ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINAL PLANTS AND PHYTOTHERAPY: INSIGHTS FROM NAVAGRAHA, RASI AND NAKSHATRA TRADITIONS Authors: Sujatha G*
ABSTRACT
Astrological medicinal plants are an uncommon overlapping of traditional knowledge systems,
beliefs, and medical utilization of plants. It critically examines the contributions of Indian astrological
traditions of medicinal plants of the Navagraha (nine planets), Rasi (twelve zodiac signs), and Nakshatra
(twenty-seven lunar mansions) and determines how they can be used in phytotherapy today. The literature
sources used in the research comprise those that are contained in the Scopus-indexed journals and the
ancient Ayurvedic and Siddha literature, which examines the role and use of cosmic associations in the past
in the selection of medicinal plants, their use and preservation. The review highlights that many astrological
plants, including Ocimum tenuiflorum, Azadirachta indica, Withania somnifera, and Emblica officinalis,
possess well-documented pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, and adaptogenic activities. These results indicate that conventional astrological systems can
be used as culturally substantiated systems of arranging empirical knowledge of medicine. Besides, the
significance of customary practices in conserving and sustainable use of biodiversity is indicated. Despite
the fact that the scientific basis of planetary influence is not decisive, the existing study gives high ratings
about the effectiveness of these plants in treatment. The review notes the importance of interdisciplinary
methodologies in order to validate and prove the applicability of astrological ethnobotany in evidence-based
phytotherapies and holistic healthcare systems.
Keywords: Astrological medicinal plants, Navagraha, Nakshatra, Phytotherapy, Ethnobotany Publication date: 01/11/2026 https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/November/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10595.pdfDownload PDF
https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.11.10595