When it comes to alternative therapies, I’m in the “have some healthy skepticism, but try it once” camp. I went to Catholic schools from elementary to high school, so I was instilled with a fear of false gods for lack of any softer description. Personally, horoscopes and superstitions are fun if you can take it as entertainment, but not as truth—just as you can play the lottery as a game, but not as an investment. There *is* a difference!
I try to keep an open mind, however, and dabble in alternative therapies as opportunities come. I’ve had varying degrees of success with such modalities. I’m a firm believer in the power of acupuncture and reiki (which I didn’t even trust at the beginning). My flirtation with crystals was altogether ineffective and made me feel that this really isn’t for me. So it even surprised me that I became interested in floral essences, a far lesser-known form of vibrational energy modality.
So what are floral essences, exactly? Essential oils, they are not. According to Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., these are a form of “vibrational medicine” captured from flowers and other botanicals by steeping them in clear water under the sun. “The process of sun steeping, or boiling the flower in water, captures the energy imprint of the flower. So, unlike essential oils or herbal remedies, which contain physical substances extracted from plants, there is no physical part of the flower in a flower essence, only its healing vibration,” she notes.
Oh, my. Reading this, all alarm bells went off in my head. How could I trust some flower bathwater (plus alcohol, to preserve) to have any kind of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits? I can trust the biochemical essence of flowers in the form of essential oils, but take flower essences on a molecular level, and you will essentially see H2O.
The reason I still went forth with exploring flower essences were three-fold. First, when I tried reiki on a whim about a year ago, I had an incredible healing breakthrough on a physical and spiritual level. Reiki is also medically and scientifically unproven vibrational modality, but as far as empirical evidence, I experienced it first hand.
Second, I noticed that my natural beauty role model (& founder of Earthwise Beauty) Ava Zhan, uses floral essences in her magically powerful serums, oils, and balms. Using those products have been transformational for my skin, and Ava also has her own Pacific Northwest Essences line for floral and gem essences. Knowing how incredible she is as an herbalist, my curiosity about the power of floral essences were piqued.
Finally, I found myself surrounded by plants since coming back to Portland, and their healing power was just too palpable. Whether or not you’re “scientific,” you’d have to be made of concrete not to notice the impact of their combined energies on your body, mind, and spirit. If it’s possible to take that energy with me wherever I go, I will definitely try it.
The key to finding floral essences right for you is to listen to flowers and plants that draw you in, and then check the indications for qualities that match your needs. Without further ado, here are some floral essences you might try!
Lotus Wei’s Icelandic Moss Elixir was captured from mosses living off of glacial waters in a meadow in Iceland. Let that image fill your mind! It’s said to increase your playfulness, wild freedom, and wonder, while reducing crankiness, loneliness, and sadness. Now, for comparison, let’s look at Pacific Northwest Essences’ blend below…
https://pnwessences.com/products/mosses-and-lichen-essence-blend
Ava’s Lichen and Mosses Blend was made from a single rock wall surrounded by a pine forest in Washington State. It was extracted by floating several harmonious species in spring water in a crystal bowl. Indications are for people who want to assert their individuality and calm in crowded environments, like urban dwellers who get easily burned out by over stimulation (ahem me) and “for artists who want to be bold and original yet also want to feel socially accepted, wanted, understood, and appreciated by an audience.” Omg, me!! Also, this is a useful blend for plane travel when we get close to a lot of strangers. (Spoiler alert: I did end up getting it—seems to be the best thing to carry with me as I travel around in 2019!) Indications for Lotus Wei’s and PNWE’s moss essences were fairly distinct, so I will have to figure out by experimenting whether these qualities hold true.
As you can see, it’s all about working with plants that give you the feels—I’m moss-obsessed!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Brn1QGWFd7F/
Bach laid down the foundation for flower essences therapy, and his beech blend sounds particularly appealing to me. “For those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own perfection.” Tip: those who feel climate change depression might be interested in this!
Aspen’s indication is for people who feel lonely and displaced. Also, as trees that thrive in watery environments, aspens restore your 2nd chakra, giving you a balance of groundedness and spontaneous joy. Physically, aspen is also helpful for acne, dryness, eczema, and psoriasis if you also feel emotionally lonely and disconnected.
This one is best for those who given to mood swings, depression, being overly focused on the future, impatience, and irritability. You’ll feel sweet, quiet emotional fullness.
Typically, you are advised to put a few drops under your tongue each day for a few months. You may also mix the drops into water, if you prefer. I plan on using the moss essence—will report when I’m done!
Have you used floral essences?
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Photo: Peaceful Dumpling; respective brands
