Frequently asked questions

Flower essences are natural preparations made with flowers and plants. They are pure plant energy held in water. Made with water, plants and sunlight, they are used to support emotional, energetic and spiritual wellbeing. They hold the vibrational healing imprint of the flower or plant, they do not contain any plant matter.

Unlike herbal tinctures or essential oils, flower essences are a form of vibrational medicine to support how a person is feeling or responding to life.

People most commonly explore flower essences for support when they are struggling in some way or for personal development. They can be helpful when people are feeling stress, worry, fear, grief, overwhelm, lack of confidence, difficulty with change or emotionally stuck. They can also be used as part of a journey to personal growth, self awareness and spiritual development.

First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® are created from native New Zealand flowers, ferns, trees, seeds and plants. The range is designed to work with the whole person: the personality, aura, chakras, DNA, soul and spirit.

Flower essences work at a vibrational or energetic level rather than through the chemical constituents of a plant. They help to rebalance the whole person. Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber explains that much like a tuning fork used to tune a piano, each essence carries a vibrational blueprint that helps bring you back into balance.

Flower essences work energetically through a process of resonance transfer.

Flower essences offer gentle emotional, energetic and spiritual support for the whole family. People reach for them when they feel unsettled or overwhelmed, need support with a challenge, want clarity, or want to find the inner strength to cope. They support holistic wellbeing and do not focus directly on physical symptoms.

Everyone is different. Many people notice a shift in how they feel, or how they respond to everyday situations, within a few days. Others notice change more gradually over a month or two.

For example somebody might notice that they feel calmer in a situation that would have usually overwhelmed them, or they find it easier to set a boundary, or they feel supported as they are processing a challenging experience. Flower essences are a complementary wellbeing modality and are not a medical treatment. Our customer reviews share some of their experiences.

At First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® we encourage people to journal or take a moment for a daily reflection while taking the essences.

It depends on the essence and the person. With an essence like Crisis Support for emergency or emotional first aid situations some people notice a difference within 15 to 20 minutes. Most people feel a shift within a few days. In general it takes about one month for changes to occur, and another month to integrate them.

Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants and contain chemical constituents that work mainly through your sense of smell. Flower essences are plant vibrations held in water, with no aroma, and work at an energetic level. They are usually ingested. You can use the two together. Flower essences are different from essential oils, herbal tinctures and perfumes.

Bach flower remedies are one well known range of flower essences, made with native English plants. The Bach range was developed in England by Dr Edward Bach and consists of 38 remedies. Not all flower essences are Bach flower remedies. First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® is a separate range of 185 essences made from New Zealand native plants, including flowers, ferns, trees, seeds and plants. Different groups of essences support different aspects of the person.

Yes. You do not need to be in New Zealand to use them. The First Light® essences were created to support universal experiences such as stress, overwhelm and self-doubt, and people and practitioners use them in many different countries, all over the world, including in the northern hemisphere. You can take flower essences at home, or while travelling overseas.

Flower essences are usually taken in drops or sprays, either directly into the mouth or in water. For best results, take your flower essence consistently and follow the directions provided with your product or personalised blend.

Flower essences can be used on their own or combined into a personalised blend selected according to what you are feeling or experiencing.

From a 10ml stock bottle, place 3 drops on your tongue or in a glass of water 3 to 4 times a day or as needed. From a 25ml blend, take 2 to 4 drops on your tongue or in water. Our How to Use page has more ways to use them.

3 drops from a 10ml stock bottle, or 2 to 4 drops or sprays from a 25ml blend.

3 to 4 times a day, or as you need them.

Yes. Flower essences are generally taken by mouth, but you can also put drops on energy centres, pressure points or the soles of your feet. Check the ingredients in your particular product before applying it to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

Yes. Add 8 drops of your chosen essences to your bathwater.

In general it takes about one month for changes to occur and another month to integrate them, so many people take an essence for around two months. Many people consistently take flower essences as part of their everyday wellbeing, for example a Constitutional Essence® is commonly taken consistently.

Under ordinary circumstances, no. There is no known food, drink or everyday activity that will “cancel out” a First Light® flower essence. You do not generally need to avoid coffee, mint, toothpaste or other strong flavours.

The vibration held in the essence is stable. To look after your essences, keep them out of direct or full sunlight.

Yes. Flower essences can be taken individually or the easiest way is to combine them in one blend. A personalised flower essence blend allows up to eight carefully chosen flower essences to work together to support what you are experiencing at the time. You can also take more than one flower essence blend at a time, just be clear of your intention before taking your essence. If you are unsure of which essences to choose, you can order a personalised flower essence blend, tell us what you need help with and we will select essences for you.

Up to eight essences from No 1 to No 184 can be combined in a single personalised blend. No 0 Black Orchid can be added to any blend as a ninth essence.

This allows you to select a combination of essences to support the different emotional, energetic or personal growth needs.

Add 5ml (a teaspoon) of brandy or cider vinegar to a 20 to 25ml glass dropper bottle and top up with pure spring water. Add 3 drops of each chosen 10ml stock essence, up to eight. Take 2 to 4 drops 3 to 4 times a day, and use the blend within 4 to 6 weeks.

Yes. Flower essences can be used alongside homeopathy, herbal medicine, energy healing, massage, life coaching and other therapies.

Yes. You can add a few drops of your chosen essences to an aromatherapy blend or massage oil.

Flower essences are gentle and suitable for the whole family, including children and animals. They contain a small amount of alcohol as a natural preservative. If you have any concerns, have a serious medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding or under the care of a health professional, use them under their guidance. Flower essences complement, rather than replace appropriate medical or health care.

Flower essences work at a vibrational level rather than a physical one, so side effects are not expected. If you have any concerns, talk to your health professional.

There are no reported contraindications, but we recommend you check with your medical professional before taking flower essences with prescription medication. Each essence contains a small amount of alcohol as a preservative.

No. Flower essences offer emotional and spiritual support and are not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric care. Keep following the advice of your health professional, and seek their advice for any medical condition.

Flower essences are gentle and many of our customers have used them while pregnant but we recommend you check with your health professional first and use them under guidance.

If you are breastfeeding, please use flower essences under the guidance of your health professional.

Yes. First Light® flower essences are gentle and can be used by children. Children can simply take fewer drops each day, directly in the mouth or in water. There is a small amount of alcohol used as a preservative. To avoid the alcohol, add the drops to an empty glass and pour over a little boiling water; the alcohol evaporates.

For newborn babies, rub the essence on the soles of the feet or add it to bathwater. For young children, you can add 3 drops to their drink bottle.

Yes. Flower essences are commonly used to support pets and animals including dogs, cats and horses particularly during times of emergency, stress, grief or change. Add drops of the essence to your pet's water or food.

Flower essences contain a small amount of alcohol as a preservative. Flower essences should not replace veterinary care. If your pet has an unexplained change in behaviour, appears unwell, is in pain, or has an ongoing medical condition, speak with your veterinarian first.

Yes, generally flower essences contain a small amount of brandy, ethanol or grape as a natural preservative. To reduce the alcohol taste, add your drops to water.

Our 10ml stock bottles contain a small amount of alcohol as a preservative. Our 25ml personalised blends can be made with apple cider vinegar instead of brandy on request. To avoid the alcohol, add the drops to an empty glass and pour over a little boiling water; the alcohol evaporates.

Yes.

Many people with hay fever take flower essences. They contain no plant material, but we recommend you check with your medical professional first.

A 10ml stock bottle carries a best by date of up to 10 years. Stored and used properly, the essences can stay potent for decades. One 10ml stock bottle makes around 60 to 70 personalised 25ml blends.

Use your blend within 6 to 8 weeks of opening, and store it out of direct sunlight. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper to your tongue or teeth. Taking 3 to 4 drops, 3 to 4 times a day, a 25ml blend lasts about one month.

Keep bottles upright in a cool, dry place with the caps tightly closed, ideally away from computers, televisions and full sunlight.

Stock bottles carry a best by date of up to 10 years, and can stay potent if stored well. Personalised blends are best used within 6 to 8 weeks of opening.

No. The liquid is generally clear. If your bottle looks cloudy, it is best to replace it rather than continue to use it. Please contact us.

Start with how you are feeling and what you would most like support with right now.

You can explore keywords and information on each flower essence page, use the repertory to browse essences by feeling or need, or use the Constitutional Essence for a sense of inner balance and alignment.

If you would like a personal recommendation you can send us a message or book in for a no obligation free consultation.

Book a free, no obligation consultation with our qualified flower essence therapist, who will recommend an essence for you. Or tell us a little about what is going on and order a personalised blend made for you. You can also search by feeling in our repertory. If you are choosing for yourself, sometimes the right essence is the one whose description makes you think: ‘That sounds exactly like me.’

You cannot get it wrong. The essences are gentle and cannot do harm. If your essence is not well matched to what you are experiencing, you may find that you don’t notice much change. You can simply reassess how you are feeling and select a different essence. If you would like guidance, book a free consultation, see a flower essence practitioner or order a personalised blend chosen especially for you.

Usually people choose a single flower essence if there is something specific that they would like to address, for example support to feel more confident, deal with grief or break a limiting pattern.

A single 10ml stock essence gives you one essence to take on its own or to use in creating your own blends.

A ready-made blend combines several essences chosen to support a particular need or situation, or an underlying cause. It is ready to take. If you are not sure what to choose, a personalised blend can be created for you.

Your Power Flower is the flower essence calculated from your date of birth. It is one of the thirty-six flower essences and comes from the First Light® Flowers of Transformation set. It supports you at the personality level. It helps you tap into your ‘good medicine’ and to share your gifts with the world. Find yours with our Power Flower calculator.

It is a blend of five essences worked out from your date of birth, with one essence for support at each level of your being: personality, aura, chakras, DNA and soul. It supports you to stay energetically balanced and spiritually attuned in the face of life’s daily stresses and challenges.

There are 185 single essences, numbered No 0 to No 184, all made from New Zealand native flowers and plants. Additionally there are combination essences.

First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® has 15 collections in the range. Each collection works with a different aspect of holistic healing. Flower Essences (No's 1-36) work at the level of the personality to transform negative feelings, states and thoughts, Fern Essences (No's 37-43) work to clear the impact of trauma from the aura or energy field, Tree Essences (No's 44-50) balance and strengthen the chakras and support us to feel more empowered, Seed Essences (No's 51-62) work at the level of the DNA to release limiting patterns and fears and Plant Essences (No's 63-84) work at the level of the soul to help us grow and evolve. These are followed by the Healers (No's 85-96), Shamanic (No's 97-120) and advanced essences (No's 121-184), plus No 0 Black Orchid.

A stock essence is the concentrated form of a single flower essence. It can be taken directly from the bottle or used to create a personalised blend.

First Light® stock essences are available as individual New Zealand native flower essences and combination essences, so you can choose and combine the essences to support how you are feeling or what you need help with.

The 10ml stock bottle holds one essence in a concentrated form. A 25ml blend holds up to eight essences, diluted in pure water with a preservative, ready to take.

No. Anybody can use any of the essences. There are no practitioner only essences.

A 25ml personalised flower essence blend is a custom combination of up to 8 flower essences carefully chosen especially for you, based on how you are feeling, what you are navigating and what you would like support with.

Our personalised 25ml blends are $38. The Power Flower Essence is $35.

It is a free and simple way to get personalised guidance on which First Light® essences can support you. It is a no obligation conversation with our qualified flower essence therapist, online by Zoom or over the phone. You share what is happening for you, and we recommend a single essence or a ready-made blend to support you. You then decide what, if anything, you would like to buy. It is a practical way to select flower essences especially if you are new to flower essences or unsure where to begin.

When you order a $38 personalised blend, you have the option to also get a free mini consultation. You share what is happening for you. We calculate your Power Flower and add it to your blend to support you at personality level, then your major life lesson plant essence to support you at soul level. We then choose six more essences for your situation, and can include a reading with the First Light® Flower Essence Cards. Finally we make up your blend and courier it to you.

Personalised blends are mixed by hand for you, so please allow a little longer than for other orders. We usually send orders within 1 to 3 days, and New Zealand delivery takes 2 to 5 working days.

Yes. You can ask for your blend to be made with apple cider vinegar as the preservative. Please note we add 3 drops of each stock essence to your blend, and these contain a small amount of brandy.

Yes. International shipping is quoted at checkout, with Economy, Courier and Express Courier services depending on the value and weight of your order.

Within New Zealand, shipping is a flat NZ$8.00. From time to time we offer free shipping, and when we do, it is shown on the website. International shipping is calculated at checkout.

Within New Zealand, sometimes orders arrive overnight but we recommend you allow 2 to 5 working days after dispatch; rural deliveries can take longer. International orders take 7 to 14 working days depending on the service chosen.

Customs rules vary by country and can change without notice. Any customs clearance, taxes, duty or inspection fees are set by your country and are your responsibility, and some products may be restricted where you live.

Flower essences are a personal care product, so we cannot refund or replace an order for change of mind. If you are not sure which essence is right for you, ask us before you order or book a free consultation. This does not affect your rights under New Zealand consumer law.

We will replace it at no charge. Please contact us as soon as you can with your order number and a photograph.

Yes. Afterpay is available at checkout. We also offer payment plans tailored to your needs: email hello@firstlightfloweressences.co.nz and we will be in touch to discuss options.

Yes, by application.

Please email hello@firstlightfloweressences.co.nz with your request and we will be in touch.

There is a minimum first order of 16 units for First Light Natural Health® ready-made blends.

No. Anybody can use or stock the First Light® essences.

You can make and sell individual personalised blends for your clients. Unless a formal agreement is in place, we are not a supplier of raw materials, and our products may not be used to make or sell your own commercially branded products or ranges.

Please see our Terms and Conditions for the full answer.

Use our Find a Practitioner directory to search for a qualified First Light® practitioner by location. Many practitioners also offer consultations online.

Prices vary by practitioner, and generally range from $60 to $120 with a personalised blend included.

No. You can choose essences by keyword, through the information on our website, or with intuitive methods such as a pendulum or kinesiology. We highly recommend the courses if you want a deeper understanding of working with New Zealand native flower essences, or a professional qualification.

Seven courses from the First Light® College of New Zealand Native Flower Essence Therapy: five Essential Holistic Healing courses (flower, fern, tree, seed and plant essences) and two Advanced Holistic Healing courses (Healers and Shamanic essences). Complete the five essential courses for the Certificate, or all seven for the Diploma.

Yes. You can enrol in a course with the First Light® College of New Zealand Native Flower Essence Therapy. Complete the five essential courses for the Certificate, or all seven for the Diploma.

Yes. The First Light® courses are online and self-paced, with 24/7 access to the online school, so you can study from anywhere in the world. In-class courses are run by independent tutors.

No. There are no entry requirements, and the courses suit anyone with a personal or professional interest in flower essences.

The courses are online and self-paced, with 24/7 access to the online school. In-class courses are run by independent tutors.

You can do just one course, or all of them, in any order. Each course is self-contained and certified, so you can enrol at any time in the one that best matches your needs or interests.

No. Many students like to have the essences on hand, so they can experience them as they study and so that they can start making blends for themselves and others straight away.

Students around the world, in places like Japan, the UK, Spain, Turkey and Australia, have achieved the First Light® professional qualifications.

Yes. The courses suit anyone with a personal interest in flower essences, vibrational medicine and holistic healing, as well as those who want to set up a professional practice helping others.

First Light® essences can be used alongside homeopathy, herbal medicine, energy healing, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, life coaching and other modalities. You can choose essences by keyword, through the information on our website, or with intuitive methods such as a pendulum or kinesiology, and make personalised blends for your clients.

The courses give you a deeper understanding of the range if you would like to work with it in more depth.

Many practitioners start with the five core collections, No's 1-84: the flower, fern, tree, seed and plant essences. Together they work with the personality, aura, chakras, DNA and soul. One 10ml stock bottle makes around 60 to 70 personalised 25ml blends, so a set of stock bottles goes a long way.

First Light® essences offer gentle emotional, energetic and spiritual support. Practitioners use them alongside the work they already do, for clients who are moving through stress, change, grief or overwhelm, or who want support with personal growth.

Flower essences complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical or health care.

Each First Light® collection works with a different level of the person: flower essences with the personality, fern essences with the aura, tree essences with the chakras, seed essences with the DNA and plant essences with the soul. Combining essences from different collections in one blend lets you support the whole person, not only the issue a client first comes to you with.

Franchelle is the founder and creator of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand®, a vibrational medicine and flower essence specialist, healer and spiritual teacher. In 2008 she received the New Zealand Health Industry Distinguished Service Research and Development Award, and she is the author of The Sacred Plant Medicine of Aotearoa Volume 1. Read more on our Meet the Founders page.

First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® are unique because they are made from native New Zealand flowers, ferns, trees, seeds and plants. New Zealand native plants evolved in isolation for millions of years and have energetic qualities that are found nowhere else.

Each bottle contains essences that have been made in cooperation with nature, following ancient protocols and a proprietary process.

The range of 185 essences is organised into 15 collections and supports every level of your being: personality, aura, chakras, DNA, soul and spirit.

First Light essences can be used not only for everyday emotional needs such as stress, fear, grief, confidence or overwhelm, but also for deeper personal growth and holistic healing and wellbeing.

First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand was created by award winning vibrational medicine specialist and author of The Sacred Plant Medicine of Aotearoa Volume One, Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber.

First Light essences were established in 1999 and are used by people and practitioners worldwide.

Yes. The essences contained in bottles of First Light® flower essences are made in full cooperation with nature, taking only the plant material needed, and the plants are not harmed. One mother tincture makes thousands of blends.

First Light® flower essences contain no plant material; they are pure plant energy held in water. The brandy used as a preservative is not certified organic.