Essences are very versatile and may be used or taken in a variety of ways.  These are the most common:

Under the tongue:  the classic method.  4 to 7 drops are placed under the tongue and held there for a period of time before being swallowed.  In working with clients, I incorporate the use of an affirmation and visualization with this method.

In creams applied topically:  helpful for some skin conditions, muscle pain, and also a valid way of taking essences for any purpose.  Essences combine well with essential oils in topical applications.  Self-Heal Creme is ideal for this purpose (made and sold by FES and also sold on this site:  click here for info). 

Applied topically to chakras, meridians, or Bach Flower Body Map areas:  to help balance a particular chakra or meridian, release a  blockage, or work with a particular problem or issue.  This is perhaps one of the newest areas of exploration.  Click here for more info on the body maps. 

In the bath:  for total immersion, stress, exhaustion, muscle pain.  Five Flower Formula is a good all-purpose essence for adding to the bath (this is the Healing Herbs brand of Rescue Remedy, sold on this site:  click here). 

Misting a room:  to change the energy in a room or to administer essences to a group of people (such as for stress or conflict among people, at lectures if it is mid-afternoon and people are falling asleep, in-between clients to clear the energy, for a group taking a test, etc.)

Misting one's aura:  since flower essences work at the level of the energy field, this is a valid way to administer essences.

Essences should be taken over a longer period of time, at least four times per day, for chronic or long-standing problems.  It is estimated that, for every year that a problem has been in existence, one month of flower essence therapy is indicated (but sometimes there are surprises!).  Typically, vibrational essences work very gently, deeply, and slowly with issues that are deeply embedded in one's character, and it is recommended to take them for at least three months before assessing how helpful they are for you at a particular time.  Keeping a journal on a daily or weekly basis is recommended because changes can occur so gradually and naturally that one isn't aware of what has changed until one looks back, and a journal is an excellent tool for keeping track of one's progress.  Using essences in addition to practicing or being engaged in other therapeutic approaches or disciplines that foster growth and awareness is most beneficial and most efficient for long-standing emotional issues. 

First flower:  Macrocarpa is helpful for those who are exhausted, drained, or worn out (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences).

Second flower:  Explorer's gentian brings rejuvenation when one feels depleted, weary, or discouraged (courtesy of FES).

Third flower:  Columbine helps one to discover one's uniqueness (courtesy of FES).

Fourth flower:  Green cross gentian helps those who experience doubt, discouragement or disillusion regarding following one's higher destiny for humanity and the planet (courtesy of FES).

Fifth flower:  Tall yellow top is very helpful for depression, alienation, and isolation (courtesy of Ian White, Australian Bush Flower Essences)