10. The Christian view of herbalism was based on the Doctrine of Signatures
In the medieval period, Christians adapted existing herbal remedies and developed new ones of their own, following the Doctrine of Signatures. The doctrine was a Christian viewpoint which held that every infirmity which could be inflicted upon humanity had a corresponding cure, thoughtfully provided by the Creator. According to the men of learning who supported the theory plants and animals bore a signature indicating their use. The arrowhead-shaped leaves of feverfew were the signature which attested to its efficacy against the arrows launched by malignant invisible elves, for example. St. John’s Wort, with its porous leaves, was considered an effective treatment for skin ailments such as rashes.
Unfortunately, many of the plants and herbs identified by folk remedies and doctors as being effective treatments were in fact toxic, creating far worse conditions which were blamed on the original affliction, rather than the ineffective nature of the “cure”. Others did nothing, but gained the reputation for effectiveness when the condition improved as a simple act of nature. Many remain in place as alternative medicines or folk remedies. The concept of the doctrine of signatures was used in the time of Galen, though it was given its name during the seventeenth century by the German writer Jakob Brohme. It was a concept to which some continue to subscribe.