Little Plant Bodies

Have you ever noticed that walnuts resemble a little brain? Interestingly, they also serve as brain food because they are particularly rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Similarly, when chopped, carrots resemble eyes, and they provide a wealth of beta carotene and lutein, both antioxidants that are especially beneficial for vision and eye health. Is nature providing clues?

Philosophers in the 1400s certainly thought so. They developed and popularized the idea that "nature marks each growth with it's curative benefits." (Paracelsus), and suggested that God marked objects with a sign, or "signature" for their intended purpose. This concept became known as the Doctrine of Signatures which posits that foods and herbs resemble the body parts in which they heal and nourish.

There might not be exact truth or scientific backing to this idea, and it was not without criticism, but it is nonetheless a fascinating concept. It has the potential to guide our choices, foster a deeper connection with food and healing, and remind us that food can be curative -  it is our medicine. This perspective also encourages us to became more aware of the various shapes, colors, textures, designs, and intricacies of food, which is a delight in itself. For instance, when you take a close and observant look at the inside of a tomato, it becomes evident that there may be a greater purpose behind its unique construction.

A few plants with their corresponding body parts:

Avocado + Uterus
Celery + Bones
Grapes + Lungs
Ginger + Stomach
Sweet Potato + Pancreas
Oyster + Female Reproductive Organs
Citrus + Breast
Pomegranates + Heart
Tomato + Heart
Mushroom + Ear
Kidney Beans + Kidney
Olives + Ovaries
Fig + Male Reproductive Organs

Book: The Language of Plants: A Guide to the Doctrine of Signatures