What are Flower and other Vibrational Essences?
Flower essences are liquid energetic solutions of the imprint of flowers and are usually taken by drops under the tongue or in water. Said to be used by ancient civilizations, they were reintroduced in more recent times by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s. He is the father of modern-day vibrational essences, and his beliefs and theories form the basis of our understanding of how they work. Since Dr Bach produced his range of thirty-eight flower essences, this field has blossomed, with many producers from all over the world now creating their own ranges. In addition to essences made from flowers, essences are also created using crystals, gems, and other natural resources (generally referred to as vibrational essences).
Dr Bach recognised the link between stress, emotions and illness and developed essences to support the whole person rather than just their physical symptoms. Along with essence ranges by other producers, they help to improve our well-being by making transitions in our emotions. They do not treat physical conditions but the negative thoughts, feelings or inner disharmony that may manifest as physical problems.
Although we are in our infancy when measuring and understanding how vibrational therapies such as essences work, it is generally agreed, however, that essences are high frequency energies, working according to the 'Laws of Resonance', which are the laws governing all of life. They, therefore, probably work by creating an energetic interface between the physical body and the subtle anatomy. When the frequency of a vibrational essence resonates with an imbalance in a person, at any level, a ’frequency tuning’ is believed to take place which balances all the higher energetic systems that ultimately influence the whole physical body. Using the analogy of music, they can be thought of as very pure notes which dissolve or counterbalance disharmonious notes and vibrations to produce a balanced, harmonious masterpiece.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND TO ESSENCES?
The concept of employing flower or other energies for enhancing well-being is ancient and thought to have been practiced by early cultures from the Egyptians to Aborigines. Culpeper (1616-1654) treated patients with dew from flowers and water from rinsed plants whilst Paracelsus (1493-1541) lists ‘strong water’ and ‘gentle warming’ as useful alchemical techniques for extracting the essence of plants.
HOW ARE THEY MADE?
Essences contain the energetic pattern of plants, crystals, gems and other sources of the natural world. Generally, when essences are made the physical constituents of a flower (or such) are not used (there are a few exceptions to this), only the essential energy that is found within it. This energy is captured in water and along with an antibacterial preservative such as brandy, it is transferred into bottles. In making their essences, the vast majority of producers do so using a sun-infusion of blossoms in a bowl of water. However, some producers, very aware of conservation concerns, are now exploring alternative methods of capturing the energy of flowers without removing the blooms.
HOW CAN THEY HELP?
Their gentle energy can offer us relief and protection against both the pressured and anxious times in which we live. They offer support if you are troubled, confused or worried; they increase awareness, and thus the ability to consider other possibilities and to see things from another perspective. If you need to develop resilience to stress, or courage and strength to deal with challenges and trials, then they can assist. When you dis-orientated after shock, distress and despair, they bring together, restore and integrate the aspects of your being. They help you to handle and balance areas of your life when you are ill at ease or vulnerable, and they can also aid you in releasing the past and adjusting to new circumstances or situations. With the support of flower essences, you can make the best of yourself by resolving, developing, encouraging, uplifting and enhancing certain aspects of your personality. Over a period of time, essences can bring you in tune with your true self and help you to fulfill your promise and reach your potential. Natural, simple, and effective, they do not interfere with or adversely affect conventional medicines or homeopathic remedies. Safe for children, they can also be used effectively with animals and plants. Essences however do not replace proper medical attention or a proper healthcare or exercise regime. Improvements can take place on many levels, and in some situations the expected outcome may not always be apparent on the surface.
TAKING FLOWER ESSENCES
Keep in mind that essences work to regain balance generally, so the effects of taking one essence may resolve or correct something else on another level, which was not expected. It is impossible to overdose on essences. Take your essence according to the instructions on the bottle. A bottle of flower essences requires a preservative such as brandy or vodka. If this is not suitable then apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine can be substituted. Keep your bottle away from sunlight, electrical appliances and chemicals. One of the most important things about taking essences is that you should do so consistently for them to be effective. Generally, essences are taken orally, although they can be used topically, in the bath or via a misting bottle.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED WHEN TAKING ESSENCES?
Some people respond quickly, after taking essences for only a few days or weeks, while others may require essences for many months or even years in order, for example, to resolve emotional worries or release negative thinking. Generally, people find that the longer they have had a condition or felt a certain way, then the longer it will take to bring about new balance.
Flower essences do not work instant magic (although many people can experience rapid results). Improvements (on any level) often require persistence and can be gradual, particularly when the issues are deep-seated. Everyone’s response is unique —so be patient. Some people find the qualities of essences so subtle that they do not think there has been any change within themselves after taking them. It is not until they reflect (or others remind them) upon how they were, or how they felt and behaved previously, that they recognize a difference.
A very rare occurrence during the first days of taking an essence treatment is a ‘healing crisis’. This may involve symptoms worsening such as increased awareness or expression of emotions and strong feelings such as irritation, anger or crying. Any physical condition already present may also temporarily worsen. Healing crises are seen as evidence that treatments really are working but, if you are concerned, do consult with your practitioner.
Essences can be used for other reasons than improving a certain state of mind or condition, such as to provide a self-help means to personal empowerment, self-development and increased self-awareness.
CAN I SELECT MY OWN ESSENCES?
Essences provide an excellent self-help therapy and, for simple solutions, self-administering is ideal. They are easily available from some health food stores or on the internet.
However, as there are thousands of essences to choose from, it can be difficult to decide exactly which one/ones to select, especially if you have several issues to address. For more complex issues it is always best to consult with a qualified flower essence practitioner who will have the expertise to deal with your situation and a collection of essences to suit your particular needs.
To book an appointment see Consultations.
Dr Bach recognised the link between stress, emotions and illness and developed essences to support the whole person rather than just their physical symptoms. Along with essence ranges by other producers, they help to improve our well-being by making transitions in our emotions. They do not treat physical conditions but the negative thoughts, feelings or inner disharmony that may manifest as physical problems.
Although we are in our infancy when measuring and understanding how vibrational therapies such as essences work, it is generally agreed, however, that essences are high frequency energies, working according to the 'Laws of Resonance', which are the laws governing all of life. They, therefore, probably work by creating an energetic interface between the physical body and the subtle anatomy. When the frequency of a vibrational essence resonates with an imbalance in a person, at any level, a ’frequency tuning’ is believed to take place which balances all the higher energetic systems that ultimately influence the whole physical body. Using the analogy of music, they can be thought of as very pure notes which dissolve or counterbalance disharmonious notes and vibrations to produce a balanced, harmonious masterpiece.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND TO ESSENCES?
The concept of employing flower or other energies for enhancing well-being is ancient and thought to have been practiced by early cultures from the Egyptians to Aborigines. Culpeper (1616-1654) treated patients with dew from flowers and water from rinsed plants whilst Paracelsus (1493-1541) lists ‘strong water’ and ‘gentle warming’ as useful alchemical techniques for extracting the essence of plants.
HOW ARE THEY MADE?
Essences contain the energetic pattern of plants, crystals, gems and other sources of the natural world. Generally, when essences are made the physical constituents of a flower (or such) are not used (there are a few exceptions to this), only the essential energy that is found within it. This energy is captured in water and along with an antibacterial preservative such as brandy, it is transferred into bottles. In making their essences, the vast majority of producers do so using a sun-infusion of blossoms in a bowl of water. However, some producers, very aware of conservation concerns, are now exploring alternative methods of capturing the energy of flowers without removing the blooms.
HOW CAN THEY HELP?
Their gentle energy can offer us relief and protection against both the pressured and anxious times in which we live. They offer support if you are troubled, confused or worried; they increase awareness, and thus the ability to consider other possibilities and to see things from another perspective. If you need to develop resilience to stress, or courage and strength to deal with challenges and trials, then they can assist. When you dis-orientated after shock, distress and despair, they bring together, restore and integrate the aspects of your being. They help you to handle and balance areas of your life when you are ill at ease or vulnerable, and they can also aid you in releasing the past and adjusting to new circumstances or situations. With the support of flower essences, you can make the best of yourself by resolving, developing, encouraging, uplifting and enhancing certain aspects of your personality. Over a period of time, essences can bring you in tune with your true self and help you to fulfill your promise and reach your potential. Natural, simple, and effective, they do not interfere with or adversely affect conventional medicines or homeopathic remedies. Safe for children, they can also be used effectively with animals and plants. Essences however do not replace proper medical attention or a proper healthcare or exercise regime. Improvements can take place on many levels, and in some situations the expected outcome may not always be apparent on the surface.
TAKING FLOWER ESSENCES
Keep in mind that essences work to regain balance generally, so the effects of taking one essence may resolve or correct something else on another level, which was not expected. It is impossible to overdose on essences. Take your essence according to the instructions on the bottle. A bottle of flower essences requires a preservative such as brandy or vodka. If this is not suitable then apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine can be substituted. Keep your bottle away from sunlight, electrical appliances and chemicals. One of the most important things about taking essences is that you should do so consistently for them to be effective. Generally, essences are taken orally, although they can be used topically, in the bath or via a misting bottle.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED WHEN TAKING ESSENCES?
Some people respond quickly, after taking essences for only a few days or weeks, while others may require essences for many months or even years in order, for example, to resolve emotional worries or release negative thinking. Generally, people find that the longer they have had a condition or felt a certain way, then the longer it will take to bring about new balance.
Flower essences do not work instant magic (although many people can experience rapid results). Improvements (on any level) often require persistence and can be gradual, particularly when the issues are deep-seated. Everyone’s response is unique —so be patient. Some people find the qualities of essences so subtle that they do not think there has been any change within themselves after taking them. It is not until they reflect (or others remind them) upon how they were, or how they felt and behaved previously, that they recognize a difference.
A very rare occurrence during the first days of taking an essence treatment is a ‘healing crisis’. This may involve symptoms worsening such as increased awareness or expression of emotions and strong feelings such as irritation, anger or crying. Any physical condition already present may also temporarily worsen. Healing crises are seen as evidence that treatments really are working but, if you are concerned, do consult with your practitioner.
Essences can be used for other reasons than improving a certain state of mind or condition, such as to provide a self-help means to personal empowerment, self-development and increased self-awareness.
CAN I SELECT MY OWN ESSENCES?
Essences provide an excellent self-help therapy and, for simple solutions, self-administering is ideal. They are easily available from some health food stores or on the internet.
However, as there are thousands of essences to choose from, it can be difficult to decide exactly which one/ones to select, especially if you have several issues to address. For more complex issues it is always best to consult with a qualified flower essence practitioner who will have the expertise to deal with your situation and a collection of essences to suit your particular needs.
To book an appointment see Consultations.
“...[essences] like beautiful music... raise our very nature, and bring us nearer to our Souls and by that very act... bring us peace and relieve our sufferings.”
Dr. Edward Bach