The Doctrine of Signature

The doctrine of signature is the concept of foods being the most beneficial to the organs they resemble. Thus, the Doctrine of Signature is an ancient concept with roots in folk herbalism, mysticism, and esoteric teachings on the healing arts. It’s a fascinating and rather mystical approach to plant medicine that stands in stark contrast to modern, conventional medicine. Rather than recognizing spirits, archetypes, or signatures within plants, science reduces them to their component parts based on a strictly materialistic view of reality

The doctrine of signature was developed in 16^th and 17^th centuries though, its traces are spread until the present day in different traditional medicine cultures.

    Plants show their creativity with different aspects of signature which offer the therapy to treat mankind not only through physical appearance but also by the area they grow, scent, and sound they produce. Plotting example for this is worthy like Nettle is a plant that likes to grow in wet areas, and it has an affinity for the waterways of the body, such as blood and urinary tract, of the smell of Eucalyptus, and the nose will recall an intense opening experience. Highly aromatic herbs contain large amounts of essential oils, which exit the body via the breath, helping to open the lungs and nasal passages, Wood cites the rattling sound of black cohosh seedpods as a signature of the plant’s use among Native Americans for snakebites.

    Signatures can go beyond physical uses for plant medicines and into the realm of energetic uses, messages, and lessons. One example of hawthorn's horns being a signature for its ability to relieve emotional pain. Another example is the yellow color of the daffodil blooms, which can be made into flower essence for boosting solar-plexus-related issues such as self-worth, confidence, and the recognition of one’s gifts and talents.

    Although modern medicine rejects the doctrine of signatures, scientific research tends to validate it unintentionally. Modern science picks apart herbs and classifies them down to each chemical component present in the plant and has started making their medicines in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, pastes, etc.

    Of course, it takes patience to work with plants—their signs, signature, and spirits. Working with plant signatures is much like a hike through the forest. It’s such an enjoyable experience of exercise and expansion unto itself.

Mrs. Rupali Sontakke

Assistant Professor

Faculty of Pharmacy

Medi- Caps University