You’ve likely heard of flower essences, these are the most commonly known of all essences that have become popular through the work of Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician and homeopath, well known for his line of flower essences known as Bach Flower Essences. But, there is so much more to the story of essences! We’ve come along way, and you can find a diverse array of essences available made from gemstones and other environmental energies.
Essences have been used for centuries as a natural way to restore emotional balance and well-being. Essences tap into the energy of plants, flowers, and other natural elements to help bring about emotional, mental, and even spiritual balance.
What Are Essences?
Essences are subtle yet potent liquid extracts derived from plants, flowers, gemstones, or other natural elements. Unlike herbal tinctures or essential oils, which act primarily on the physical body, essences work on an energetic or emotional level. They are believed to influence the emotional, mental, and spiritual realms, helping to clear blockages, balance emotions, and promote inner harmony.
Essences contain the vibrational energy of the source material (a flower, gem, or environmental element), which is thought to resonate with the user’s energy system. In essence therapy, each type of essence is said to hold specific qualities that can help individuals address their unique emotional or spiritual needs. There are specific Essence Practitioners who focus on prescribing essences, but many homeopaths are versed in prescribing essences as well.
How Are Essences Prepared?
While often considered homeopathic, essences are created quite differently than a homeopathic remedy that starts with a Mother Tincture. The traditional method of preparing essences involves capturing the energetic imprint of a plant or flower by placing it in water under sunlight. This method, also known as the sun infusion method, was popularized by Dr. Edward Bach, a key figure in the development of flower essences.
Here is a step-by-step overview of the typical preparation process for flower essences:
- Selection of the Source Material: The most vital part of the process is choosing the right flower, gem, or plant. This is typically done at a time when the flower is in full bloom.
- Infusion in Water: The flower or plant is placed in a clear bowl of pure water, and the bowl is left in direct sunlight for several hours. During this time, the energy of the flower is believed to be transferred into the water. When one is creating an essence from the frequency from an animal, event or place, a bowl of water is often used to collect the “spirit” or essence of the place/object, along with the intention to collect this frequency.
- Filtering and Preservation: Once the infusion is complete, the flower material is removed, and the water is preserved by mixing it with a natural preservative like brandy. This mixture is called the “mother essence.”
- Dilution and Bottling: The mother essence is then diluted further into stock bottles, which are what most people use in their daily routines.
Some essences are prepared using a boiling method, especially when the sun infusion method is not suitable, such as in the case of hard materials like gemstones.
Types of Essences
There are many types of essences, each with its own unique qualities. The most well-known are:
- Flower Essences: Made from various flowers, these are designed to address emotional issues, such as stress, fear, and depression. The Bach Flower Remedies are among the most recognized flower essences in the world.
- Gem Essences: Created using gemstones and crystals, these essences are believed to promote healing on a deeper energetic level. Each gem essence carries its own vibrational frequency, which can support mental clarity, creativity, or protection.
- Environmental Essences: These are prepared using elements from nature like water from sacred springs or special places like mountain peaks. They are thought to help balance the user’s energy with the natural world.
- Animal Essences: These are less common but are created using the energy or spirit of animals. They are used to tap into the qualities or wisdom that certain animals symbolize, like courage from a lion or transformation from a butterfly.
We carry many essences from the Wild Earth Animal Essence line, available in our store.
History of Essences
The history of essences dates back to when cultures around the world used plants, flowers, and stones in sacred healing rituals. However, it was in the early 20th century that essences became more formally recognized as a form of natural healing.
The most notable figure in the history of essences is Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician and homeopath. In the 1930s, Bach developed the famous Bach Flower Remedies, a system of 38 flower essences designed to treat various emotional states. He believed that physical illness was often the result of emotional imbalances and that by addressing these imbalances, the body could heal itself naturally. His system is still widely used today.
Other founders and pioneers in the field of essences include:
- Ian White, the creator of Australian Bush Flower Essences, which use native Australian plants to address emotional and spiritual challenges.
- Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, who developed the FES (Flower Essence Services) system in California, bringing flower essences to the forefront of holistic healing in the modern era.
How Can Essences Be Used?
Essences are incredibly versatile and easy to use. Here are a few ways you can incorporate them into your life:
- Direct Use: A few drops of an essence can be taken under the tongue or added to a glass of water and sipped throughout the day. This is the most common method of use.
- In Bathing Rituals: Add a few drops to your bathwater for a soothing and balancing effect.
- Sprays: Some essences are made into sprays that can be misted around your body or living space to clear negative energy or create a calming atmosphere.
- Meditation or Healing Practices: Essences can be incorporated into meditation or energy work, helping to balance chakras, clear emotional blockages, or raise your vibration.
- For Pets and Plants: Essences can be used for the emotional well-being of animals or added to plants to promote growth and vitality.
Essences are gentle and non-toxic, making them safe for people of all ages, including babies and pets. Listen to our podcast with Daniel Mapel on his line of animal essences to learn more about essences and how they can be used.
Real Vitality has added many of the essences from the Wild Earth Animals essence line. We also have our own combination essence called Environmental Protection Essence, a combination blend providing support against EMFs and other environmental threats.
Whether you are seeking emotional healing, spiritual alignment, or simply want to connect more deeply with nature, essences offer a profound yet gentle way to restore balance. With a rich history and a wide range of formulations, essences can be customized to meet your individual needs. By incorporating essences into your daily life, you can experience a deeper sense of harmony and well-being.
