The Doctrine of Signatures (DoS) is a theory in herbalism practice asserting that the physical characteristics of a plant describe its healing capacities and targets within the body. For example, mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has broad leaves covered in a thin layer of soft hairs, closely resembling the shape and cilia-covered nature of the lungs; mullein is commonly used to treat lung and respiratory ailments. 

When I first learned about the DoS, I was unsure how to relate to the theory. It felt at odds with the ways I had learned to relate to medicine and the role of a patient in medical treatment. But when I began to see the Doctrine of Signatures not as a fixed truth but rather as a pedagogical tool to get to know the plants around me, I was able to really deepen my connection to herbalism and appreciate the healing power of relationships with our plant allies. 

I first began studying herbalism a few years ago, as an apprentice at a school in Massachusetts. I instantly felt that relating to plants around me was an entirely different experience from the way I’d previously engaged with medicine. It almost seemed like the herbal medicinal was the true actor in relation with the patient rather than the prescribing herbalist. 

While it might be easy to say that the theoretical framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal medicine are inherently at odds with “modern” or allopathic Western medicine, I find that things are in fact more complex: engaging with herbs as a treatment modality is a relational practice that necessitates close observation and curiosity in ways that facilitate healing and care.   This can be an excellent complement to any kind of medical treatment, from allopathic to TCM and beyond.

 During my summer working at the herbalism school, I spent my days organizing herbs and preparing medicine in the apothecary. Every morning, the school’s director and I would go on a “weed walk,” where she would help me properly identify every plant in her expansive garden. With my Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide book in hand, I would use all of the skills she taught me for identification: leaf shape and placement, number of flower petals, size, smell, texture, taste, et cetera. By the end of my time with the school, I had developed a deep comfort and understanding within this garden, and I felt more comfortable preparing medicine with these plants as a result. 

Yes, I indeed referred to the Doctrine of Signatures throughout my identification processes (“I am noticing evenly spaced and alternating leaves, much like the vertebrae of a spine; this must be Solomon’s Seal, and the structure reminds me that this plant is used for healing joint issues.”).  But the DoS was a pedagogical mnemonic tool more than it was objective truth. 

Similarly, anthropologist and herbalist Charis Boke says that “the doctrine of signatures is used as a mode of knowledge that involves cultivating an attentive, friendly relation between herbalist and plant – not as a primary way of determining the medicinal capacities of plants”. As I began to really embody these “friendly relations,” it felt easier to invite their healing capacities into my mind and body. 

Nowadays, when I am prescribed herbs from Phila Mind-Body Acupuncture or from another herbalist, I take it as an opportunity to engage with, to get to know, these plants as much more than an inanimate prescription. The qualities of plants can be legible to us, and perhaps there is medicine in the very relationship itself.  

This article was written by Guest Blogger, Julie Wise.  

Julie is an herbalist and farmer from Massachusetts, who helps us at Philadelphia Mind-Body Acupuncture with important tasks from time to time.  Julie plans to pursue a career as an Acupuncturist-Herbalist and will likely start TCM school in Fall 2026.