The Symbolic Language of Plants
The great early physicians Paracelsus, Nicholas Culpeper, Samuel Hahnemann and Edward Bach who laid the groundwork for natural and vibrational medicine all worked with the doctrine of signatures. In ancient times knowledge was passed on by word of mouth and the doctrine of signatures was a way to remember the properties of medicinal plants from their form, shape, texture, scent, color and habitat.
Essential oils extracted from flowers, leaves, woods and various other parts of a plant can be seen as dynamic, living symbols which reflect and express the individual healing potential of the plant.
Plant Signature
With mindful attention in a moment of stillness we can “see” the rose petals are fragile and delicate and its scent sweet and calming in contrast to its thorny stem. What does this tell us about the rose? that out of pain and suffering comes love and understanding. The cedar tree grows to majestic heights with their large spreading branches covered in foliage embracing the wind of change. The essential oil extracted from atlas cedarwood helps us face the unknown and uncomfortable events in our life with a warrior’s heart and an angel’s trust.
Flowers
Flowering plants produce seeds for reproduction within the flower itself.
The flowers also produce scent to attract insect for pollination.
Flower oils such as jasmine, and rose have an affinity with the reproduction system and are regarded as aphrodisiacs. The delicate petals of flowers also correspond to our skin making many of the floral oils healing in skin problems.
Fruits
The fruits of plants protect and nurture the seeds that will enable new plants to be created. Essential oils distilled from citrus are often associated with nourishment and creativity.
Mandarin and sweet orange oils can bring out the child like spirit of many world weary adults that have forgotten what it is like to lighten up and play.
Leaves
The leaves protect the plants from water loss, bacteria and fungi and repel insects. They are the lungs of the earth.
Eucalyptus, niaouli and cypress oils are powerful antibacterial oils that work on the respiratory and immune system.
Wood
The strength of wood allows trees to grow to incredible heights and live for hundred of years. Wood oils reflect the resilience nature of trees, providing strength and support needed to face life’s challenges.
Woods oils such as sandalwood and atlas cedarwood have the ability to open our conscious mind to our Higher Self. They are particularly useful in times of change and in meditation and yoga practice.
Resins
Many trees and shrubs produce resins. The gum has powerful wound healing properties. Essential oils of frankincense and myrrh have been used throughout mankind in rituals and religious ceremonies and have a soothing, comforting and fortifying action on the spirit.
Roots
Provide stability by attaching the plant to the earth and absorbing nutrients and water from the surrounding soil.
Essential oils extracted from the roots tend to have a tonic and grounding effect on the body. Ginger, spikenard and vetivert are some examples.
