For centuries herbalists and shamans have been using the shape, colour, smell, texture and location of plants to get ideas on how best to use them. Although it is not true in all cases as many plants that have the same shape as our vital organs are poisonous, there is definitely something in this so it is worth taking note of!
Although criticised a lot, it would be completely unfair to totally dismiss the so-called 'Doctrine of Signatures' – connecting the healing properties of plants to their shapes. It is definitely worth taking the time to connect to different plants and observe the effects their shapes, smells and colours have on certain parts of your body.
The incredible resemblance of fruits and human organs
There is an incredible similarity between the shape and colour or most fruits/vegetables and human organs! Is it a coincidence or is there actually something in it? The list is endless but here are some examples:
- Walnuts resemble the shape of our brain. It has been scientifically proven that consuming them improves the development of our brain. They are a great source of omega 3, antioxidants and contain more folic acid and vitamin E than any other nut. However, eating nuts will not cure severe brain issues/illnesses.
- Carrots, especially when sliced, resemble our eyes. The old saying: "Eating carrots will help you see in the dark;" is not scientifically proven, however, carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene which protects against macular degeneration and increases circulation around the eyes, thus strengthening them.
- Grapes resemble the alveoli in our lungs and contain lots of resveratrol (an antioxidant), which is especially beneficial to the epithelial cells that line the lungs and trachea.
- Beetroot, when sliced in two is heart shaped and red. Beetroot has been proven to help with hypertension as well as diabetes. It boosts the growth of red blood cells and strengthens our immune system as well as our performance.
- Sweet potatoes look like our pancreas and have been proven to help balance blood sugar levels.
- Ginger roots resemble the human stomach and are often used to stimulate digestion and ease acid reflux.
- Pumpkins resemble our belly and being low in starch and sugar make them a perfect nutrient to ease bloatedness and to consume as part of a weight loss diet.
- Celery not only looks like our bones but also contains exactly the same percentage of sodium as human bones, which is 23 %!
- Avocado takes 9 months to grow and harvest and has been used to improve hormonal imbalances in women as well as help with weight loss after birth.
The same logic can be applied to herbs but please note that not all herbs are healing, so if in doubt please contact an experienced herbalist. This is how some herbs resemble and can heal parts of the human body:
- Nettle has green heart-shaped leaves; this plant is one of the best blood cleansers and stimulators of circulation. It is great for boosting the immune system when the seasons change, especially in spring when hay fever and other allergies are more common.
- St. Johns wort is associated with the skin due to the holes on its flowers and it is indeed used mainly to heal skin diseases and cuts.
- Lungwort leaves resemble human lungs, so it is mainly used to heal pulmonary infections and coughs.
- Chamomile resembles our nervous system and is commonly used as a relaxant.
- Liverwort or hepatica resembles the liver, as the name suggests and is used as a gentle tonic for liver ailments.
- Lady's mantle is one of the best representations of its shape and is used as a warming and soothing wrap for the days of female menstruation, releasing cramps, spasms, headaches and anxiety.
- Kava, resembling a heart shape is used especially for reducing anxiety.
- Ginseng root resembles the human form and can heal almost any kind of illness.
Once we start observing the world around us, we are able to connect to plants, animals as well as crystals and trees much quicker. This enables us to understand ourselves and the way we function much better. I encourage you to use this information to inspire you and help you connect with nature and yourself more intensely.
If you have any questions, would like to share your experience of using certain foods or herbs with me, or would like to join me on my nature walks, write to me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
