Sagittarius & Dandelion
Sagittarius is how we get moving. In medical astrology it rules over the legs & muscles of the hips. Sagittarius turns impulse into action, found at the point where the central & peripheral nervous system meet. It also governs the sacral nerve plexus & sciatic nerve.
As a Fire sign, it has a robust & hearty constitution, though it is prone to pushing past it's limits. It can overcommit it's time & energy, & it's mutable nature has it bouncing from one new interest to another. This can lead to burnout & nervous exhaustion, with an agitated mind that cannot rest or be satisfied.
Sagittarius also runs hot, & has tendency towards inflammation. This can manifest as nerve pain, especially of the sciatic & sacral nerves. Grounding, nutrient dense & anti-inflammatory herbs & foods support Sagittarius in it's fullest expression.
Another part of the body that has an affinity with Sagittarius is the liver, with both being ruled by Jupiter. The expansive nature of Jupiter is reflected in the body's largest internal organ, that moves nutrients, hormones & waste products to where they need to go, & performs over 500 vital functions. A liver overburdened by toxins or an excessive lifestyle can contribute to pain & inflammation in the body, as well as making us quick to anger & frustration.
A herb I love for those with Sagittarius placements in their natal chart is Dandelion. A true wanderer, it has spread across the globe, & is used in many herbal traditions for liver complaints. It is extremely nutrient rich, high in vitamins (A, C, D, E, and B), inositol, lecithin, & minerals such as iron, magnesium & potassium.
The bitterness of Dandelion stimulates the functions of the liver & gallbladder, helping us to metabolise & break down nutrients. It's antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, & has a cooling effect on the body. The leaf is also wonderful for the kidneys, helping the body drain excess fluid.
Although Dandelion is commonly characterised as a bothersome weed, it also benefits it’s adopted environment. Its deep tap root loosens compacted soil, creating a micro-climate that draws earthworms, & it's early Spring flowers are an important food source for pollinators. Truly a generous plant, there’s much we can learn from our global gypsy, Dandelion.