The third part of this illuminating article by K. K. Bhaumik, concludes the discussion on Ayurveda, the science of life, by examining the technical effects of herbs, roots, extracts and metals as prescribed through a full astrological understanding of the underlying principles.

The underlying principle in Ayurveda is the conviction that all human ailments and sufferings are caused principally by the malevolent influences of planets, their astral positions and transitions. If Mars, Saturn and Moon are not well placed in the birth chart, serious and chronic ailments will arise. Saturn is associated with the winter season and often inflicts serious problems on the senior citizens. Ketu (Dragon's Tail, or south lunar node) creates a variety of maladies in old age. It is therefore evident that a good Ayurvedic practitioner should have a sound knowledge of astrology for effective treatment of diseases caused by the influences of planets. He should be able to diagnose the cause of the malady by reading the birth chart and horoscope of the patient.

Ayurveda prescribes the use of multi-faceted herbs and roots to counter negative planetary influences. These roots and herbs are tied to the upper arm (right arm for men and left arm for women) for a specified period of time. This mode of treatment is called healing with herbs. The following herbs and roots are used to neutralise the harmful effects of the planets:

	Planets	Herbs and Roots
	Sun	Billwamool
	Moon	Khirika
	Mars	Anantmool
	Mercury	Bridhadwarakmool
	Jupiter	Brahmajatimool
	Venus	Rambasakmool
	Saturn	Swetberelamool
	Rahu	Shwetchandanmool
	Ketu	Aswagandha

Extracts of the herbs and roots can also be taken orally, in the form of mother tinctures commonly used in Homoeopathy. These herbs and roots and their extracts in the form of mother tincture have proved equally effective in countering the negative influences of planets on human beings. The extracts of the roots and herbs as mother tincture are available in any homoeopathic outlet. The doses, however, should be taken after consulting an experienced astro-occult practitioner. The names and doses of some herbal extracts or mother tinctures are given below:

	Planets	Extract/Mother Tincture	Doses
	Sun	Aegletolia ­ Q	5 Drops
	Venus	Hydroquotile S ­ Q Meshashringi ­ Q	10 Drops 10 Drops
	Jupiter	Chirata ­ Q	15 Drops
	Moon	Honey	One spoon
	Ketu	Ahswagangha ­ Q	10 Drops
	Saturn	Shefalika ­Q Dhurba - Q Honey	10 Drops 10 Drops 20 Drops
	Mars	Anantamool ­ Q Panchamukhi Jaba ­ Q Neem ­ Q	10 Drops 10 Drops 10 Drops
	Rahu	Swetchandan ­ Q	5 drops or paste: spoon
	Mercury	Hydrocotyle ­ Q Amala ­ Q	10 drops 5 drops

Some metals have proved to be extremely effective in neutralising the malefic effects of planets on human beings. The chart given below shows some of the metals that have been proven in countering the malefic effects of planets:

	Planets	Metals
	Sun	Gold/Copper
	Moon	Silver
	Mars	Gold
	Mercury	Brass
	Jupiter	Gold
	Venus	Silver
	Saturn	Iron/Lead
	Rahu	Panch Dhatu (metallic alloy of 5 metals: gold, silver, copper, tin & lead)
	Ketu	Panch Dhatu

Astrologically, the twelve zodiac signs, each representing a part of human body, have a tremendous influence on our mind and body and play a pivotal role in causing human ailments. The following chart shows which zodiac sign represents which part of human body:

	Zodiac Sign	Bodily Correspondence
	Aries	Head
	Taurus	Neck, throat and face
	Gemini	Upper arms and chest
	Cancer	Elbows and heart
	Leo	Belly
	Virgo	Hand and waist
	Libra	Urinary organs
	Scorpio	Sexual organs
	Sagittarius	Thighs
	Capricorn	Knees
	Aquarius	Legs, ankles etc
	Pisces	Toes and feet

Within the Vedic system, gem therapy is associated mainly with the science of Astrology. The nine main gemstones all have planetary connections. Included in the Vedic list of planets are Rahu and Ketu, the Dragon's Head and Tail or north and south nodes of the Moon. These two nodes of the Moon have powerful, often dark and dire effects on individuals during periods when the nodes afflict their horoscopes, and are therefore held to have planetary status.

Apart from taking account of the planetary associations, traditional Ayurveda uses gemstones as internal medicine. The gemstones are reduced via complex processes to ashes or bhasmas. However, they must be used in ways that leave their substance completely intact. Gem tinctures can also be used in healing. The bhasmas are used to treat physical conditions, some of which are listed in the table below:

	Bhasmas/Ashes	Usages
	Ruby ash	For vayu, pitta and cough
	Pearl ash	It is sweet and cool and good for eyes
	Coral	For cough, pitta etc
	Emerals	Sweet and cool and good for acidity and heat
	Moon stone	For cough and vayu
	Diamond	Makes body strong
	Sapphire	For improper behaviour and neural pains