Did you know that some plants actually tell us what they are used for?
This is called the “Doctrine of Signatures”. In the very old days, when only the elite were taught to read and write, ordinary folk used the “doctrine of signatures” to help them to identify what herbs might be used for.
This is not a recommended practice though, as it’s unreliable. It’s just a little piece of interesting history and maybe a hint of the lengths nature will go to, to help us.
Interesting examples of the “Doctrine of Signatures” are colours. Chakra colours relate to different areas of the body. For example, yellow relates to the hepatic system, and wouldn’t you know it, one of the best-known liver support herbs is dandelion, with it’s beautiful yellow flowers. Blue relates to the mind and most blue flowering herbs are awesome for the mind. Blue flowering Borage is said to be naturally anti-depressant but boosting of confidence and courage, and it is said it is for this reason that Napolean used to consume it before going into battle.
Heartsease pansy has long been used for the heart and displays a heart shaped leaf. Walnut is one of our best known brain support herbs and the nut looks like a brain? Lungwort leaves actually look like lungs!!!
Isn’t nature fascinating????