Importance of Pushya Nakshatra in Ayurveda and Medical Astrology

By Dr Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM
Pushya Nakshatra is an important lunar constellation. In Ayurveda, starting from pregnancy care to treating poisonous conditions, Pusya lunar constellation is given due importance. The day of Pushya Nakshatra holds special significance. Please note that this article is about the lunar constellation and not the Pushya month. It holds a special significance in Ayurvedic medical astrology.

Shishyopanayana – student initiation

Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana 8th chapter
During a favorable Muhurta (48 minute time frame) and auspicious time, when the moon is auspicious, in conjunction with either of Pushya, Hasta, Shravana or Asvayuk lunar constellations, in an auspicious day of the light fortnight of Uttarayana (summer solstice) the initiation procedure should be conducted.
The disciple should come with his head shaved, observing fast, after having bath, wearing a saffron colored cloth and with fragrant material in hand.

Pregnancy care

Charaka Samhita Shareera Sthana 8th chapter
Pregnant women are administered a therapy called Pumsavana.
During the conjunction of Pushya star (with moon), she is made to drink curd added with either two Dhanyamashas (Phaselous radiatus) or white mustard seeds with 2 fresh buds of banyan tree grown in the area of the cow shed.

Epilepsy treatment

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 10th chapter
Bile of dog, collected in the Pusya consetllation is advised as collyrium for the treatment of epilepsy.

Pushyanuga Churna

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 30th chapter
A very famous Ayurvedic herbal powder medicine used for the treatment of leucorrhea, uterine infection and menorrhagia. The herbal powders of this medicine are collected in the Pushya constellation. (Read more about Pushyanuga Churna uses)

Rejuvenation, anti-aging

Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 29th chapter.
An anti-aging medicine prepared with Soma (Ephedra vulgaris) is administered in thePushya, Hastra, Ashwini or Shravana constellation times.

Ashtanga Hrudaya Uttarasthana, 39/54-55
A medicine prepared with Nagabala (Sida veronicaefolia) is collected in the Pushya constellation.
The remedy is –
Roots of Nagabala should be collected at the commencement of sharad ritu (autumn) and in the pushya (star constellation). It should be powdered and preserved. 12 grams of this should be consumed either with milk or licked with honey or ghee.
During this anti aging procedure, the person should only consume milk, without consuming any other food. (anannabhuk)
By following this regimen for one year, the person lives for 100 years with good strength.  

Management of poisoning

Ashtanga Hrudayam Uttarasthana 35/24-32
Chandrodaya Agada, a medicine is prepared in the Pushya constellation, which is used in the management of poisoning.
This medicine wards off the evil effects of all kinds of posions, ghosts, demons, sinful acts, deadly diseases, famine, war, lightning, thunderbolt etc.
This is administered orally, as nasya (nasal medicine), collyrium, external paste application, and can be tied with gems as well. This promotes health.
Historically, this formulation was used by Lord Indra to kill demon Vritra.

Eye care

Ashtanga Hrudaya, Uttara Sthana 13/26-27
Manohvadi Anjana –
Purified realgar, copper sulphate, musk, jatamansi, sandalwood, Gorochana (cow bezoar) – each one part is mixed with
10 parts of camphor and
80 parts of purified antimony sulphide. It is amde into fine powder and applied to eyes during citra aśvinī puṣya constellations .
It is beneficial in Timira (blindness). It bestows clean sight. This formulation is first described by charya Chakshushena.

Swarna Bindu Prashana

An immune boosting remedy for children method of administering gold bhasma with herbal ghee. It is not specifically told to be administered in the Pushya constellation. But some modern day Ayurveda practitioners administer this during Pushya. Read more about Swarna Bindu Prashana

How to spot Pushya constellation?

These constellations, stars, astrology, astronomy etc. are developed by Sacred sages of the most ancient religion of the world – Hinduism. The Pushya constellation can be easily found in any Hindu calendar.
It appears approximately once a month

Conclusion

As per scientific Hindu astrology and astronomy, your time and date of birth decides which times are favorable for you and which are not.
But from the above citations, it is easy to guess that Pushya constellation is one of the best timings, suited for doing auspicious medicine preparations and treatment administrations.