Herbs in History: Doctrine of Signatures

Definition

The Doctrine of Signatures is a theory that dates back through ancient times and is based on the premise that the plant resembles the part of the body it was meant to cure. It was believed that God had signed the plants to show humans what they could be used for medicinally. Modern day scientists are sceptical of the theory.

History

The writings of the Ancient Roman Doctor, Galen, (131-200 CE) made reference to the idea of a plant or parts of a plant looking similar to the affliction or body part they were a treatment for.

Paracellus, a Swiss healer and alchemist (1493-1541), claimed that similar cured similar, and he observed the similarity of leaves, stems, and flowers on plants and the human anatomy.

"We men discover everything that lies hidden in the mountains by external signs and correspondences, and thus also do we find all the properties of herbs and everything that is in the stones." - Paracelsus

In 1621, a German Theologian and Mystic, Jakob Boehme published a tome entitled 'De Signatura Rerum'. (The signature of all things) It was this book that helped to make the theory more prominent in medical treatment of the time and also promoted if not coined the expression Doctrine of Signatures.

Jakob Boehme (source of  original image unknown)

Example

Doctrine of Signatures: A Walnut when shelled looks similar to a brain, and according to the Doctrine of Signatures is therefore good for the brain.

Fact or Fiction: According to Prevention the antioxidants in walnuts may be beneficial in reducing age and other related brain deterioration.

References/Sources

Science Museum UK
Breverton's Complete Herbal
The Doctrine of Signatures and Herbalism

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 NOTE: The publication of information regarding alternative therapies, herbalism, aromatherapy, and the like, in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your health care provider.

Spotlight on essential oils: Peppermint

How is peppermint essential oil extracted?

Peppermint oil is extracted from the above ground plant and before the herb has flowered. The parts of the herb are then steam-distilled, yielding 0.1- 1% of essential oil.

What chemicals does it contain?

Peppermint oil has a strong menthol aroma, so it won't be a surprise to find out it contains menthol and menthones!

It also contains the following: cineole, methyl acetate, methofuran, isomenthone, limonene, b-pinene, a-pinene, germacrene-d, trans-sabinene hydrate and pulegon.

Where to buy?

Galaxy Aromatherapy sells peppermint oil from her online store, it can also be found in some supermarket shelves and chemists as well as health food stores.

Galaxy Aromatherapy also sells products made from peppermint oil, including foot soak crystals.

(C) Galaxy Aromatherapy: Peppermint Foot Crystals

What to do with it?

Diluted in a carrier oil, peppermint essential oil is useful in liniments/massage oils to relieve muscle pain.   

Cold compresses containing a small amount of peppermint essential oil can help reduce swelling, bruising, and headaches.

Steam inhalation containing a drop of peppermint essential oil is useful for reducing catarrh and assisting to relieve blocked sinuses, and for reducing the stuffy head feeling of colds and flu.

Peppermint oil helps to relieve travel sickness symptoms, and it also helps energise a person mentally.

There are many uses for peppermint essential oil, this post merely provides a glimpse into the amazing oil. What do you use it for? Feel free to post in the comments!



Caution: Although a non-toxic oil, the menthol component in Peppermint can be skin irritant and should be kept away from the eyes. Keep away from small children and do not use while pregnant. 


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 NOTE: The publication of information regarding alternative therapies, herbalism, aromatherapy, and the like, in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your health care provider.