Doctrine of Signatures 2

Doctrine of Signatures 2

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Signature-Texture, aroma, body part. ] [ Signatures-Planetary Influence ] [ Signatures-Colour and Form. ]

Categories of Signatures

Most of the herbal apprentices could read little and write less, and the Doctrine of Signatures came to the rescue as a slightly more dignified mnemonic key than the doggerel verse of the village witch-wife.

Aspects of the plant, which give clues to its use-
1.         Habitat
2.         Colour--of plants flower, fruit, root or stem decoction.
3.         Shape
4.         Texture
5.         Odour
6.         Internal properties.
7.         Astrological influences

NOTE THAT CULTIVATION OF PLANTS MAY ALTER THEIR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.

IN ADDITION, PLANTS GROWN IN ONE TYPE OF SOIL MAY YIELD DIFFERENT CONSTITUENT PROPORTIONS IF GROWN IN ANOTHER TYPE OF SOIL.

HABITAT	INDICATED HEALING PROPERTY	EXAMPLE.
Wet lowlands, swamps	Associated with diseases of wetness; rheumatic disorders, feverish colds and coughs	Mints, verbena, elder
Mucky soil	Associated with mucous excretions. From inflammation--plants that clear the mucky areas and are grown there for that purpose	Eucalyptus, sunflower.
Banks of clear ponds and rivers	Associated with diuretics---helping to cleanse the urinary system	Horsetail, mints, balotta.
Gravelly areas--sandy areas	Associated with cleansing mucous linings and keeping them oiled so preventing sickness--bronchial and alimentary tract	Parsley

[ Signature-Texture, aroma, body part. ] [ Signatures-Planetary Influence ] [ Signatures-Colour and Form. ]

Bibliography
The compleat herbal--Ben Charles Harris. --Larchmont books
Botanic Medicine Society, Box 82, Stn. A, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. M2n 5s7.