May Flowers

You know the saying - April Showers bring May flowers! Soon it will be time to plant flowers. This year, here in Colorado, we are behind schedule. We did have some rain and snow in April though, and I am looking forward to flowers.

There are many essential oils that are derived from flowers. In nature, flowers attract the birds and bees that are used to help grow the species. Essential oils that come from flowers are often used by humans, for the purpose of attraction too, for their alluring aromas, and qualities beneficial to beauty enhancement.

Here are some examples of flower essential oils:

 Chamomile (Roman) essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile): This oil is obtained from the flowers of the Roman chamomile plant and has a sweet, apple-like fragrance. It is used in many products for its calming properties.

 Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea): This oil is derived from the Salvia sclarea plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant through steam distillation. Clary sage essential oil has a sweet, herbaceous, and slightly musky scent. It is used for a variety of purposes, including hormone balancing, stress relief, skin care, digestive support, and sleep.

 Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum grandiflorum): This oil is known for its sweet and exotic fragrance and is often used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. Some people believe that its scent may have an aphrodisiac effect as well.

 Melissa (Lemon Balm) essential oil (Melissa officinalis): This oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of the Melissa officinalis plant, also known as lemon balm. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Melissa essential oil has a fresh, lemony, and herbaceous scent. It is used for a variety of purposes, including stress relief, sleep, digestive support, skin care and immune support. Melissa essential oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to heal and prevent skin infections. Melissa essential oil can help to boost the immune system and protect against infections and illnesses.

Neroli essential oil (Citurs x aurantium): This oil is derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the flowers. Neroli essential oil has a sweet, floral, and citrusy scent. It is used for a variety of purposes, including sleep, digestive support, and mood enhancing. Neroli essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to heal and prevent skin infections. It is often used in skincare products to improve the appearance of skin and reduce the signs of aging.

 Ylang-ylang essential oil (Canaga odorata): This oil is obtained from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree and has a sweet, floral scent. It is often used in perfumes and skin care products. They say it can have an aphrodisiac effect on some people. It is often used in perfumes for this reason.

These are just some examples of the many essential oils that come from flowers. Each oil has its own unique properties and uses.

Floral oils are especially great for skin care and as an ingredient to add to beauty formulas. My favorite floral beauty essential oils are geranium, helichrysum, lavender, and rose. I will share more about essential oils for skin care in June.

I recently began working toward Bach Flower Essence certification also. What are flower essences? Flower essences are a type of alternative therapy that is based on the belief that the energetic imprint of flowers can be used to support emotional and spiritual healing.

Flower essences are made by infusing flowers in water and capturing the energetic signature of the plant in the water. This is done through a process of sun infusion or boiling. The resulting flower essence is a highly diluted and potentized liquid that is said to contain the vibrational energy of the flower. Flower essences are typically taken orally in drops, and it is believed that they can help to balance emotional and mental states, which in turn supports personal growth, and promotes well-being.

Flower essences are often used in holistic and complementary therapies, such as *Aromatherapy*, acupuncture, and massage. They are also sometimes used as a part of spiritual practices, such as meditation and energy work.

It's important to note that neither Aromatherapy nor flower essence therapy is a substitute for medical treatment. However, some people may find them helpful as complementary therapies for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The main difference between essential oils and flower essences is the part of the plant that is used and the method of preparation.  Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are obtained through a process of distillation or cold pressing. They are made by extracting volatile oils from various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, flowers, or roots. Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, and they are typically used topically, inhaled, or ingested for their therapeutic properties.  Flower essences, on the other hand, are made by infusing flowers in water and capturing the energetic imprint of the plant in the water. This is done through a process of sun infusion or boiling. The resulting flower essence is a highly diluted and potentized liquid that is said to contain the vibrational energy of the flower. Flower essences are typically taken orally in drops, and they are believed to support emotional and spiritual healing.

While both essential oils and flower essences are derived from plants and can be used for therapeutic purposes, they are made using different parts of the plant and different methods of preparation. Additionally, essential oils are typically used for physical health and wellness, while flower essences are often used for emotional and spiritual healing.

 In my garden I grow flowers every summer - calendula, chamomile, lavender, and roses, to add to my Aromatherapy workshop products. This year I am adding clary sage and melissa (lemon balm). However, jasmine, neroli, and ylang-ylang are too exotic for the Colorado climate! Then I have them available to add flowery sunshine to scrubs, salts, and crafts for the rest of the year!