Unlocking Nature’s Clues: The Doctrine of Signatures in Homeopathy

Have you ever looked at a plant, animal, or even a rock and thought, “That looks like it could help with 'something or another”? It might sound a bit strange at first, but that’s essentially what the Doctrine of Signatures is all about.

This age-old idea, often used in herbalism and shamanism, suggests that the physical appearance or behaviour of a substance gives us clues about how it can heal.

In homeopathy, we don’t just choose remedies randomly—we’re guided by remedy pictures and these “signatures” should match the symptoms we’re trying to treat. It’s about observation, patterns, and trusting that nature knows what it’s doing. Remedy pictures are determined through rigorous provings and this is the basis which Homeopaths use to select the correct remedies. But it is quite remarkable how logical these provings are when you look at their individual Signatures.

These are some of my favourite examples of the Doctrine of Signatures in synergy with Homeopathy!

1. Belladonna: Sudden, Intense Symptoms (and Maybe a Little Drama)

Belladonna’s deep, dark berries are striking, dangerous-looking, but incredibly beautiful. They’re the kind of berries you’d think twice about eating. And that’s kind of the point. Belladonna is the go-to remedy for sudden, intense symptoms—like high fevers, sharp pain, or even delirium. If the symptoms are fast, furious, and dramatic (think feverish, dilated pupils), Belladonna is your answer. Just like the berries themselves—bold, intense, and unmistakable. In the past it was used in rituals to induce trance like states- much like the delirium in Belladonna fevers! The Belladonna fever is the type that makes people mumble incoherently while having intense and supernatural visions.

3. Calc Carb: The Shell That Protects and Strengthens

Made from oyster shells, Calc Carb is a remedy that’s all about protection. Think of an oyster: hard and protective on the outside, soft and vulnerable on the inside. If you’ve ever felt emotionally sensitive or physically sluggish, Calc Carb can help you build resilience and strength. The Doctrine of Signatures shows us that just like the tough shell shields the oyster, this remedy helps to create emotional and physical armour for those who need it most.

4. Apis: A Sting of Relief

If you’ve ever been stung by a bee, you’re familiar with the sharp, burning sensation that comes with it. Apis, made from honeybees, works in a similar way—it helps with stinging pains, swelling, and that irritated feeling that just won’t quit. The person needing it may be restlessly active and busy as a bee! Apis states may bring about irritability or jealousy and often mirror the unpredictable behaviour of its source! Fiery and intense feelings, moods or physical reactions can be soothed greatly by Apis.

5. Pulsatilla: A Flower That Bends but Doesn’t Break

The Pulsatilla flower is delicate and bends in the wind. It’s a perfect metaphor for those who need this remedy—people who experience emotional or physical changes that come and go. If you’ve ever experienced symptoms that seem to change with the weather, Pulsatilla could be your go-to remedy. Vulnerability and needing constant reassurance from those around them Pulsatilla is an incredibly gentle remedy. But with it’s ability to cling to its roots and  persevere in stormy winds,  Pulsatilla types are stronger than they may think...  just like that flower that doesn’t break, no matter how harsh the storm.

6. Arsenicum: The Poison That Heals

Known as the King of Poison it is no surprise that it's signature circulates around this theme. Sudden vomiting and diarrhea accompanied with midnight panic attacks and a feeling that death is near is typical in the Arsenicum picture. Shortness of breath, respiratory illnesses and asthma attacks too. Fast and dramatic acutes are a clear sign. But all discharges are clear and odourless just as it was when  dropped into an unsuspecting prey’s glass! The Doctrine of Signatures ties its toxic origins to its ability to calm the body when things get chaotic. So, if you’re dealing with a fast-acting illness or an overwhelming sense of panic, Arsenicum is there to help bring you back to balance.

7. Tarentula: Restlessness, Rhythm, and Energy

Tarantulas are known for their restless energy and erratic movements, and that’s exactly why they’re used in homeopathy. Scuttling, hiding, ambushing lover of rhythm and beat... Tarentula is one of the most used remedies for restlessness and hyperactivity. Intense spasmodic pains in the chest and limbs resemble the pain from the bite. An irresistible urge to dance and move in a frenzy much like in the Tarantella dance... which was named  after the spider! This remedy is all about harnessing that frenetic energy and channeling it into a more productive outlet.

Weaving It All Together

The Doctrine of Signatures isn’t some mystical, far-fetched concept. It’s based on the simple idea that nature’s patterns give us clues about how things can heal. By looking closely at a plant, animal, or mineral, we can see how it aligns with the symptoms we’re trying to treat. It’s about observation and understanding the deeper connections between nature and our bodies.

One of my all time favourite Homeopathic books, called Prisma (by Frans Vermeulen) marries folklore, history and other signatures to solid, organised provings from the most commonly used remedies.

It is so true...Homeopathy is both a science and an art.