Virgo & Lemon Balm

Virgo is how we process the world around us. In medical astrology, Virgo rules over most of the digestive system- including the gut, spleen, pancreas & part of the liver. Virgo also governs the enteric nervous system & gut-brain axis, as well as the sympathetic nervous system.

With Mercury as it's ruler, it's an incredibly cerebral sign, known for it's intellect & attention to details. However, it can easily become over-stimulated & stressed by the amount of data it takes in & the pressure it puts on itself to perform. This anxiety in turn affects the digestive system, making it susceptible to food sensitivities. Virgo placements in the natal chart may also indicate an inability to break down nutrients, & other digestive dysfunctions. 

One herb with a particular affinity to Virgo anatomy is Lemon Balm. It is a fragrant, woodland plant, rich in tannins and pungent oil. Lemon Balm is an excellent herb for calming the nerves & lifting Virgo from it's doom spirals. It is used to treat insomnia, depression & irritability. 

Lemon Balm replenishes the nervous system & helps that stubborn Virgo energy adapt to life changes. It can help alleviate stress-induced problems affecting the digestive system or the heart. The bitter constituents stimulate the liver & enhance absorption of nutrients. For the pancreas Lemon Balm regulates the production of insulin & reduces inflammation. 

It is also a great herb for the immune system, helping to bring down a fever by inducing sweating & topically it can be effective against against viruses that inflame the nerves. A sweet & subtle herb, yet it covers many bases, Lemon Balm is the gentle hand that holds our as we take in the world.