Doctrine of Signatures

“Every herb must tell to man by its form or leaves, stem or flowers, of what use it might be in curing his ills.”

Helen Noyes Webster, Herbs

What is the Doctrine of Signatures?
Plants were once believed to be capable of healing on spiritual, mental, and physical levels. The doctrine of signatures was a metaphysical theory based upon clues and signals given off by the plant. The basic thought behind this theory was that like cured like. That is, the plant was supposed to resemble its cure. By observing the physical form of a plant one could construe the types of illnesses it would help to cure. For example daisies which resembled eyes were thought to be useful in curing complaints of the eye. This theory of healing was prevalent throughout Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

By observing the color of a plants roots or the shape of its leaves or the area the plant was growing in it was thought possible to determine what each plant could be used for. For instance, plants that had red roots or flowers could be used to help cure blood disorders, while plants with yellow flowers or roots could be used to alleviate the problems associated with jaundice.

The Plants

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) - the blood red color of this plants rhizomes made it the herb of choice to use for all blood disorders. In the modern day it has been found that excessive use of this herb depresses the central nervous system which can eventually lead to death.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) - because the flowers resemble a diseased and bloodshot eye, this plant was thought to be cable of alleviating all problems of the eye. Although this herb is occasionally used today excess use can cause mental confusion, along with a variety of eye problems such as itching, swelling, and redness.

Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) - AKA scorpion grass, the buds of this flower developed in a spiral pattern thought to look similar to a scorpion’s tail. This plant was believed to be a remedy for serpent bites.

Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) - the stoney seeds were thought to be capable of dissolving gravel, that is kidney and bladder stones. This herb can be used as a tonic to clear toxins from the body and may help treat hepatitis and other liver ailments.

Liverwort (Hepatica nobilis) - the leaves vaguely resemble the shape and color of the liver thus this plant was utilized to treat liver aliments. Although it is not often prescribed in the modern-day, liverwort is occasionally used as a general liver and digestive tonic.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) - the spots on the leaves of this plant resembled diseased lung tissue thus indicating that this herb could be used to help cure lung aliments. An infusion of lungwort is often prescribed by modern herbal practitioners to help in cases of bronchitis and asthma.

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) - Capillus veneris means Venus’s hair which may have accounted for this plant being thought capable of promoting healthy hair growth. Various concoctions containing maidenhair fern are available to use today. This herb can help treat bald spots that are caused by ringworm.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - according to Nicholas Culpeper the yellow color of this spice indicated the following uses “…opens obstructions, is profitable against the yellow jaundice, and cold distemper of the liver and spleen…” This is one of the few herbs mentioned in this blog that lives up to its uses as outlined in the doctrine of signatures. Turmeric rhizomes can be used internally for jaundice and liver disease and are reputed to lower cholesterol levels.

Walnuts (Juglans regia) - the convoluted surface of walnuts were thought to resemble the brain thus walnuts could be used for all aliments associated with the head and brain. Modern herbalists use all parts of the walnut for a variety of medicinal purposes. An infusion of the leaves can be used for constipation, coughs, and urinary stones while the oil from the nuts can be used for dry skin conditions, eczema, and hair loss.

Willow (Salix species) - ancient herbalists observed that the willow tree was found to grow in damp and moist environments. Thus, according to the Doctrine of Signatures, willow bark was recommended to be used by anyone suffering from rheumatic complaints which were often aggravated by damp conditions.

This blog is meant for entertainment purposes only. Many of the herbs with reputed therapeutic value as promoted along with the doctrine of signatures have not been proven to have any medicinal benefits by modern-day herbal practitioners. And many of the herbs mentioned can actually be harmful to ones health.

Take care,
The Backyard Diva