The Origin of Flowers

The Original Sex Symbol

Flower as Healers

What the World Needs Now

All You Need to know about Flower Essences

What are Flower Essences?

What Flower Essences are not

What is Flower Essence Therapy?

The Mind-Body connection

History of Flower Essences

How are Flower Essences Made?

How do Flower Essences work?

Academic Research on Flowers

The Placebo Effect

How Do I Use Flower Essences?

What Should I Feel When I Take a Flower Essence?

What If I Feel Nothing?

Are Bach Remedies the Gold Standard?

What are Nectar Essences?

What is Rescue Remedy?

Conclusion

Search Nectar Essences formulas by concern

Listing of Flower Essences Makers Worldwide

Flowering plants, with more than 300,000 species, are by far the most diverse group of plants on Earth. This group include almost all the species used by people for food, medicine, and many other purposes. Though flowering plants appeared roughly 140 million years ago, quite late in the evolution of plants, (toward the end of the age of the dinosaurs), they have diversified spectacularly. No one knows exactly how this happened, and the origin and early evolution of flowering plants and their remarkable flowers remains one of the biggest enigmas in biology. Almost 140 years after Charles Darwin called their rapid rise in the Cretaceous period “an abominable mystery“, and we are still unlocking the secrets of the flowering plant.

Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants. The female and male flowers of a plant dance together to propagate and create new life. In the eyes of evolution, finding a suitable mate is one of the most critical stages in any organism’s life. Flowers not only outsource their matchmaking, they also enlist helpers to engage in the sacred act, seducing pollinators with their brilliant visual displays, vibrant colors, intoxicating aromas and sweet nectar. This type of hyper-intelligence is unique to the flowering plant.

Let’s take stock of flowers attributes:

Sexy. Check.

Powerful. Check.

Beautiful. Check.

It’s no wonder that human beings have been availing themselves of flowers as medicinal healers for millennia. In traditional medicinal practices throughout the world, healing is allegorical and all disease has a spiritual origin. Where there is disease, there is a path back to wholeness. Where there is emotional pain or heartbreak, a flower existed to soothe and heal.

Human emotions are messy. They often get stifled by memories of negative past experiences. Flowers keep it simple. They seduce us with their beauty, and in the face of pleasure, it is easy to release emotional pain. This type of seduction is the basis of Flower Essence Therapy; it’s much easier to blossom and transform when you have guidance from an expert.

Blossoming flowers resonate with the high vibration of unconditional love which is within each of us. Without a doubt, love is the greatest healing force in the universe and Flower Essences heal by bringing this love to the forefront.

Flower Essences will be an important medicine of the future as spirit and science merge and human intention becomes a driving force behind medicine.

So, by now you are probably curious about exactly how flowers can aid in well-being, what essences do, and how genuine the self-healing claims are. As a Flower Essences Therapist, I compiled this comprehensive guide into the world of Flower Essences, energy medicine and emotional healing. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what Flower Essences are and are not, what flower essence therapy is, the history of Flower Essences, and how they are used.

Flower Essences are not essential oils and they should not be confused. Essential oils are aromatic compounds of a plant and they have scents. Flower Essences are unscented. Flowers essences harness the energy that is produced in a plant when it blossoms. This means that the end product of the essential oil consists of plants product while Flower Essences do not contain any plant products.

Also, Flower Essences are not a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are based on the theory of ‘like treats like’ (i.e. substances that induce fever-like symptoms are used in highly diluted amounts to treat fever). The process of making homeopathic remedies is costly and time-consuming because it requires a high level of dilution, difficult to achieve in a home setting.

Flower Essences are not herbal tinctures. Although they are both use preservatives (alcohol or vinegar), they’re not the same. The main difference is their purpose, as herbal medicine restores the physical body to health by using the chemical components of the plant, i.e. treating already manifested symptoms. Flower Essences work on energetic imbalances that lie underneath physical symptoms.

Flower essence therapy is mind-body medicine that focuses on the emotional and mental imbalances that result in physical manifestation of diseases. The aim of the therapy is to assist self-healing by bringing balance to the emotions. For example, when a practitioner selects Flower Essences for a client, they intend to help the client resolve trauma, release trapped emotions, access self-love, and promote self-acceptance.

Flower Essence practitioners study and work with anywhere from 40 to 200 different flowers, each with a distinct personality and specific healing frequency. Flower Essence practitioners use various methods to select the most effective remedies for their clients. Some practitioners work with a constitutional essence first, gathering information about the client through an intake, discovering the essence of their personality, and giving them one remedy to uncover their unique gifts.

Some practitioners make combinations of various Flower Essences to support the client. The practitioner may select these Flower Essences through applied kinesiology, or muscle testing, and a series of intakes, or simply by intuitive selection.

Dr. Richard Gerber, in his book, Vibrational Medicine, states, “Our illnesses are often a symbolic reflection of our own internal states of emotional unrest and spiritual blockages.” Leaders in mind-body medicine agree and studies are finally looking at this mind-body connection. New studies show our emotions directly affect our physiology, down to the cellular level.

Although the collation of the healing properties of flowers is relatively new (started in 1930’s), harnessing the energies of flowers to heal emotional imbalances goes back thousands of years.

The ancient Egyptians practiced flower essence therapy, which is documented on papyrus scripts. Even in early twelfth-century Europe, there are records of flower essence therapists, like Hildegard von Bingen. Von Bingen harnessed the energy of flowers by placing muslin sheets over flowers overnight to absorb their dew, then squeezing out the sheets to collect the essence, which he used to treat emotionally imbalanced people. The Chinese and Australians also embraced use of Flower Essences. The Australians would use them as part of healing ceremonies to resolve emotional imbalances and physical injuries. 

The field of Flower Essence Therapy is based on the premise that disease manifests in the emotional and mental spheres before it settles in the body. Flower Essences work by tuning the user’s frequency to the frequency of the flower in blossom. As a type of energy medicine, flower essence elevate the user’s frequency from one who has “stuck emotions” into one who is “free-flowing” and well.

According to Dr. Bach, the remedies work through the life force energy or vibration that is transmitted from the flowers to the tincture. This vibration interacts on a subtle energy level with the individual to rebalance the conscious and unconscious, and dissolve old patterns of behavior. By alleviating negative feelings and relieving the underlying emotional and psychological struggles of the patient, physical healing is possible.

Studies showing that flowers support healing have been asking us to take a closer look at the therapeutic benefit of flowers. A study at Kansas State University found that flowering plants speed post-surgery recovery. Patients with plants in their rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (i.e. lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue and higher satisfaction with their recovery rooms than their counterparts in the control group, without plants in their rooms.

Another study at Ellison Chair in International Floriculture found that having flowers around the home and office greatly improves people’s moods and reduces the likelihood of stress-related depression. Flowers and ornamental plants increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed.

Maybe you’re thinking that the effects of Flower Essences are simply a case of the placebo effect. Time and again, we see that Flower Essences work with children and animals. They also work with people who are unconscious. These results indicate that Flower Essences are affecting changes, whether or not there is also a placebo effect for patients.

For example, one of my teachers, Teresa Espinoza of Chile, has worked with zoo animals who are experiencing shock, separation anxiety, fear, and grief. When animals first arrive at a zoo, they often are in a state of panic and refuse to eat. Within minutes of their first dose of Flower Essences, she observed that the animals started to relax and acclimate to their new environment.  When we look at animals’ emotions, we tend to learn a lot about the human animal. Elephants who lose a loved one will mourn over the bones of their loved ones years after their death. Elephants have been known to die of heartbreak when they lose a mate. We see similar patterns in humans, but in the scientific arena, we tend to discount the power of emotions.

While recent studies have touted the positive effects of flowers on individuals’ well-being and psychological health, science hasn’t quite caught up to explain the mechanics of Flower Essences. At the same time, practitioners and people who have successfully used Flower Essences to treat an ailment are aware that you don’t need to “see” it to believe it. Things like X-rays and microwaves and wireless Internet are all technologies based on waveforms, energies, and vibrations that cannot be seen. The energies and waveforms emitted by plant life and flowers can’t be seen but certainly also do exist, with a wide range of specific functions and positive benefits for humankind.

Orally: Many people take Flower Essences by placing 1 to 2 drops of the essence under the tongue, 4 or 5 times a day. When taking Flower Essences orally, do not touch the tip of the dropper into your mouth or you may introduce unhealthy bacteria into the essence. Another easy way of taking the drops orally is to put them into a glass of water.

Topical use: Placing essences on the body can be as powerful as oral use. In some cases, it is the preferred method of use. Topical methods can be an easier way to introduce essences to children and animals. Rub 1 or 2 drops off Flower Essences onto the body. Some acupuncturists use the essences on acupuncture meridians.

Other methods: Flower Essences can lift the vibration of any substance. Here are some other ways you can use them. Have fun and use your creativity. Just go with the flow and follow your intuition.

• Add a few drops in your beauty products like lotions shampoo etc
• Add a few drops in your food
• Add a few drops to other herbal tinctures
• Add the essence to your bath water
• Apply it to the acupuncture points in your body
• Use as a spray around your home
• Add it to massage oil and give a massage
• Add drops to your water bottle and drink throughout the day.
• Give some to your houseplants.

Always follow the instructions provided to your from your Flower Essence Therapist.To bring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit, Flower Essences are usually prescribed over a 28 day period of time. Typically clients take them 4 times a day, increasing dosages when there are moments of stress or a healing crisis surfaces. 

Many people take stock remedies like Rescue remedy or any of Nectar Essences combinations upon need. It’s perfectly fine to take them upon need, but the best way to take them is with consistent use.

Disclaimer:

As a Flower Essence Practitioner, I highly disagree with the information circulating around the internet that “there are no wrong ways to take Flower Essences.”

Under my training, it is important to 1) Stick to a remedy consistently for at least 28 days. 2) Do not chase symptoms and switching remedies willy-nilly. 3) If you are interested in Flower Essences, seek out a practitioner for a custom remedy.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to “experiencing” Flower Essences. For most people, the single most noticeable difference when taking a Flower Essences is the alleviation of emotional and physical stress or a neutral attitude to a memory or situation that once caused pain.

In my experience, many people drawn to essences are highly sensitive people who feel deeply. These people have heightened emotions and senses and can easily describe the energy they feel moving in their aura or chi when they take a flower essence. But most people do not fall into this category, so don’t feel dismayed if you don’t feel anything obvious when taking a Flower Essence.

The key is to remain open and notice any subtle changes in your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Perhaps something that would angered you or upset you in the past slides right by or perhaps you notice you are happier, more calm or at ease with yourself. You may have very vivid dreams while you take the essences, so keep a dream journal next to your bed and take some notes each morning, upon waking.

Results are different for each person. Sometimes the effects are dramatic, other times subtle. Tears may come, old feelings may resurface. A release may come in the form of extreme emotions and then they should pass. It’s good to know that when emotions intensify, you can take the flower essence formula every 5 minutes until the feelings lift.

Sometimes people do not feel anything when taking Flower Essences. Keep with the formula. Take it for 28 days.

There are over 400 different companies making Flower Essences worldwide. These makers are generally highly sensitive people who commune with and talk to plants, extracting the teachings of each flower and translating them for the masses.

Dr. Bach is considered the father of Flower Essence Therapy. His 38 essences are taught as the foundation of flower essence training. Many practitioners work with various lines of Flower Essences and pull from different lines for the personalized remedies they make for their clients.

The field of Flower Essence Therapy has been led by the use of Rescue Remedy, and while the potent combination is great for stress and shock, many people have not explored essences outside of the 5 flowers put together by Dr. Bach. Some people may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of essences on the market.

In the 1930s, Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician, and homeopath formulated Rescue Remedy, a remedy for stress relief in emergency situations. Taken orally or topically, this flower essence formula helps relax and center those who are in a state of shock, disorientation, or fear.

70 years later, the well-known remedy has become a household name, yet few who use it and swear by the benefits understand the nature of its healing effect.

Rescue Remedy is a blend of five Flower Essences: Rock Rose for extreme panic, Clematis for disconnection, Impatiens for irritability, Cherry Plum for extreme tension, and Star of Bethlehem for shock. Taken orally or topically, the homeopathic-like remedy interacts with the bioenergetic field of the body and soothes and relaxes the mind and body.

Most people, even those working in CAM (Complimentary Alternative Medicine) have not heard of Flower Essences until recently. The new spotlight and focus on energy medicine is bringing more and more people into touch with homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essence therapy.

Flower Essences provide full-spectrum healing. We approach all healing as a full-spectrum endeavor, healing on the emotional, spiritual, and mental levels. This approach promotes harmony in the physical body. Even though science may not fully have knowledge of the effects of emotions on our physical well-being, it has been proven that once there’s emotional wellness, self-healing is enhanced.

As a Flower Essence Practitioner, I foresee Flower Essences becoming an important self-healing modality of the future, as spirit and science merge and human intention is more astutely understood. Flower Essences hold the energetic template of the flower, reminding us of our great potential. It’s much easier to blossom in spirit when you have a flower showing you how effortless and beautiful it is.

Australia:

• Australian Bush Flower Essences
• Living Essences of Australia

Brazil:

• St. Germain Flower Essences

Chile:

• AndeEssences

Canada:

• Pacific Essences
• Raven Essences

England:

• Bach Essence Producers
• Bailey Flower Essences
• Balancing Blooms
• Crystal Herbs
• Go-Natural Essences
• Green Man Essences
• Healing Herbs Ltd.
• Inner Child and Rainbow Light Body Essences
• Lakeland Flower Essences
• Metaphysical Solutions
• Rose Cottage Flower Essences
• Silvercord Essences
• Sun Essences

France:

• Deva Flower Essences

Germany:

• Korte Phi Mother Earth Essences

Holland:

• Bloesem Remedies Nederland

India:

• Himalayan Flower Enhancers (Australian-made)
• Aum Himalaya

Ireland:

• Indigo Essences

Israel:

• Life Energy Crystal Essences

Italy/Sardinia:

• S.F.R. Sardinian Flower Remedies

New Zealand:

• First Light Flower Essences
• New Millennium Flower Essences

Norway:

• Nordic Essences

Scotland:

• Findhorn Flower Essences
• Harebell Remedies
• White Dove Flower Essences

South Africa:

• South African Flower Essences

United States of America:

• Alaskan Flower Essence Project
• Ancient Forest Flower Essences
• Fox Mountain Flower Essences
• Gan-ya Botanicals (herbs grown in Israel)
• Green Hope Farm
• La Abeja Herbs
• Lotus Wei
• Master’s Flower Essences
• Mountain Meadow Botanicals
• Nectar Essences
• North American Flower Essences
• Perelandra Flower Essences
• Tree Frog Farm Essences
• Whole Energy Essences
• Wild Earth Animal Essences

Wales:

• Grassdancer Vibrational Essences

“ Flowers are a universal symbol of comfort, joy, and beauty. They resonate with the high vibration of unconditional love within each of us.” 

“Every flower has a distinct personality and a specific gift in healing in the psycho-spiritual realm. When emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, disgust, surprise become stuck in the body, Flower Essences help to move the stuck energy.”

“Where there is overwhelming pain, loss, grief, or fear, there is still love, underneath the discord.”

“Easing emotional stress by increasing joy, and triggering the release of painful memories, brings about positive change in the mind and body. Flower Essences change the vibratory pattern of the human body.”

“Where there is overwhelming pain of the soul, where there is loss, grief, fear, underneath the discord, there is still love. Just as a tuning fork that is struck in a room can activate another tuning fork of the same frequency, Flower Essences help an individual or group resonate with the frequency of well-being. Flower Essences bring forth the love and beauty that is inside of us, aiding us to accept the wholeness that resides with each and every one of us.”