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The Signatures of Flowers by Laura Brudvig
 Centuries ago, there was a system called the "doctrine of signatures" that identified the properties of plants. This was made into a book, and was used as a guide for people to better understand the unique properties of each plant in order to know how to use them to their benefit. By taking note of the plant's appearance and differences in size, color, shape, and texture, as well as preferred living conditions and behaviors, we can start to see a complete picture of what this plant is all about. What unfolds is a personality to the plant, an essence, a "signature". They bring a gift into the world, to perform a healing action or to fight against a threat. Learning the signatures of flowers is an especially fun and interesting way to connect with nature when we learn their unique personalities!
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Plant Habitats
 Does the plant like to grow in moist or dry soil? In the shade, or in the sun? By the water, or in the forest? Plants have different preferences of where they like to grow and where they thrive. Plants that like to grow in damp areas tend to help with colds and coughs. Plants that want a lot of sun generally bring heat and dryness to the body, while plants that like the shade tend to be cooling to the body. If it grows near a pond or stream, then it may likely be used as a diuretic that cleanses the urinary tract. If it grows out of rocks or gravel, then it tends to be good at removing stones from the body. If it grows in thin, distressed soil, then it is strong-willed and determined, and will likely have a strengthening effect on the body. Plants that grow in isolation will generally need to be treated with more caution than plants that grow near people, which will likely be safe and widely used. [2]
Plant Properties
If you look at comfrey up close, it looks like tiny skin cells. Comfrey is a common plant used to treat skin conditions because of its amazing ability to repair damaged skin cells. Plants with long roots  that look like veins will often will be used to treat issues involving the nervous system. Plants with hollow stems help clean our "pipes" such as bronchial tubes. Perennials have strong earth energy and therefore have roots that are used medicinally for their high nutrient content. Annuals that need to be re-planted every year lack earth energy and are therefore more helpful in improving one's outlook and uplifting their mood, with the medicinal benefits more concentrated near the top of the plant in the flower or leaves. [2]
At Herbs4You we have the following flower essences available:
- Daisy
- Dandelion
- Iris
- Lilac
- Lily-of-the-Valley
- Pink Wild Honeysuckle
- Spirea
- Strawberry
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