Unraveling the Distinction: Essential Oils vs. Flower Essences

When people hear the word “flower,” they often think of scent- and that’s where the confusion begins. Flower essences and essential oils both come from plants and both smell lovely in theory… but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Whether you’re new to flower essences or just trying to figure out how they’re different from your favorite diffuser blend, this post will walk you through some key differences—from how they’re made to how they work (and why your cat might care).

Let’s break it down:

Scent:

Flower essences actually have little to no scent. You might catch a faint whiff of brandy or vodka—that’s the preservative, not the plant. Flower essences work through energetic resonance, not aroma.

Essential oils, on the other hand, are all about scent. Their powerful aromas interact directly with the brain through the limbic system, making them a popular choice for emotional support, stress relief, and mood shifts.

🌿 What They’re Used For

Modern flower essences were developed by Dr. Edward Bach, a medical doctor who believed that emotional imbalance often precedes physical illness. Today, they’re widely used to support emotional well-being and personal growth. You might reach for flower essences when you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, depression, low self-esteem, decision paralysis, or when you’re working through a big life transition.

Essential oils are used both emotionally and physically. Lavender for stress. Peppermint for headaches. Eucalyptus for congestion. They’re incredibly versatile—and, when used properly, quite powerful. Many people use essential oils to lift their mood, reduce fatigue, ease anxiety, or address physical discomforts.

🧪 How They’re Made

Flower essences are a form of vibrational medicine. They’re made by placing fresh flowers in spring water and allowing sunlight to imprint the energetic signature of the flower into the water—kind of like making a solar-infused tea. There’s no physical plant material in the final remedy—just the subtle energy of the flower. Anyone can learn to make them.

Essential oils, on the other hand, require a lot of plant material and specialized equipment. They’re extracted through steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. These oils are concentrated chemical compounds from the plant, and they can produce strong physiological effects on the body.

🛑 Safety

Flower essences are incredibly safe. They can be used by babies, children, adults, elders, pets, and even plants. They won’t interfere with medications, medical conditions, diets, or other remedies. The only “side effect” some people may notice is a temporary intensification of the emotion they’re working through—which usually passes quickly and leads to deeper insight or release.

Essential oils are generally safe when used correctly. But there’s more to consider. Many oils must be diluted before applying to the skin. Many are toxic to pets when diffused. And taking them internally is rarely advised without proper training—it can lead to serious side effects like nausea, convulsions, or worse. (Yes, there are documented cases of essential oil poisoning.)

🌸 A Helpful Analogy

There’s a metaphor I love for distinguishing plant-based remedies:

The plant is the body. Essential oils are the blood. Flower essences are the spirit.

Essential oils draw out the concentrated physical properties of a plant. Flower essences capture its energetic imprint—its emotional wisdom.

🤝 Can They Be Used Together?

Yes! While flower essences and essential oils couldn’t be more different in how they work, they can absolutely complement one another when used mindfully. I use flower essences almost exclusively in my practice because they are so gentle, accessible, and effective. But I deeply respect the power of essential oils—especially when used safely and intentionally.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered why a flower essence didn’t smell like anything, or whether you could put lavender essential oil in your tea (in most cases, please don’t), I hope this cleared things up. These two plant-based tools offer completely different kinds of support—and both have a place in the world of holistic health.

Ready to learn more about flower essences and how they can support your emotional well-being? Check out my free resources, explore my pre-formulated blends, or purchase a custom flower essence formulation to get started.