What is the difference is between flower essences and essential oils The difference between the two ‘essences’ is what makes them a perfect match, especially when creating a blend for emotional balance and support.
The basic difference is:
Essential Oils are derived from the raw plant material, i.e., flowers, leaves, seeds, roots and bark by distillation or peels for citrus oils by cold expression method.. These methods are used to extract the essential oil – without adulterating the phyto-chemical composition – used in different aromatherapy applications Essential Olis, if pure and certified, can be used internally, topically and in aromatherapy (inhaled) and represent and amazing and powerful remedy for body and emotions. The aromatherapic – environmental diffusion – of essential oils is a very powerful remedy in the treatment of emotional imbalance thanks to the interacion with the limbic system.
Flower Essences, on the other hand, are prepared by infusion of the flowers extracting the energetical information with pure spring water preserved with brandy or an organic vegetable glycerin via the action of sun or moon light. The flower essences can be taken internally, either under the tongue or in water. They can also be applied topically or mixed with a lotion, as in the Bach ‘Rescue’ cream. Another difference between flower essences and essential oils is that flower essences do not posses the actual scent of the plant.
I believe that in capturing the essential oil from a plant’s material, you are also capturing its ‘life essence’. To me this is why the word ‘essence’ is often used when explaining essential oils – the connection to their vital essence in addition to their lovely aroma.
Understanding homeopathy and how homeopathic remedies are prepared creates the ability to see how the flower essences can be very effective when balancing and shifting negative emotional blockages to the positive. Flower essences can be combined with essential oils in an actual aromatherapy blend for topical application, mist sprays and with compresses.
Essential Olis have a profound effect on the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for our moods, thoughts and hormone production?
Whether you want calmness, clarity or balance, essential oils can help you achieve the desired mental state in a safe and natural way.
Essential Oils can be used to:
- Reduce stress levels
- Help your kids prepare for a test
- Be more alert at work
- Concentrate on an important task
- Get restful sleep
- Beat depression and anxiety
- Maintain a positive frame of mind
- Transform the emotional state
….and a lot more.
In my many years of naturopathic experience, both people and our animal friends often times have benefitted from aromatherapy either using blend or a single oil thanks to the high therapeutic grade of pure essential oils.The use of “flower essences” and essential oils can be combined in order to support the body/mind/spirit when going through emotional stress – for example fear issues that can onset anxiety.
Naturally a Naturopathic “Flower Essence” and Aromaterhapic Consultation is highly reccomended. This helps to narrow down the therapeutical choices and giving the client an insight therefore becoming a part of the flower essence – essential oil empowering them to be “active” in the healing process.
Here is a blend* that I have found useful for anxiety. Combine the following in a 2 ounce aroma-bottle with jojoba, or mix with 4 ounces of hydrosol/water mixture:
Essential Oils:
- Wild Orange (Citrus sinensis) – 4 drops
- Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) 4drops
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 6 drops
- Melissa (Melissa officinalis) 4 drops
This blend is for topical or aromatic use.[keep out of reach of children].
Flower Essence
- 4-7 drops of Mimulus or the Bach Flower Remedy.
Note that when working with issues such as anxiety it is advisable that the therapist take into account if hormones are playing a part in the anxious sensations and overwhelming feelings. If so, considering using essential oils that support hormonal balance – Clary Calm (a dōTERRA beld) along with other flower essences that balance a feeling of being overwhelmed.
When working with flower essences and essential oils for use with animals, especially dogs and horses, the therapist shoud investigate if the anxiety is manifesting during a particular activity or due to a past trauma or if it is caused by an imbalance in their diet. This will help guide you and the client in making ‘effective essence’ choices.
Steve J. Chiola – Naturopathic Physician & Aromatherapy Specialist
