Flower Essence Learning

How are Bach Flower Essences made?

From left to right: Chicory | Gorse | White Chestnut, all co-created around West Berkshire, UK.

Good question! Is it a tincture, flower brandy or is it an essential oil? (these are a few examples of what I’ve been asked).

It’s none of these believe it or not!

There are a few ways flower remedies are co-created. Hmm… you ask what does she mean by co-created?

Initially when a flower essence producer creates a remedy there has to be a signal from a specific plant, tree or environment to get the ‘go ahead’ to co create. This comes from observing a plant or tree over a period of time. Often this involves communication on spiritual level. Many times I don’t use plant material in the essence creation unless I’m signalled to do so.

Bach Flower remedies are made in two different ways. A specific group are created by ‘sun method’.

This involves asking the plants permission to collect a few buds or flowers and immersing them in spring water or filtered water, this is placed in a glass or crystal bowl. The essence of the plant or tree is created on a sunny day. This may take anywhere up to four hours, this is the time to observe and download thoughts during the process. The essence maker may observe fine bubbles and eventually a change in the light and fluidity of the water, the remedy is then ready to bottle into the ‘mother’ stock bottle.

The second Bach method is the ‘boiling method'. Plant material is collected with the agreement of the plant or tree. Spring/ filtered water is added to a pot, the plant material is placed in and it’s brought up to a boil. Once boiled the plant material is filtered out. It is then cooled outside on a natural surface (grass) and bottled into a the ‘mother’ stock bottle.

In each of these production styles, organic or high quality brandy is added as the preservative to the mother flower essence. As an example, The Chalice Well Essences use Somerset organic apple brandy as its indicative to the terroir of the area.

Although it may seem like a mysterious process, it’s not. It’s all about connecting with nature, plants and energetic fields around us. If you're interested in learning more check out my events page. In Spring 2024 I will be offering walks around Newbury to teach you how to make an essence.