Exploring the Doctrine of Signatures for Organ Healing and Optimal Health
Science has shown us what to eat and what not to eat to support our health. But what did people do before modern medicine and before they knew what was beneficial and what wasn’t?
Aside from dangerous trial and error (because there are a lot of poisonous plants), nature gave our ancestors very overt clues which we now refer to as the Doctrine of Signatures.
Plants and foods that are meant to heal or support certain body parts display a “signature” (a sign from nature) by resembling the organ they treat.
The next time you consume these foods look at them closely (for some foods you must cut them open to see the resemblance) and notice how they mirror the organ they’re able to benefit. For instance, when you slice open a tomato you’ll notice the four chambers – this mirrors the four chambers in our heart. Below are some other foods and the associated organ they’re beneficial for.
Food | Organ | Benefit |
Tomato | Heart | Lycopene lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure |
Carrot | Eyes | Beta-carotine is used by the body to make vitamin A (which helps the eye convert light to a signal that is sent to the brain – so you see better in lower light) |
Eggs | Eyes | Egg yolk contains vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc – all of which are crucial for eye health |
Sweet potatoes | Pancreas | Sweet potatoes help to release sugars slowly and gradually into the bloodstream – which takes stress off the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels |
Walnuts | Brain | Walnuts contain a lot of alpha-linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid) and polyphenolic compounds – both of which can counteract oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore help slow cognitive decline |
Avocado | Ovaries | Avocados contain a lot of healthy unsaturated fats. According to Dr. Avner Hershlag, “Avocados pack a high dosage of essential fatty acids, which can help regulate hormones, periods, and ovulation.” |
Grapes | Lungs | Grapes are rich in flavonoids such as resveratrol which may help the lungs via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties |
Mushrooms | Ears | Mushrooms contain vitamin D, which is a nutrient that is connected with cochlear health. |
Citrus fruits | Breasts | May protect against breast cancer because of the high amount of folate, vitamin C, and carotenoids in them |
Ginger | Stomach | Helps to speed up the movement of food through your GI tract while also reducing bloating, cramping, and gas |
Rhubarb | Bones | Rhubarb contains vitamin K that can help maintain strong and healthy bones via its role in bone formation |
Figs | Scrotum | Increase sperm count and the motility of sperm |
Clams | Scrotum | Clams are abundant in folic acid and zinc – both help to improve the semen quality in men |
Ginseng | Veins | Red ginseng promotes the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and increases the synthesis of nitric oxide (which causes vasodilation) |
These represent just a few examples of nature providing clues as to the beneficial properties it provides certain organs.
Although this isn’t considered accepted practice in our modern, Western world, the “signatures” of plants have been used to create healing tinctures, creams, and remedies for many cultures around the world.
There is some caution you must take – for instance, mushrooms help your ears, but don’t just consume any mushrooms you come across – you don’t want to ingest a hallucinogenic one and spend the afternoon talking to your couch… Thankfully we are privy to food-based science and research that guides us on our journey for organ healing and optimal health.
If you are interested in creating your own, individualized blueprint for achieving optimal health, you can GRAB A COPY OF MY NEW BOOK on Amazon! Click below to learn more!
JOSEPH GIBBONS
Author, Speaker, Professor, Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Helping individuals & organizations overcome the life obstacles that impede their journey towards optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health.
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