What Are Flower Essences?

Flower essences, also called flower remedies, are liquid infusions made from the flowering parts of flowers, bushes, or trees that are designed to support emotional balance and well-being. This gentle form of therapy was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician who believed that our emotional health plays a key role in overall wellness- including for our physical health.

Making flower essences is a bit like brewing sun tea. Vibrant, beautiful flowers are infused in water, capturing their natural vibrational energy. The finished liquid is preserved and used as drops taken internally or occasionally applied to the skin. Unlike essential oils, flower essences are scentless and don’t contain plant matter, so there’s no biochemical reaction in the body. Instead, they work on the body’s bioenergetic fields, helping to release unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and habits.

Flower essences gently guide you toward emotional clarity and balance, acting as a catalyst for transformation. They don’t "fix" you—they support you in becoming the most grounded, joyful version of yourself.

How Do Flower Essences Work?

Flower essences fall into the category of "vibrational medicine”. Rather than masking or suppressing negative emotions, they help activate the positive qualities you need to shift emotional states and continue your growth towards a happy, healthy, well-grounded human being.

These remedies work by interacting with your body’s electrical system, particularly the central nervous system, which is responsible for running the show—your senses, your reflexes, your heartbeat, and more. For example, when you’re stressed, your body’s electrical system shifts before your physical symptoms (like a racing heart) kick in. Flower essences meet you at this energetic level, gently supporting your system in recalibrating and finding balance.

By addressing emotional imbalances at their energetic roots, flower essences open the door to greater self-awareness and resilience. They’re not about forcing change—they’re about creating the right environment for it, making it easier to feel calm, clear, and connected to yourself.

Here’s a helpful analogy Charis often shares:

• Tinctures and teas are like the body of the plant.
• Essential oils are the circulatory system or blood of the plant.
• Flower essences represent the mind or spirit of the plant.

Many people confuse flower essences for essential oils, but comparing the two is akin to comparing a rainbow to a hurricane. On the one hand, flower essences have very little smell or flavor, and they work through entirely different avenues than essential oils. Flower essences are simply the energetic pattern of flower-infused water, meaning you could drink an entire bottle of flower essence formula without any detrimental side effects. They are very safe for use on anyone, as well as children and pets.  

On the other hand, essential oils utilize vast quantities of plant material and an extensive process to extract only the fat-soluble portion of the plant.  With essential oils, the plant's chemical constituents become part of the oil. They are potent concentrates and challenging to make without special equipment. Also, the improper use of essential oils can cause great harm.

I made a short video explaining in more depth. View it here. 

What Can Flower Essences Help With?

Flower essences are incredibly versatile tools for emotional and energetic healing. They work on a subtle, vibrational level, addressing the root causes of emotional imbalances rather than just the symptoms. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, looking for support with stress, or wanting to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, flower essences can offer gentle, effective help. They’re designed to support your journey toward emotional clarity, resilience, and personal growth, helping you reconnect with your inner balance and strengths.

Flower essences may be used as a stand-alone wellness tool or in beautiful synergy with other healing modalities like talk therapy, life coaching, acupuncture, energy work, and even traditional medical treatments. 

25 Things Flower Essences Can Help Us With:

1. Managing stress and overwhelm.
2. Easing fear or anxiety, including phobias.
3. Cultivating self-confidence and overcoming self-doubt.
4. Navigating grief and loss.
5. Releasing anger or resentment.
6. Finding emotional clarity during life transitions.
7. Improving focus and concentration.
8. Encouraging better sleep and relaxation.
9. Soothing feelings of loneliness or isolation.
10. Supporting recovery from trauma or shock.
11. Building emotional resilience.
12. Letting go of guilt or shame.
13. Encouraging forgiveness of self and others.
14. Calming feelings of frustration or impatience.
15. Finding motivation and overcoming procrastination.
16. Strengthening personal boundaries.
17. Easing feelings of sadness or despair.
18. Cultivating a sense of joy and playfulness.
19. Releasing perfectionism and self-criticism.
20. Supporting healthy communication and self-expression.
21. Increasing feelings of gratitude and contentment.
22. Encouraging openness to love and connection.
23. Easing transitions like moving, changing jobs, or relationship shifts.
24. Boosting creativity and inspiration.
25. Encouraging mindfulness and being present in the moment.

Are Flower Essences Safe?

Modern flower essences have been used since the 1930s and are widely recognized for their safety and effectiveness. In all that time, there have been no reported negative side effects in humans or animals. Occasionally, starting a new flower essence formulation might temporarily intensify the feelings or behaviors being addressed, but this “flare-up” typically passes within a few days.

• Flower essences are not habit-forming. In fact, the more they are used, the less they are typically needed.
• Because flower essences are a vibrational medicine that does not cause a biochemical reaction in the body, overdosing is not possible.
• Flower essences will not interact with medications, supplements, diets, or other treatments. That said, if you are under medical care, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or therapy.
• If a flower essence in your formula isn’t needed, it won’t harm you in any way.  

Who Are Flower Essences Safe For?

Flower essences are safe for every living creature. They can be enjoyed by humans from the time of birth to the transition of death, and flower essences are a common tool for animal lovers in all corners of the world. In fact, babies and pets have a special affinity for the subtle yet powerful work of flower essences. Even house plants love flower essences! Next time you have a green friend in distress, try a few drops of Rescue Remedy in their next watering. 

Will Flower Essences Interfere With Medications, Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis/CBD, or Other Treatments?

No, flower essences do not interfere with any of these things, and none of them will decrease the effectiveness of flower essences. They are also compatible with other healing modalities. However, flower essences are not intended to replace prescribed medications, so always consult your physician if you have questions.

Are Flower Essences Addictive or Do They Have Side Effects?

Flower essences are non-addictive and have no side effects. Their gentle nature makes them suitable for everyone, including children and pets. For babies, drops can be added to a bottle, and for pets, they can be added to water dishes.

Are Flower Essences Safe During Pregnancy and Nursing?

Yes, flower essences are completely safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing. They are gentle and offer wonderful support for keeping both mama and baby calm and happy. If you’re concerned about alcohol content, the dosage is minimal (four drops). Many pregnant clients use alcohol-based remedies without issue. However, if you prefer, you can select an alcohol-free version.

Are Flower Essences Safe for Allergy Sufferers?

Absolutely! Flower essences are safe for people with allergies to pollens, trees, or other plants. Because they are highly diluted and contain no measurable plant material, they are considered vibrational medicine and won’t trigger allergies. 

How Do I Pick a Flower Essence Formula for Myself?

If you're selecting a pre-made formula, choose the one that most closely matches your current emotional state. Even if you don’t have all the symptoms listed, the formula will still effectively address the ones that resonate with you. An inappropriate remedy in a formula won’t harm you or cause any adverse effects—it will simply “disappear” in the formula.

If you are choosing to create your own formula, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing that I recommend is that you choose one general issue to address at one time. For example, you might be feeling a lack of confidence due to body-image issues. In that case, it would make sense to choose flower essences that address how you feel about your appearance and that support increased confidence, with maybe an essence encouraging self-love and compassion thrown in the mix. See how that formula makes sense? Alternately, trying to address your body image and confidence issues at the same time and in the same formula with, say, trying to release your childhood trauma and also moving past the recent loss of a beloved pet might not work so well. Way too many moving parts!

The second tip I would give is to include no more than 5-6 separate flower essences (mayyyybe 7 on occasion) in a single formula. Again, when you get too many in there, you may find the efficacy of the formula to be “spread too thin”, so to speak. Over the years I’ve found that many of the most impactful formulations I have created have no more than four separate essences in them. Remember, you don’t have to take this formula forever! Flower essences are meant to be added and removed from your formula as shifts take place in your growth and wellbeing. 

Can I Take More Than One Formula at a Time?

It’s best to take only one formula at a time (with the exception of Rescue Remedy, which can be taken as needed for stress). Flower essences are like information for your energetic system—each formula sends a clear, specific message to your vital force, prompting the healing process.

When multiple formulas are taken simultaneously, the messages can become muddled, diluting the effectiveness of both remedies. Healing is most effective when we focus on one set of issues at a time. Tune into what you’re feeling in the moment and select the remedy that aligns with your present emotional needs.

If I Order a Custom Flower Essence Formula, How Do You Determine Which Flower Essences Are Right for Me?

When working with a client to create a bespoke flower essence formula, I follow a two-step process:

1. Clarifying Your Intention
   I begin by helping you articulate your intention and desired outcome for your flower essence work. Sometimes clients arrive with a clear understanding of their issues, and other times, these intentions emerge during the intake process. This can happen through forms you fill out or in a one-on-one session where we explore your current emotional and energetic needs.
   
   
2. Selecting the Flower Essences
   Once we’ve clarified your intentions, I choose from over 250 different flower essences to create a formula tailored specifically to you. Most formulas include four to six unique flower essences, carefully chosen to address your needs. While I rely on the information gathered during intake, the selection process is also intuitive. Certain essences stand out as I reflect on your emotional state and symptoms, often highlighting not only the issues you’re aware of but also those you may not have consciously recognized. This intuitive process is my favorite part of the work and why I feel so connected to this practice.

 How Do I Take Flower Essences? What Is the Dosage?

The beauty of flower essences is this: they are so easy. All you have to do for them to work their magic is remember to take them, either by mouth or dispensed into any beverage.While the ideal scenario involves a little mindfulness —taking a few grounding breaths before your dose and checking in with how you feel—it’s okay to be flexible.

The standard dosage is four drops, four times a day, placed under the tongue. (Unless I have instructed you to do otherwise) Regular, consistent use strengthens their action over time.

• Consistency Matters: Potency isn’t about taking more drops at once; it’s about frequency and consistency.
• Acute Situations: In more urgent cases, you can increase the dosage to once every hour or even more frequently (e.g., Rescue Remedy can, and often should, be used every ten minutes).

If remembering four times a day feels overwhelming, try this: add about 10-15 drops to a glass of water and sip it throughout the day. 

The bottom line? Flower essences won’t help if you don’t take them, so just get them into your system in whatever way best fits your life and routine. Flower essences are here to support you, not add stress!

How Long Does a Bottle Last With Daily Use?

If taken as directed (four drops, four times daily), one bottle will last approximately one month.

How Long Do Flower Essence Dosage Bottles Last?

With proper care, flower essence bottles have a long shelf life.

• If stored away from heat, light, and strong energy sources, remedies should last at least two years. Fun Fact: Some of Dr. Bach’s 100+ year old “Mother Tinctures” are still being used! 
• Blossom and Heal’s formulas are preserved with organic brandy or glycerine, protecting them from spoilage.

How Should I Care for My Flower Essences?

Flower essences are easy to maintain, but proper care ensures their longevity and effectiveness:

1. Avoid Contamination:
   
   
• When taking drops, don’t let the dropper touch your mouth or any surfaces.
• If contamination occurs, wash the dropper with hot water and let it dry completely.
• If the liquid becomes cloudy or changes appearance, it has been contaminated and should be discarded. You can reuse the bottle after cleaning it thoroughly.
2. Storage:
   
   
• Keep bottles upright and store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Refrigeration isn’t necessary if the bottle is kept clean and handled with care.

What Can I Expect When Taking Flower Remedies?

When you begin taking flower remedies, you might notice a few shifts:

• An initial increase in awareness of old emotional patterns, followed by a gradual sense of relief and balance.
• Over time, many people report feeling less stressed, more confident, and at peace in their relationships and daily life.
• Progress is cumulative, and once achieved, the benefits are lasting—there’s rarely any “backsliding.”

In the first few days, you may experience subtle effects like needing more sleep or releasing pent-up emotions. This is part of the healing process for some people and typically resolves within a few days.

Do Flower Remedies Really Work?

Yes, they do! Even skeptics (myself included) are often amazed by their effectiveness. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is how well flower essences work on babies, young children, and pets—beings who have no preconceived notions or expectations. The changes we observe in them are genuine, proving that flower remedies have an impact beyond belief systems.

Flower essences aren’t a quick fix or "silver bullet." They’re subtle, yet deep, medicines that support profound change over time. For example, instead of masking anxiety like a tranquilizer might, a flower essence could help you feel braver and better equipped to face your fears. Often, the changes happen so gradually that others—friends, family, or coworkers—may notice the difference in you before you do.

If you’re skeptical or discouraged, don’t worry. Flower essences don’t require your belief—they just quietly do their work, supporting you in your journey toward transformation.

How Long Does It Take for Flower Remedies to Work?

The timing depends on the issue:

• Immediate effects: Some remedies work right away in acute situations.
• Long-term changes: For deeper, chronic issues, it usually takes 3-4 weeks of consistent use to notice shifts. Remember, the effects are cumulative, so taking the remedies as directed is key.

How Long Should I Stay on the Same Formula?

I recommend sticking with the same formula for 30-90 days, and each 1 oz. bottle will last for about 4-5 weeks. The duration for each formula depends on the nature of your concern:

• For acute situations, like anxiety about giving a speech, you may want to take the formula frequently (up to taking a dose every few hours) for several days leading up to the event and then frequently throughout the duration of the event. 
• For temporary challenges, like feeling overwhelmed by a move to a new home, one bottle may be enough.
• For deeper or longstanding issues, like grief, trauma, or chronic anxiety, a 60-90 day program is often more effective.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Change Formulas?

If, after about a month, you feel a noticeable shift in your emotional state, it may indicate that you’ve resolved a layer of the issue, and a new layer is emerging. At this point, reassess your symptoms and choose a formula that aligns with your current needs.

Often, people intuitively know when they’re finished with a remedy. You might find that you begin to forget to take it, lose the bottle, or simply feel disinterested in continuing with that formula.

How Do I Know If the Flower Essences Are Working?

Flower essences typically work in subtle ways, though they can occasionally highlight patterns of behavior or emotion you weren’t aware of. This might feel uncomfortable for a short time, but it’s part of the process—and I’m always here to support you if things get rocky.

More commonly, the changes are gradual and might not be immediately obvious to you. It’s like weight loss—you see yourself every day, so the transformation isn’t clear until someone else comments on it. One day, you might realize you’ve stopped reacting to situations that used to upset you, or you’ve let go of an old grudge without even noticing.

To track progress, I recommend keeping a simple journal. Rate your mood and feelings on a scale of 1-10 when starting a new essence, and check in periodically. This can be a helpful way to measure changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. (With your purchase you'll receive a digital download for a journal sheet to help guide this process.)

How Were Flower Essences First Understood and Used?

The story of flower essences is a mix of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. While today’s flower essence therapy owes a lot to Dr. Edward Bach and his work, humans have been turning to flowers for emotional and spiritual healing for centuries. Across cultures and time periods, flowers have been seen as powerful allies in helping us restore balance and connect to something bigger than ourselves.

In ancient Egypt, for example, flowers were used in ceremonies and rituals to promote emotional harmony and spiritual alignment. Healers believed that each flower had unique energy that could influence a person’s emotions and even connect them to the divine. In traditional Chinese medicine, flowers have long been part of the toolkit for balancing qi (that’s your life force) and addressing emotional imbalances. And indigenous cultures worldwide have worked with flowers in all kinds of ways—through infusions, teas, and sacred rituals—to bring clarity and emotional balance.

Then we get to the 1930s, where Dr. Edward Bach enters the picture. A physician turned flower essence pioneer, he believed that many physical illnesses stemmed from emotional imbalances. He wanted to create a natural, non-invasive way to address these underlying issues, so he started experimenting with the vibrational properties of flowers. After a lot of careful observation and testing, he developed a system of 38 remedies, each tied to a specific emotional state.

Dr. Bach’s system is broken into three groups:

1. General Personality Types: These remedies help balance the overarching emotional patterns tied to someone’s personality.
2. Long-Term Emotional States: These are the go-to remedies for persistent feelings like grief or fear that can cloud your true self.
3. Immediate Issues: Think of these as the emotional first-aid kit—for shock, stress, or anything that needs quick support.

At the heart of his system are seven core emotional states that he believed were the root of most struggles: Fear, Uncertainty, Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances, Loneliness, Over-Sensitivity to Influence and Ideas, Despondency or Despair, and Over-Care for the Welfare of Others. By addressing these, flower essences aim to help you shake off what’s holding you back and let your best self shine. (Learn more about him here.)

Dr. Bach’s work is the foundation of modern flower essence therapy, but it’s really part of a much longer tradition of people turning to flowers for healing. From ancient rituals to modern remedies, flowers have been quietly helping us find our balance and reconnect with what matters most.