Doctrine of Signatures
with Leigh Arnoldy, BM & Matthew Wood, MS
What is the Doctrine of Signatures?
The Doctrine of Signatures is used around the world in pre-modern cultures where thought-by-association is accepted as a valid means of obtaining knowledge.
The idea is that a plant looks like the disease, organ, or person it can heal.
For instance, Celandine (Chelidonium majus) has yellow/orange sap like bile. It was official in the U. S. Pharmacopeia until 1951 for “biliousness;” now they just remove the gallbladder.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvensis) looks and feels like course horse hair, so it is good for the hair. Actually, it is beneficial for nearly all connective tissue. It also grows on wet sands, so it is a remedy for the kidneys.
Thus, the shape, color, sensory impression, and habitat all can be used to determine the uses of a plant.
The putrid smell and bad taste of Figwort (Scrophularia spp.) indicate that it is a remedy for putrefaction. Since it has gland-like or hemorrhoids-like flowers, it is called Figwort and Pilewort and used as a lymphatic and hemorrhoid remedy.
Who is this for?
Do you love plants, herbalism, metaphor, and being in wonder and awe of this vast world? This is for you! This is for all experience levels, beginner to advanced.
Enjoy on-going exploratory and interactive classes. Each month Leigh will guide us in discovering the signatures of a new herb; encouraging and helping students to see this amazing plant world through new eyes, or perhaps simply with a new perspective. At the end of each month, Leigh will present a LIVE online summary of what the groups discovered along with her own studies and insights. Matthew will chime in on occasion too!
These classes are part of the unique and central concept of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism curriculum: Nature Wisdom.
Join Us!
Free Option: Anyone can join in the discussion on the Doctrine of Signatures Facebook Group or MWIH Community. This is the main form of interaction BEFORE the live class, which you will need to sign up for each month.
3-month enrollment: With this option, you get access to the above free option and all previous classes. PLUS with the paid class you get access to the amazing slides Leigh Arnoldy, BM creates.
*If you are subscribed to the Library, you have access to all previous classes and upcoming DOS classes. The subscription option is for people who wish to join outside of the Library subscription.
You will learn and experience...
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What is the Doctrine of Signatures
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How to identify a signature in a plant
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How to use the language of intuition, metaphor, and archetype to access plant signatures
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A whole new view of the plant world and the greater environment!
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A greater connection with and intuition about the plants and their amazing healing potential!
Curriculum
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
| Burdock - Arctium lappa | Cleavers - Galium aparine
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| Oak - Quercus spp. | Hawthorn - Crataegus |
| Cedar - Thuja occidentalis | Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara |
| White Pine - Pinus strobus | Trillium |
| Vervain - Verbena spp. | Nettles - Urtica dioica |
| Violet - Viola spp. | Wild Bergamont - Monarda fistulosa |
| Pasque Flower - Pulsatilla spp. | Sumac - Rhus spp. |
| Wild Geranium - Geranium maculatum | Sunflower Seed - Helianthus annuus |
| Creeping Charlie - Glechoma hederacea | Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.) and False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum) |
| Plantain - Plantago spp. | Rabbit Tobacco - Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium |
| Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca | Thyme - Thymus spp. |
| Prickly Lettuce - Lactuca spp. | Walnut - American (Juglans nigra) and European (J. regia) |
| Goldenrod - Solidago spp. |
See the schedule above or on the calendar for upcoming classes.
* The 3-month option is a single, non-recurring payment.
Start at any time! Complete the lessons at your own pace.
Certificates designed and signed by Matthew Wood are available for purchase to those who successfully complete all tests with a passing grade of 70% or better. More details regarding herbal course certificates are here.
Tests are multiple-choice, and multiple attempts are permitted.
For those of you seeking clinical hours, we have a list of all classes/courses with corresponding accreditation hours.
Long Time Reader & Student of Matthew Wood
Dakota Collins
My age is 34 and I began reading M.W. at the age of 19. I must express, that as an initial reader back then, the MWIH new videos have been a joyous gift from...
Read MoreMy age is 34 and I began reading M.W. at the age of 19. I must express, that as an initial reader back then, the MWIH new videos have been a joyous gift from him and his colleagues. Ultimately, to anyone interested: buy all his books and read those, as you shall learn so much more. I can not attest to school, as I am not enrolled; but I own and have studied nearly everyone of his books, and I must say that my own experience has shown to me that his testaments and scholarly citations have inspired me more than any other herbalist. To all herbalist: grow and wildcraft herbs locally for the emerging renaissance of American herbalism. The fate of this knowledge is in our hands.
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Mango Moon
Amazing. You wrote the exact information and guideposts for me to follow on my Spirit quest. My whole life I've been mocked for how I lived in the world. Hea...
Read MoreAmazing. You wrote the exact information and guideposts for me to follow on my Spirit quest. My whole life I've been mocked for how I lived in the world. Head case after reading new age on the internet after avoiding. I have no religion. Just boons from guides gifted as I assisted with a pure heart in life and the world helps tell you your story as you meet other parts of yourself. Thank you!!!! Even the free course gave me incredible leads. Will get a membership soon.
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