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QR 11 Gentiana (Gentian)
Astrologer and physician Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) describes Gentian as being under the dominion of Mars.
He suggests that: "You may oppose diseases by Herbs of the planet, opposite to the planet that causes them: as diseases of Jupiter by herbs of Mercury, and the contrary; diseases of the Luminaries by the herbs of Saturn, and the contrary; diseases of Mars by the herbs of Venus, and the contrary."
Culpeper stated that plants could channel and store the invisible life energies of the planets which could then be absorbed by eating or drinking. Using a complicated system of planetary attraction and repulsion, he was able to match the correct cure for the patient's ailment.
Gentiana could therefore be used to treat areas of the body governed by Venus as it is under the dominion of Mars.
For more historic 'recipes for remedy' and further information, please follow the links below.
IMPORTANT - Warning: Please do not pick, take or eat any plant, fruit or berry from the Garden even if you think that you know what it is. Reference to any medicinal or curative properties of plants or to the recipes noted are historic and for the interest of visitors and should not be used or relied on as this may cause harm. Neither the Artist nor the Chelsea Physic Garden will be held liable if people disregard this advice.
Culpepper's English physician; and complete herbal
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