Essences are liquid preparations that capture the energetic or vibrational imprint of a substance, most commonly flowers, to support emotional and mental balance. They differ from herbal tinctures, which use concentrated plant extracts for biochemical effects, and from essential oils, which are aromatic, volatile compounds. The primary purpose of essences is to interact with the body’s subtle energy systems, not to provide a physiological dose of plant chemistry. Understanding how to prepare and ingest these highly diluted liquids is necessary for safe and effective use.
Understanding Essence Dilution and Preparation
Essences purchased from a supplier are concentrated, known as a “stock” bottle, and are not intended for direct daily use. To create the liquid used for daily consumption, called a “dosage” bottle, the stock essence must be diluted. This dilution extends the life of the stock bottle and makes the essence more manageable for frequent use.
To prepare a standard one-ounce dosage bottle, the container is filled with a carrier liquid, typically purified water, and a preservative to prevent spoilage. The most common preservative is brandy or another alcohol, usually mixed in a ratio of 75% water to 25% preservative. Alternatives like vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar can be used by those avoiding alcohol. Into this mixture, two to seven drops from the stock bottle are added. This final dosage bottle is the ready-to-use liquid for the treatment period, usually lasting about one month.
Ingestion Methods and Recommended Dosage
Essences are most commonly taken orally, with the method of ingestion intended to maximize the subtle energetic contact with the body. One effective method is placing the drops directly under the tongue, known as sublingual administration. This area is rich in blood vessels, allowing for rapid absorption into the system.
The alternative method, often preferred by those sensitive to the preservative taste, is adding the drops to a beverage. The diluted essence can be added to water, tea, or juice and slowly sipped. For either ingestion method, the standard application is typically four drops taken at least four times a day.
The frequency of dosing is considered more significant than the volume, as essences work through repeated energetic contact. Timing doses around transitional moments, such as first thing in the morning and before bed, is often recommended to enhance the effect. Consistency is important, and for acute situations, the dosage can be temporarily increased to several times an hour.
Maintaining Essence Potency Through Proper Storage
Essences are sensitive to environmental factors, so proper storage is necessary to maintain their subtle energetic quality. All essence bottles, both stock and dosage, should be kept upright and away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the liquid’s integrity. Storage at a moderate room temperature is best, as extreme heat or cold can compromise the essence’s effectiveness.
A major consideration is keeping the bottles away from sources of strong electromagnetic radiation. This includes appliances like microwaves, televisions, computers, and especially mobile phones, which emit a strong field. The stock bottle, preserved with a higher concentration of alcohol, can remain potent for many years when stored correctly. The prepared dosage bottle has a shorter shelf life of about one to two months due to its lower preservative concentration and frequent opening.
Safety Considerations and When to Avoid Essences
The most common health question concerns the alcohol content, as most stock and dosage bottles are preserved with brandy. While the amount of alcohol ingested in a typical dose is minimal, often less than what is found in a glass of fruit juice, individuals who must strictly avoid alcohol have options. One option is to use dosage bottles preserved with non-alcoholic alternatives like vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar.
Alternatively, a few drops can be placed into hot water, allowing the small amount of alcohol to evaporate before consumption. Essences are widely considered safe for use during pregnancy and with children, though consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Essences are a form of complementary wellness support and should never be used as a substitute for professional medical treatment for any physical, mental, or emotional condition.