diet, but also for the emotional and psychological bodies. Imbalances in Leo may manifest as issues with the heart and/or cardiovascular system, or upper back problems.
Leo is hot and dry, and in excess these qualities can lead to dryness, inflammation, tension, nerve impact, and excitation.
For balancing remedies, we look towards that which offers the qualities of coolness and moisture.
Diet-wise it is a good idea to limit that which creates more fire in the body; such as hot and spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fermented foods, and meat. Cooling and moistening foods and remedies such as aloe Vera, marshmallow root, yoghurt, coconut water, coconut oil, fruits and vegetables (except nightshades) are supportive in balancing excess heat/pitta/Leo energy.
Other herbal remedies that can be beneficial for Leo’s include plantain, milky oats, rose, lady’s mantle, blue lotus, motherwort and slippery elm.
BOTANICAL CORRESPONDENCES
Looking at botanical correspondences to Leo, we see plants wit a strong correlation to the Sun. These are not plants that are always indicated for Leo’s and their imbalances, but rather plants that carry the energetics of Leo (increasing the qualities of Leo).
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis). Rosemary is a plant with stimulating properties that increases circulation of the blood and the digestive function. Often indicated for the brain, memory function and for eyes, as it increases circulation of the blood into the brain and the small capillaries.
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis): Calendula carries the energy of the sun, which is seen in its brightly coloured yellow-orange flower. Often known as “Herbal Sunshine”, calendula helps to disperse accumulated dampness and coldness in the body, particularly in the stomach and lymphatic tissues. Calendula is an effective topical remedy for sunburn and wounds, as it helps to disinfect and heal the skin.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Performatum). One of my personal favourite herbal remedies, and another Sun-ruled plant. St. John’s Wort typically blooms around the summer solstice, at the time of the year when there is most daylight and sunshine present. SJW is a famous nerve tropo-restorative and an uplifting remedy for the spirit; used to offer support from mild depression and melancholy. It is another great remedy for the skin, helpful for treating eczema, rashes, sunburn, cuts and bruises. As a homeopathic remedy St. John’s Wort can help to support energetic boundaries and reestablish integrity of the etheric body.
