Flower Essences versus Essential Oils
Essential oils are practically a household term at this point. I bet you have at least one friend who is currently selling oils or you have experimented with them yourself. Maybe you even have a Pinterest board of favorite blends and use your diffuser as a natural air freshener. But very few of my clients are familiar with or have much knowledge of flower essences. If this sounds like you, you are missing out on a whole other world of healing and emotional support.
What are flower essences?
Part of the field of vibrational medicine, flower essences are infusions in which the energy of a flower has been imprinted into water (usually with a tiny amount of brandy or other alcohol for preservation). They have no aroma, which is the most obvious difference between essential oils and flower essences. They are safe to use internally, on the skin, and in room sprays, for any person or animal.Plants vibrate at a similar frequency to the higher vibration emotions, and when introduced into the body they help the person shift the lower frequency emotions like fear, and move toward higher ones like joy. They can be catalysts for deep healing. They work with a person’s healing process, gently shifting the energy of the body into a more healthy realm. They do not mask negative aspects but rather help integrate and then bring the person’s energy into a harmonious state.
“Flower essences are energetic imprints of the life force of plants which interact with these subtle bodies of the human being, and evoke specific qualities within us. We can say that they work in a similar way to inspirational music or art, which carry meaning through the vehicle of sound or light, while the flower essences work through the medium of water.” ~ Flower Essence Services
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are made from parts of plants, such as the leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and roots. They contain molecular compounds that are transferred into the body via the olfactory, respiratory, and integumentary (skin) systems, and have physiological as well as psychological effects. They can be powerful healers in the right hands, and some can do significant damage if not treated with respect and care.Essential oils are fragrant, with different viscosities and colors, and even within the same botanical can have different molecular properties based on where it is grown, when it is harvested, and how it is extracted from the plant.When a person is prone to scent-induced headaches, or has strong aversions to certain aromas, using essential oils can be a challenge.
How flower essences and essential oils differ
Whereas essential oils are made from the physical plant, flower essences are created with the energy of the plant. Flower essences affect the subtle energy field of the body, and essential oils affect the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the body.In my work as an aromatherapist usually combine flower essences and essential oils in my blends for clients, no matter if I’m making a therapeutic blend or a custom natural perfume. The two types of “flower medicine” work so well together, and create something far more powerful and healing when combined.
Flower essences in action
You know when you talk to someone who is depressed you sometimes walk away with a heavy feeling as if you were dragged down with them? Their energy is vibrating at a low frequency. Flower essences vibrate at a high frequency and lift you up when ingested, encouraging your body, mind, and spirit to shift into a more expansive and brighter place.I recently was helping someone through a loss in their life. We sat, cried, talked, commiserated, and had a cup of tea. I was happy I had my flower essences nearby because I was able to offer her some Star of Bethlehem which is a flower essence that supports the neutralization of grief. While there’s no quick or easy “cure” for grief, I was happy to be able to offer her a means of opening up a path to healing.
