History of flower essences Flowers have been used in various ways for healing and mood enhancement throughout the ages.  The concept of using a flower's energy for enhancing well being, although less recognised, is ancient in origin and has been used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years.  This method was used by Aborigines and was thought to have been employed in Egyptian times.  In the 16th century, the physician Paracelsus was said to collect dew from flowers to treat his patients. In more recent times, Dr. Edward Bach re-discovered flower essences in the early 1920's.  In recognising the link between stress, emotions and illness, he believed that 'disease is in essence the result of a conflict between soul and mind and will never be eradicated except by spiritual and mental effort.'  Giving up his profession as a Harley Street physician in order to search for a simple method of healing that embraced these principles, this resulted in the creation of the Bach Flower Remedies. His theories form the basis of our understanding today on how flower essences work and have provided the inspiration for the creation of many new essences.  Today there are numerous essence producers all over the world, and this field has expanded to encompass essences made from crystals and gems, animals, sea creatures and other elements of nature.  It should be noted that no harm is ever inflicted on these creatures in making essences.  In the creation of essences the major factor has always been the recognition of a living energy present in whatever element is used.