Flower therapy is the use of flower essences for therapeutic purposes. Flower essences are diluted extracts of various types of flowers and plants which address emotional and mental health issues and correct spiritual and emotional imbalances in the body. Essences, or remedies, are typically made by leaving flowers out in the sun and diluting the extracted essences in water and preserving them with alcohol. The essences are then further diluted in spring water to make a solution. Essences are most commonly taken orally, the standard dose being four drops four times a day. They may also be used in a cream base or in baths. Flower essences are not used to cure a specific physical problem, but rather stimulate awareness and work on the basis of mental and emotional issues. The most famous flower essences are Bach Flowers, Bush Flowers, and California Flowers.

Bach Flowers, which consist of 38 flower remedies, were formulated by British physician Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. The essences are used primarily to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Each essence may be used alone or together with other remedies. The most well-known Bach flower essence is the Rescue Remedy, a combination of Rock rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, and Cherry Plum. The product is used to treat stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Bush Flower Essences are developed in the Australian Bush, and make up a total of 69 essences, each relating to a different emotional imbalance. Alpine Mint Bush, for example, treats mental and emotional exhaustion.

 California Flower Essences are those developed from plants in the Sierra Nevada foothills in California. A very popular California essence is the Special Yarrow, which protects people and animals against harmful environmental influences and negative emotions.