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

...............................................................................................................
 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.