Understanding Flower Essences

What are flower essences?

Flower essences are gentle preparations traditionally used to support emotional wellbeing and personal growth. They are made by capturing the qualities of flowering plants in a liquid preparation.

I work with Bach Flower Remedies, Australian Bush Flower Essences and my own flower essences, created from Australian native flowers.

What is the difference between flower essences and flower remedies?

The terms flower essences and flower remedies are both used to describe the energy captured from flowers. It really depends on who you are working with more than the name. I personally prefer flower remedies because that is what they do, and it is less confusing for new clients to understand their purpose. Bach names them as flower remedies and Ian White and others call them flower essences.

How do flower essences work?

I see flower essences as a gentle form of emotional support. Rather than treating a particular illness or condition, I choose essences according to the feelings, patterns and experiences a person is moving through.

For me, the most useful question is not “What is wrong with me?” but “How am I feeling, and what kind of support would be helpful right now?”

What makes Rachel Jardine Flower Essences different?

I have worked with flower essences for more than 20 years. I began with Bach Flower Remedies and Australian Bush Flower Essences, and over time developed my own collection from Australian native flowers.

Some of my newer essences are created from flowers growing on Bruny Island, Tasmania. My approach combines experience, observation, intuition and a deep respect for each person's individual journey.

Are flower essences the same as essential oils?

No. Flower essences and essential oils are quite different.

Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts from plants and are commonly used in aromatherapy. Flower essences are liquid preparations traditionally used for emotional and energetic support and are generally taken as drops.

Choosing the Right Essence

How do I choose the right flower essence?

I recommend beginning with how you are feeling now.

Read through the descriptions of my blends and notice which one most closely reflects what you're experiencing. You don't need to identify with every description — sometimes one particular feeling or phrase will immediately resonate.

If you're unsure, I'm happy to help you choose.

Which flower essence is best when I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed?

If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, rushed or emotionally drained, De-Stress is a good place to start.

If your stress is accompanied by a very busy or overactive mind, Quiet Mind may be more relevant. If you're feeling depleted or lacking vitality, Energy may be worth exploring.

I believe the best choice is the blend that most closely reflects how you feel at the moment.

Which flower essence might help when my mind won't switch off?

I created Quiet Mind for times when thoughts feel busy, repetitive or difficult to settle.

It may be worth exploring when you find yourself constantly thinking, analysing or planning, and are finding it difficult to create some mental space.

What flower essence might support me through heartbreak or emotional change?

When you're moving through heartbreak, loss or a significant change, I recommend choosing an essence according to how the experience is affecting you now.

You may be feeling sadness, overwhelmed, unable to let go, lacking confidence or simply disconnected from yourself.

I developed ‘Heart Ease’ specifically for these feelings, giving space for your heart to slow down and recover.

If you're not sure where to begin, I can help you choose or create a personalised blend.

Can I use more than one flower essence blend?

I generally recommend starting with the blend that feels most relevant to you and not using more than one blend unless recommended to do so by a practitioner.

The exception is De-Stress which can be used at any time along side other essences or on it’s own.

Using My Flower Essences

How do I take a flower essence?

My usual recommendation is seven drops twice daily, taken directly under the tongue.

I find consistency more useful than taking a large amount at once. Each product is supplied with its recommended directions, so please follow the instructions provided with your essence.

How long does a bottle of flower essence last?

A bottle will generally last around a month when taken at the recommended dosage, although this can vary depending on how regularly you use it.

I encourage you to use your essence consistently and pay attention to how you feel rather than taking more in the hope of achieving a quicker result.

How quickly will I notice a difference?

Everyone's experience is different. Some people notice a change quite quickly, while for others the effects are more subtle and develop over time.

You might notice changes in how you respond to situations, how you feel emotionally, or simply a greater sense of calm, clarity or balance.

Flower essences are powerful but subtle and we often reflect over the past day(s) noticing personal changes for the better.

How long should I take a flower essence?

There is no fixed period that is right for everyone.

Some people use an essence for a short time while moving through a particular situation. Others continue for longer when working with an ongoing emotional pattern.

I recommend paying attention to how you feel and allowing your choice of essence to change as your needs change.

Can I change to another flower essence when my feelings change?

Absolutely.

Our emotional needs naturally change as we move through different experiences. The essence that feels appropriate today may not be the one you need in a few weeks.

I encourage you to stay curious about how you feel rather than continuing with an essence simply because you have always taken it.

Personalised Flower Essences

What is the difference between a flower essence blend and a personalised blend?

My formula blends are created around particular emotional themes such as stress, mental busyness, sleep, resilience or vitality.

A personalised blend is created specifically for you. I consider your individual circumstances and what you're experiencing before selecting and preparing your combination of essences.

How do I ask you which flower essence might suit me?

If you're unsure which essence to choose, you can contact me and tell me a little about what you're experiencing and what kind of support you're looking for.

If you'd prefer a more in-depth approach, my Personalised Flower Essence Blend service allows me to create an individual blend specifically for you.

What happens when I order a personalised flower essence blend?

After you purchase a personalised blend, I'll ask you to complete a questionnaire so I can understand what you're experiencing and what you'd like support with.

I then select the essences and prepare your individual blend, which I post to you with a personalised note.

Can I have a flower essence consultation from anywhere in Australia?

Yes. My personalised flower essence services are available by distance, so you don't need to live in Tasmania to work with me.

I can prepare and post your personalised blend anywhere in Australia.

Buying, Safety & Practical Questions

Where can I buy Rachel Jardine Flower Essences?

You can purchase my flower essence blends and individual essences directly through my online shop.

I prepare my blends in small quantities and post orders throughout Australia.

How much do your flower essences cost?

My prices vary depending on whether you choose a formula blend, foundation essence or personalised service.

You'll find the current price and details on each product page in my online shop.

Can I use flower essences alongside medical or mental health care?

My flower essences are complementary products and are not intended to replace medical treatment, prescribed medication, diagnosis or professional psychological care.

If you're receiving treatment, taking medication or have concerns about whether a complementary product is appropriate for you, I recommend discussing it with your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

Can children use flower essences?

Flower essences have traditionally been used by people of different ages. However, when choosing an essence for a child, I recommend taking their individual circumstances into account and contacting me if you're unsure.

Flower essences should not replace appropriate medical or psychological care for a child.

I don't know which flower essence I need. What should I do?

You don't need to know.

Start by telling me a little about how you're feeling and what you'd like support with. I can help you identify a suitable blend, or you can choose a personalised flower essence if you'd like something created specifically for you.

Not sure where to start?

You don't need to know which essence is right for you. I'm happy to help.

Tell me a little about how you're feeling and what you'd like support with, and I'll point you towards the most appropriate place to begin.