Culpeper - The Astrologer
Homage to History's Herbalists No. 8

Intro
Nicholas Culpeper was born on October 18, 1616, in Surrey, England. He was a herbalist, physician and astrologer who made enduring contributions to the field of herbalism. What set him apart was his commitment to making medical knowledge accessible to common people, which was revolutionary at the time. Culpeper translated complex Latin medical texts into English, democratising knowledge previously restricted to the educated and wealthy. This approach ran counter to the established practices of the medical community and he became somewhat of an “outsider” figure for his unconventional views.

Nicholas Culpeper’s integration of herbal lore, astrology and practical guidance has continued to shape herbalism. His work represented a unique blending of science, mysticism and compassion for people, solidifying his legacy as one of the most remarkable figures in herbal history.

The Outsider with Sound Ethics
Culpeper was, indeed, a controversial figure and did make waves in his time. Culpeper openly challenged the medical establishment, which was dominated by the Royal College of Physicians, a body that tightly controlled access to medical knowledge and treatments, and was often hostile toward those practicing without formal certification. Culpeper’s desire to empower people with knowledge challenged the monopolised medical system. This approach gave individuals a means to take care of their health without the high cost of doctors. Culpeper was deeply critical of how medical knowledge was kept out of reach for the general public and he saw the high fees charged by doctors as exploitative. Despite, or perhaps because of, his rebellious nature, he remains a celebrated figure for his pioneering spirit and for championing accessible healthcare.

Culpepper’s Seminal Work
His most famous work, “The Complete Herbal”, remains one of the most popular and widely read herbal manuals even centuries after its publication. Culpeper’s works were written in English and his straightforward style made herbal knowledge widely available to laypersons. Accordingly, his decision to translate complex Latin medical texts into English was a radical act, which threatened the medical elite. By making this knowledge accessible to ordinary people, he undermined the physicians' monopoly and faced substantial backlash for his efforts.

The Complete Herbal was never fully accepted by mainstream doctors of Culpeper’s time, who viewed it as a threat to their authority and the exclusivity of their medical knowledge. Physicians of the era, especially those aligned with the Royal College of Physicians, disapproved of Culpeper’s unorthodox methods, his use of English rather than Latin and his open access approach, which allowed everyday people to use his herbal remedies without needing a doctor’s intervention. The book’s popularity with the public only deepened the professional disdain for Culpeper, as it undermined the physicians' control over healthcare. 

These themes resonate deeply with today’s herbalists and naturopaths, who continue to struggle for recognition and a voice within modern healthcare. Much like Culpeper, they advocate for a holistic, accessible approach to wellness that often challenges conventional medical practices, aiming to integrate natural remedies and individualised care into the mainstream health landscape.

He saw the Cosmos in the Plant
Culpeper uniquely combined astrology with herbal medicine, a novel approach that integrated cosmic principles with physical remedies. His system integrated herbal knowledge with astrological theory, pairing plants with astrological signs and celestial influences. This approach aligned with his belief that the cosmos influenced the body and that herbs corresponded with certain planetary energies, which could be used to heal. For example, he believed that herbs ruled by the Sun could counteract the effects of illnesses governed by Saturn, such as melancholy or sluggishness. Similarly, he thought herbs aligned with Venus could soothe ailments associated with Mars, like inflammation and fever, bringing harmony between opposing forces in the body.

Culpeper’s incorporation of astrology into medicine added further controversy. Many of his contemporaries viewed astrology as unscientific or superstitious and Culpeper’s insistence on blending the cosmic and medical worlds made him both an innovator and a target for criticism.

Culpeper’s Astrological Insights
Culpeper’s approach wasn’t just about assigning plants to planets; Culpeper saw it as a dynamic way to harmonise the body's "inner cosmos" with the greater cosmic order. By addressing planetary influences within herbal remedies, he aimed to achieve a deeper, holistic restoration of health that accounted for both physical and energetic imbalances.

Culpeper's astrological views are quite aligned with ancient astrology but differ from much of modern astrology, which has largely shifted away from medical applications, although some astrologers do specialise in medical astrology. In modern astrology, the focus has shifted to psychological and personality analysis rather than physical health. Ancient astrologers, particularly in Greek, Roman and Arabic traditions, held similar beliefs to Culpeper’s: that each celestial body exerted a unique influence on the body and that plants could harness these energies for healing. This approach is reflected in the practices of historical figures like Hippocrates, Galen and Avicenna, who also believed that astrology could reveal insights into health, with herbs counterbalancing planetary imbalances. Culpeper’s work remains a bridge between ancient astrological medicine and modern holistic health practices, representing a more integrated view of health than what is commonly found today.

Ayurveda and T.C.M Aligned with Culpeper’s Concepts
Much of Culpeper’s holistic approach aligns closely with principles found in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, both of which emphasise the balance between the body, mind and natural world. His integration of astrological influences with herbal remedies mirrors TCM’s focus on elemental harmony and Ayurveda’s dosha, where plants are believed to resonate with specific energies and bodily systems. In this way, Culpeper’s work embodies a truly integrative view of health, rooted in aligning the human body with the cosmos and Nature.

Notable Remedies and Advice
So many of Culpeper’s herbal remedies are still relevant and used today by herbalists. Culpeper recommended rosemary for memory and mental clarity, associating it with the Sun and saw it as particularly useful for individuals born under Aries, who might benefit from its invigorating qualities. He suggested dandelion to support liver health and digestive cleansing, considering it a cooling herb associated with Jupiter. Culpeper believed it was particularly helpful for those under the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. Known today for its use in easing depression, Culpeper advised St. John’s Wort for wounds and nervous ailments, attributing its power to the Sun and its ability to bring warmth and vitality. For headaches and migraines, he often recommended feverfew, a herb associated with Venus. Culpeper believed it helped temperamental conditions, especially for those with Libra or Taurus placements. Yarrow was recommended for stopping bleeding and healing wounds and Culpeper saw it as governed by Venus. He valued it for its capacity to support the body’s resilience and protect against infections.