The main Mercury remedies are the nervines. These ‘feed’, tone and soothe the nervous system. As an over-active Mercury causes excitement and wind, many Mercury remedies are anti-flatulent carminatives.
Mercurial Foot Bath
For many people, stress focuses in their head. It gets stuck, so to speak, in the mental plane. This is perhaps why stress so often results in headaches and mental disorders. Though hot herbal footbaths feel great anytime, they are especially recommended for headaches and mental stress. They are deeply relaxing, easy to do, and are an excellent way to relieve head tension and stress. This headache/stress treatment takes more time and energy than swallowing an aspirin, but the results will be deeply satisfying and long lasting.
You may, of course, use any combination of relaxing herbs you have at hand. Mustard powder, ginger, sage, and rosemary are all good herbs for foot baths. Quaker Oats are excellent, also, and will do in a pinch.
Ingredients:
2 parts lavender
1 part hops
1 part sage
1⁄2 part rosemary
A few drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions:
1. Place the herbs in a large pot and fill with water. Place a lid on tightly and bring to a low simmer. Simmer over low heat for 5–10 minutes. Pour into a large basin, add the lavender essential oil (if using), and adjust the temperature with cold water. Keep the foot bath water very hot. It should be hot enough to be almost uncomfortable but without burning the feet.
2. Make yourself comfortable in the softest, coziest chair you have. Slowly immerse your feet in the water. Cover the basin with a thick towel to keep the heat in. Refill the basin with hot herbal tea as it cools. While you soak, play quiet, relaxing music in the background or listen to the silence.
This remedy doesn’t HAVE to just be done during a retrograde, it can take place any time the Hour of Mercury is near OR if you need just need a realignment of your nervous system.
See you soon!