Spa Magazine

Long popular in Europe and Australia, flower essences are now gaining a loyal following stateside.

DIY: How To Make Your Own Flower Essence

Sometimes confused with aromatherapy, the use of flower essences is a completely different practice that harnesses the vibrational energy of flowers (not their essential oils) for healing. Used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures from Australia to South America to Egypt, the practice experienced a surge in popularity during the 1930s when England's Edward Bach, M.D., disillusioned with allopathic medicine, began experimenting with flower essences. His theory was that they could heal emotional problems and that when a patient was healthy emotionally his or her body would stabilize as well. He created 38 Bach Flower Remedies to be used alone or in combination to address the emotions he believed hindered health: sadness, fear, worry, indecision, apathy, over-caring, impatience, doubt, pride, and aloofness.

More than half a century later, naturopath Ian White created the Australian Bush Flower Essences to update Bach's flower-based cures for the 21st century. White used the flower essences of his home country to address what he described as "modern-day challenges" related to sexuality, communication, and spirituality.

Now spas are beginning to incorporate flower essences into various treatments as a way to both relax guests and help bring out their inner beauty. At Joya Spa at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona, for example, on-site organic alchemist Katie Hess creates personalized formulas based on answers to questions like "What obstacles are holding you back?" A customized remedy might include bird of paradise (quiets the mind); rose (heals the heart); mountain laurel (fosters letting go); blue prickly pear (helps strike a balance between kindness and being taken advantage of); magnolia (brings desires to fruition); or night-blooming cereus flower (encourages recognition of one's true gifts and beauty).

Unlike some herbs and essential oils, flower essences do not interact with medications and are considered safe enough for babies, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. While essential oils are made from distilling not just flowers but also roots, stems, seeds, and bark, flower essences are purely vibrational and are created by placing a blossom in water and exposing it to strong sunlight or full moonlight. The flower water is then added to brandy, purified water, or organic alcohol to make a tincture that can be taken orally (alone or with water or juice) or added to a mist, oil, or lotion.

The essences are believed to work on the body's electrical system to balance energy and create long-lasting emotional and energetic changes. When taken internally, positive subtle differences are often observed within 24 to 48 hours, with complete energy shifts notable within three to four weeks.

While professional advice is helpful when selecting flower essences, most people do well choosing their own single-essence remedies, which are available at health food stores. "People innately know what they need; they have that inner wisdom," says Hess. "When thinking of their favorite flower, or when looking at pictures of flowers [an exercise Hess goes through with clients], they're invariably drawn to those that hold the healing properties and vibrational energies they need."

AT THE SPA Flower essences are entering the treatment room in a variety of ways.

• Essence Customization After a one-on-one reading, a flower essence practitioner works intuitively and scientifically to formulate a personalized elixir that's most often taken under the tongue (in drop form) or added to water.
• Massage Flower essences are being infused into massage oil for a more profound energetic effect.
• Body misting Used before and after massage, the misting of flower essences helps ground and center the spa-goer. During massage, a gentle misting brings deeper relaxation and rest as well as enhanced insight and wisdom.
• Refreshment Flower essences are being added to water, teas, and wet washcloths.

AT HOME These products can bring the healing power of flowers to your daily life.

• Bach Rescue Remedy Spray Used under the tongue, this blend of five flower essences calms and soothes a stressed mind. ($18, rescueremedy.com)
• Kama Ayurveda Pure Rose Water This 100 percent rose water solution is a natural astringent that helps tighten pores. ($22, alcanz.com)
• Lotus Wei Inner Love The nectarine, jasmine, rose, and lotus essences in this body wash inspire love, compassion, and joy. ($24, lotus​wei.com)
• Lucy B Organic "Lemonade" Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm This lip balm is infused with Australian Bush Flower Essences (including Sturt Desert Rose) to boost self-esteem. ($18, lucyb​cosmetics.com)
• Embryolisse Rosamèlis Lotion Sans Alcool The essences of orange blossom and rose in this toner help skin stay balanced and moisturized. ($30, embryolisseusa.com)

Here's how to make your own flower essence: On a sunny day, fill a small glass bowl with spring water and set it in the sunlight. 

Next, venture out and find a type of flower that speaks to you. Pick a handful, spread the blossoms over the surface of the water, and leave in the sun for three to four hours. Strain the flowers using a filter (unbleached coffee filters work well) and fill a bottle halfway with the flower water. Add the same amount of brandy as a preservative. 

If kept cool, the essence will last indefinitely. To use, add a couple of drops to water and sip throughout the day.

photos: istockphoto.com