Podcast #8 - Doctrine of Signatures: Why Walnuts look like brains
The Doctrine of Signatures, known as 形象象征学 (xíngxiàng xiàngzhēng xué) in Chinese medicine, is a concept that dates back centuries and has influenced not only Chinese medicine but also various traditional healing systems around the world. This concept suggests that the external characteristics, appearance, and qualities of plants, foods, or substances can provide clues about their medicinal properties and the specific parts of the body they can benefit. In Chinese medicine, this concept is deeply intertwined with the broader principles of balance and harmony within the body and with nature.
1. **The Principle of Correspondence**: Chinese medicine is rooted in the idea that the human body is a microcosm of the natural world, and there is a deep connection between the macrocosm (nature) and microcosm (the body). This belief forms the basis for the Doctrine of Signatures. It suggests that nature provides clues through the shapes, colors, textures, and growth patterns of plants and foods, indicating how they can be used to restore balance in the body.
2. **Balancing the Body**: In TCM, health is seen as a state of balance, and illness arises when this balance is disrupted. Foods and herbs that resemble specific body parts or organs are believed to have an affinity for those areas and can help restore balance and promote healing. For example, a food resembling the liver might be used to support liver health.
Eat bones to strengthen muscles, chicken heart for the heart, pig liver for liver, bones for bones, fish brain for brain.
35 EXAMPLES
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1. **Ginseng Root (Ren Shen)**:
- Resembles: Human body with arms and legs.
- Nourishes: Qi (vital energy), strengthens the entire body, especially the spleen and lungs.
- How It Works: Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and improve energy levels. It's used to boost overall vitality and improve lung and spleen functions, which are essential for energy production and digestion.
2. **Walnuts (Hetao)**:
- Resembles: Brain.
- Nourishes: Brain health and cognitive function.
- How It Works: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are believed to support brain health, enhance memory, and promote clear thinking.
3. **Celery (Qin Cai)**:
- Resembles: Bones.
- Nourishes: Bone health and joint function.
- How It Works: Celery is considered a cooling food that helps reduce inflammation. It's used to strengthen bones and alleviate joint pain.
4. **Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou)**:
- Resembles: The human heart.
- Nourishes: Heart health and emotional well-being.
- How It Works: Longan fruit is believed to tonify the heart and blood. It's used to improve heart function, alleviate palpitations, and calm the spirit.
5. **Carrots (Hu Luo Bo)**:
- Resembles: The eyes and the liver.
- Nourishes: Eye and liver health.
- How It Works: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is essential for good vision. They are also believed to support liver function.
6. **Figs (Wu Hua Guo)**:
- Resembles: Female reproductive organs.
- Nourishes: Female reproductive health.
- How It Works: Figs are considered a symbol of fertility and are used to support female reproductive health, including menstruation and fertility.
7. **Shiitake Mushrooms (Xiang Gu)**:
- Resembles: The human ear.
- Nourishes: Ear health and immune system.
- How It Works: Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans that are believed to boost the immune system and promote ear health.
8. **Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)**:
- Resembles: Spleen and lungs.
- Nourishes: Spleen and lung function, boosts the immune system.
- How It Works: Astragalus is known as an immune-strengthening herb that is believed to tonify the spleen and lungs, improving digestion and respiratory health.
9. **Ginkgo Biloba (Bai Guo)**:
- Resembles: The brain and its two hemispheres.
- Nourishes: Brain function and memory.
- How It Works: Ginkgo biloba is believed to improve cerebral circulation, enhance memory, and support cognitive function, making it popular for mental clarity and focus.
10. **Litchi Fruit (Li Zhi)**:
- Resembles: The heart.
- Nourishes: Heart health and blood circulation.
- How It Works: Litchi is thought to invigorate the heart and promote healthy blood circulation. It's often used to improve energy and vitality.
11. **Fennel Seeds (Xiao Hui Xiang)**:
- Resembles: The mammary glands.
- Nourishes: Breast health.
- How It Works: Fennel seeds are considered a galactagogue, promoting lactation and supporting breast health in nursing mothers.
12. **Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)**:
- Resembles: The stomach and spleen.
- Nourishes: Digestive organs, spleen, and stomach.
- How It Works: Chinese yam is believed to strengthen the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion and nourishing the body.
13. **Lychee Nut (Litchi Semen)**:
- Resembles: The testicles.
- Nourishes: Male reproductive health.
- How It Works: Lychee nuts are thought to have aphrodisiac properties and are used to support male reproductive health and vitality.
14. **Daikon Radish (Lai Fu)**:
- Resembles: The lungs.
- Nourishes: Lung health and respiratory function.
- How It Works: Daikon radish is considered beneficial for the respiratory system and is used to clear phlegm and support lung health.
15. **Kidney Beans (Shan Yao)**:
- Resembles: The kidneys.
- Nourishes: Kidney health.
- How It Works: Kidney beans are believed to tonify the kidneys, supporting kidney function and vitality.
16. **Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma)**:
- Resembles: The hair.
- Nourishes: Hair and overall vitality.
- How It Works: Black sesame seeds are considered nourishing to the hair and are used to promote healthy, shiny locks.
17. **Cordyceps Mushroom (Dong Chong Xia Cao)**:
- Resembles: The shape of caterpillars.
- Nourishes: Lungs and kidneys.
- How It Works: Cordyceps is believed to enhance lung and kidney function, benefiting respiratory health and vitality.
18. **Dragonfruit (Huolong Guo)**:
- Resembles: The dragon's scales.
- Nourishes: Skin health.
- How It Works: Dragonfruit is used in TCM to promote healthy skin and is believed to have cooling properties that benefit the skin.
19. **Mushroom Ear (Mu Er)**:
- Resembles: The human ear.
- Nourishes: Ear health and respiratory system.
- How It Works: Mu Er is believed to help clear heat and phlegm from the respiratory system and promote ear health.
20. **Scallions (Cong)**:
- Resembles: Human hair.
- Nourishes: Hair health and circulation.
- How It Works: Scallions are used in TCM to promote blood circulation and support hair growth and overall scalp health.
21. **Grapes (Pu Tao)**:
- Resembles: Lungs and alveoli.
- Nourishes: Lung health and respiratory system.
- How It Works: Grapes are thought to support lung function and clear phlegm from the respiratory system.
22. **Red Reishi Mushroom (Lingzhi)**:
- Resembles: The liver.
- Nourishes: Liver health and detoxification.
- How It Works: Lingzhi is considered a liver tonic and is used to support liver health and detoxification processes.
23. **Gooseberries (Yan Cao)**:
- Resembles: The eyes.
- Nourishes: Eye health and vision.
- How It Works: Gooseberries are believed to support eye health due to their vitamin C content and antioxidant properties.
24. **Peaches (Tao)**:
- Resembles: The heart.
- Nourishes: Heart health and blood circulation.
- How It Works: Peaches are used to nourish the heart and promote healthy blood circulation.
25. **Pine Nuts (Song Zi)**:
- Resembles: The human brain.
- Nourishes: Brain function and cognitive health.
- How It Works: Pine nuts are thought to enhance brain function and memory.
26. **Mulberries (Sang Shen)**:
- Resembles: Blood vessels and the circulatory system.
- Nourishes: Blood and circulatory health.
- How It Works: Mulberries are used to support healthy blood and improve circulation.
27. **Sweet Potatoes (Hong Shu)**:
- Resembles: The pancreas.
- Nourishes: Pancreatic health and blood sugar regulation.
- How It Works: Sweet potatoes are believed to support pancreatic function and help regulate blood sugar levels.
28. **Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi)**:
- Resembles: The brain's ventricles.
- Nourishes: Brain health and emotional well-being.
- How It Works: Lotus seeds are thought to nourish the brain and have a calming effect on emotions.Certainly, here are seven more examples structured with numbers as requested:
29. **Cinnamon (Rou Gui)**:
- Resembles: Pancreatic lobes.
- Nourishes: Pancreatic health and blood sugar regulation.
- How It Works: Cinnamon is believed to support pancreatic function and help regulate blood sugar levels.
30. **Radishes (Luobo)**:
- Resembles: The gallbladder.
- Nourishes: Gallbladder health and bile production.
- How It Works: Radishes are thought to cleanse and cool the gallbladder, promoting its proper function.
31. **Okra (Qiu Kui)**:
- Resembles: The intestines.
- Nourishes: Intestinal health and digestive function.
- How It Works: Okra is used in TCM to soothe the intestines and support digestion.
32. **Kidney Beans (Shan Yao)**:
- Resembles: The bladder.
- Nourishes: Bladder health and urinary function.
- How It Works: Kidney beans are believed to tonify the bladder and promote healthy urinary function.
33. **Garlic (Suan)**:
- Resembles: Blood vessels.
- Nourishes: Cardiovascular health and blood circulation.
- How It Works: Garlic is thought to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health.
34. **Ginger (Jiang)**:
- Resembles: Joints.
- Nourishes: Joint health and reduces inflammation.
- How It Works: Ginger is used to alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation in TCM.
35. **Chinese Red Ginseng (Hong Shen)**:
- Resembles: The human body with arms and legs.
- Nourishes: Heart health and overall vitality.
- How It Works: Chinese red ginseng is considered a powerful adaptogen that helps improve heart function, reduce stress, and boost energy.