Why Essences Are Not Tinctures and Can’t Be Used the Same

An illustration depicting flower essences with various constituents vs herbal tinctures.

In the realm of natural remedies, tinctures are a more widely used and understood form of plant-based healing than essences.  Essences are a whole other thing, and cannot be viewed or used the same way as a tincture. (They're also not the same as essential oils). While they share some similarities, they are fundamentally different in their preparation, purpose, and application. This guide will explore the distinctions between these two types of remedies, focusing on flower, gem and sound essences and our bioessences, alongside the more familiar tinctures.

So What’s What?

Essences: Essences are vibrational remedies that capture the subtle energetic properties of flowers, plants, or other natural sources, and in the case of hertz frequencies, sounds. Flower essences focus on the energetic imprint of flowers, while bioessences work on a broader scale, involving the transfer of biological energies from a variety of sources for a comprehensive remedy. The purpose of essences is to address emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances, helping to restore harmony within the subtle energy bodies.

Tinctures: Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts created by soaking plant material in alcohol or another solvent. The solvent extracts the plant's active chemical constituents, resulting in a potent liquid form of the herb. Tinctures are designed to treat physical ailments, leveraging the medicinal properties of the plant to effect changes in the body. They are particularly effective for addressing specific physiological conditions.

Preparation Methods

Flower Essences: Prepared by imprinting strictly fresh flowers in spring water. The water absorbs the energetic signature of the flowers, which is then preserved with alcohol. More on that process here.

BioEssences: Created using a proprietary process that involves capturing the energetic patterns from various biological sources and using sound via specific hertz frequencies for certain conditions. These patterns are imprinted into a medium such as water, which is then stabilized with alcohol or another preservative. The process is designed to maintain the integrity of the bioenergetic information, ensuring that it can effectively influence the user's subtle energy field. More on that here.

Tinctures: Tinctures are made by placing plant material, such as leaves, roots, or bark, into a jar with alcohol or another solvent, like glycerin or vinegar. This mixture is left to steep for several weeks, allowing the solvent to extract the plant’s active compounds. After the extraction period, the liquid is strained, and the resulting tincture is a concentrated solution of the plant's chemical constituents, ready for use in treating physical conditions.

Active Ingredients

Essences: Essences work on a vibrational level, meaning they do not contain physical plant material or active chemical constituents. Instead, they carry the energetic signature or frequency of the source material. Bioessences, in particular, harness the complex bioenergetic information from various sources, making them uniquely powerful in addressing both emotional and physical issues. 

Tinctures: Tinctures contain the active chemical compounds of the plant, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds are responsible for the physiological effects of the tincture, making it a potent remedy for physical ailments. The strength and efficacy of a tincture depend on the plant used and the concentration of its active constituents.

Usage and Application

Flower and BioEssences: They are typically taken in small doses, such as a few drops in water, several times a day. The focus is on frequency rather than volume, as essences work on subtle energy levels. 

Tinctures: Tinctures are used for their physical medicinal properties and are typically taken orally in precise doses, often measured in dropperfuls. The dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated and the potency of the tincture. Tinctures can be added to water or taken directly, and they are usually administered several times a day. 

Tinctures may be limited to specific areas of the body, such as not crossing the blood/brain barrier. Essences can go any where you have water occupying cells.

Safety and Contraindications

Essences: Essences, including flower and bioessences, are extremely safe due to their vibrational nature. They are non-toxic, non-addictive, and free from side effects. This makes them suitable for people of all ages, including children, the elderly, and even pets. Since they do not contain physical substances from the source material, there is no risk of overdose, allergic reactions, or interactions with other medications.

Tinctures: Tinctures, while generally safe, do carry some risks due to their concentration of active compounds. Some herbs used in tinctures can interact with medications or cause side effects if taken in large quantities. It is essential to use tinctures with caution, particularly for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications. Proper dosing is crucial to avoid potential adverse effects.

Dosing Differences

Essences: The dosing of essences focuses on frequency rather than quantity. Typically, a few drops are taken multiple times a day diluted in a drink. The idea is to maintain a consistent energetic influence over time, allowing the essence to gradually restore balance within the subtle bodies. You can adjust the strength of essences through your dosing schedule rather than how much you take. More about that here

Tinctures: Tincture dosing is more about the quantity taken at each administration. Because tinctures are concentrated, the dosage is carefully measured, often in milliliters or dropperfuls. The frequency of dosing depends on the herb’s potency and the condition being treated, with some tinctures requiring multiple doses throughout the day. 

You’ll sometimes get an mg amount per correctly measured dosage with a tincture, and frequencies in essences are not measured in milligrams. 

In conclusion, while tinctures and essences both harness the power of natural elements, operate on distinctly different levels of healing. Tinctures focus on the physical body, utilizing the chemical compounds of plants to treat specific ailments. Essences work on a vibrational level, addressing emotional, mental, physical and spiritual imbalances.

As you explore the world of natural remedies, remember that each type has its unique place in holistic wellness. By integrating both tinctures and essences into your practice, you can create a well-rounded approach to healing that addresses all levels of your being.

Seneca

Founder of Freedom Flowers, Seneca has a strong understanding of frequencies found in nature and how they bring healing to the spiritual, emotional and thus, the physical body. She understands that humanity often shuts down in defense of pain or violation, and she knows what to offer to “unlock” areas that have become dormant over time. Seneca has a burning desire to bring healing to our issues in a gentle and natural way.