Doctrine of Signatures

The Doctrine of Signatures is an old idea suggesting that the physical features of plants indicate their medicinal uses. For example, a plant with a shape resembling a human organ might be used to treat ailments of that organ. This belief was based on the idea that nature provided "signs" to guide healing, linking a plant’s appearance to its purpose. While not scientifically proven, it historically influenced herbal medicine, encouraging people to observe nature's clues for potential remedies.