Post Series: Herbal Preparations
In this post series, we explore the diverse ways botanicals can be prepared for culinary, wellness, and commercial applications. Learning about herbal preparation can deepen your understanding, promote self-reliance, and spark innovation in crafting unique, high-value botanical products.
Flower essences were popularized in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician who developed the Bach Flower Remedies, including well-known essences like Rescue Remedy. He believed that flowers carried vibrational healing properties that could balance emotional states and aid in holistic healing. While indigenous cultures worldwide have long used flower-infused waters in healing rituals, Bach systematized the practice into a recognized form of natural medicine.
Flower essences are created by infusing flowers in water under sunlight, then normally preserving the extract with alcohol. Unlike herbal tinctures, they contain trace measurable plant material—only the energetic imprint of the flower. The process involves selecting fresh blossoms, placing them in pure water, and allowing them to sit in direct sunlight for several hours to transfer their vibrational energy. The resulting infusion is mixed with brandy or another preservative to create a mother essence, which is later diluted into stock and dosage bottles for use.
Flower essences are primarily used for emotional and energetic healing, including:
Stress & Anxiety – Rescue Remedy (blend of 5 flowers), Mimulus (fear), Rock Rose (panic)
Confidence & Motivation – Larch (self-doubt), Wild Oat (life purpose)
Grief & Emotional Release – Star of Bethlehem (shock), Willow (resentment)
Inner Strength & Resilience – Oak (overwork), Elm (feeling overwhelmed)
Simple Flower Essence Recipe: Wild Rose Essence for Emotional Vitality
Ingredients & Materials:
Fresh wild rose blossoms (or another flower of choice)
Spring or distilled water
Glass bowl
Brandy or apple cider vinegar (for preservation)
Dark glass dropper bottle
Steps:
1. Harvest flowers: Early in the morning, gently pick fresh wild rose blossoms (or any chosen flower). Avoid touching them too much.
2. Infuse in water: Place the blossoms in a glass bowl filled with pure water and let them sit in direct sunlight for 3–4 hours.
3. Strain the essence: Remove the flowers and pour the infused water into a clean bottle.
4. Preserve the mother essence: Mix the flower water with an equal amount of brandy (or apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free option). This is your mother essence.
5. Create a stock bottle: Dilute 2 drops of the mother essence into a 1-ounce dropper bottle filled with water and brandy (50/50 mix).
6. Dosage: Take 4 drops under the tongue or in water several times a day.