What’s the Difference Between Flower Essences and Essential Oils?
If you’ve ever browsed the shelves of a wellness store or scrolled through Instagram hashtags like #naturalhealing or #holistichealth, chances are you’ve come across both flower essences and essential oils. While they might seem similar at first glance—they both come from plants, after all—they are entirely different tools with unique purposes.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between flower essences and essential oils, explain how they work, and help you decide which one might be right for your needs.
What Are Flower Essences?
Flower essences are energetic remedies made by infusing fresh flowers in water, often under the sun. The water is then preserved with a small amount of alcohol, such as brandy. Unlike essential oils, flower essences don’t contain the physical properties of the plant, like scent or oil. Instead, they’re believed to carry the energetic imprint or vibrational frequency of the flower.
Uses of Flower Essences:
Supporting emotional balance (e.g., soothing stress, grief, or overwhelm).
Encouraging personal growth and self-awareness.
Complementing holistic practices like meditation, yoga, or energy healing.
Think of flower essences as tools to gently nudge your emotional or energetic state into balance. They’re subtle, safe, and can be used by anyone, including children and pets.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the aromatic compounds of flowers, leaves, bark, or roots. They’re made through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing and are highly potent. Essential oils are physical substances, so their effects are often more immediate and sensory compared to flower essences.
Uses of Essential Oils:
Aromatherapy (e.g., diffusing lavender oil to promote relaxation).
Skincare and beauty products (e.g., tea tree oil for acne).
Household uses (e.g., lemon oil for natural cleaning).
Essential oils engage the senses—particularly smell—and work on both the mind and body through their chemical properties.
Key Differences Between Flower Essences and Essential Oils
While both flower essences and essential oils come from plants, they differ significantly in how they’re made, what they’re used for, and how they work:
Production: Flower essences are made by infusing flowers in water and capturing their energetic imprint, while essential oils are extracted through distillation or pressing, concentrating the plant's physical properties.
Properties: Flower essences work on an energetic and vibrational level, helping to restore emotional balance. Essential oils, on the other hand, are aromatic and contain active compounds that affect the mind and body physically.
Primary Use: Flower essences are primarily used for emotional and energetic support, such as soothing stress or encouraging personal growth. Essential oils are often used for physical wellness (like relieving tension), skincare, and creating a pleasant sensory experience.
Application: Flower essences are typically taken internally (a few drops under the tongue or in water) or applied topically when diluted. Essential oils are commonly diffused, applied to the skin (always diluted), or inhaled directly for their immediate effects.
Safety: Flower essences are gentle and safe for people of all ages, as well as pets and plants. Essential oils are more potent and require caution, especially for young children, pets, or those with sensitive skin.
By understanding these distinctions, you can better choose the right remedy for your specific needs—whether you’re looking for gentle emotional support or a potent physical effect.
Which One Is Right for You?
The answer depends on what you’re looking to address:
Emotional or energetic support? Flower essences are a gentle, non-invasive option for emotional healing, helping you find balance during stressful or transformative times.
Immediate sensory or physical benefits? Essential oils can enhance your mood, relieve tension, or add a natural touch to your skincare and cleaning routines.
For example, if you’re experiencing emotional overwhelm, a flower essence like Rescue Remedy may help bring a sense of calm. On the other hand, if you’re feeling fatigued, a drop of peppermint essential oil on your wrists might give you an instant energy boost.
Can You Use Them Together?
Absolutely! While flower essences and essential oils serve different purposes, they complement each other beautifully. For instance, you might use a calming flower essence blend during meditation while diffusing lavender essential oil for a relaxing atmosphere.
While flower essences and essential oils both harness the power of plants, their unique properties make them valuable in different ways. Flower essences work subtly on the energetic and emotional level, while essential oils provide physical and sensory benefits.
If you’re curious about flower essences and want to experience their gentle yet powerful effects, explore our private session offerings (both in-person and virtual) designed to support your unique emotional journey.