The Doctrine of Signatures

The Doctrine of Signatures is an ancient idea in herbal medicine suggesting that the appearance of a plant indicates its healing properties. For example, a plant that resembles a human organ might be thought to treat ailments of that organ. This concept, rooted in a belief that nature offers clues for healing, was popular among herbalists and has influenced traditional medicine. While the doctrine lacks scientific backing, it reflects the human desire to find connections between nature and health, highlighting a historical approach to understanding the natural world through intuitive signs.