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FAQ

What is the Difference Between Flower Essences and Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)?

Understanding the Difference Between Flower Essences and Essential Oils

At Calm Animal Solutions, we utilize the gentle power of flower essences in our products to help pets manage anxiety and stress. It's important to understand the difference between flower essences and essential oils, especially when considering the safety and well-being of your pets.

Flower Essences:

Flower essences are vibrational extracts used to address emotional and mental well-being. They are made by infusing flowers in water and then preserving the mixture with a small amount of alcohol. The resulting essence captures the vibrational energy of the flower, which can help to balance emotions and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Flower essences are non-toxic, safe, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments without side effects.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils, on the other hand, are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing. While essential oils are popular for their therapeutic benefits in humans, they must be used with caution around pets. Some essential oils can be toxic to animals and may cause adverse reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe health issues.

Essential Oils Known to Be Toxic to Animals (this list may not be complete):

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca): Even small amounts can cause skin irritation, depression, and severe poisoning in pets.

Pennyroyal Oil: Known to cause liver damage and potentially death in dogs and cats.

Wintergreen Oil: Contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic and can lead to poisoning.

Eucalyptus Oil: Can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.

Citrus Oils (including lemon, orange, and lime): Can cause vomiting and depression if ingested, and skin irritation if applied topically.

Pine Oils: Can cause damage to the central nervous system, kidney, and liver.

Ylang Ylang Oil: Can cause respiratory distress and allergic reactions.

Peppermint Oil: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, and can be irritating to the skin.

Cinnamon Oil: Can cause skin and digestive tract irritation, and in some cases, can be toxic if ingested.

Clove Oil: Can cause liver toxicity and gastrointestinal irritation.

Our Commitment to Safety

At Calm Animal Solutions, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your pets. Our flower essence products are crafted with natural ingredients that are safe and gentle for all animals. Unlike essential oils, flower essences do not pose a risk of toxicity and can be used to effectively address emotional and behavioral issues without the worry of adverse side effects. We are dedicated to providing holistic remedies that support the health and happiness of your pets in the safest way possible.

Happy tails,

The Calm Animal Solutions Team

How long does it take to see results?

One Calm Animal Solutions blend is often all it takes to help your pet through their anxiety-related behaviors.

How long does a Calm Animal Solutions last?

While the length of time varies depending on how frequently the Custom Animal Solutions blend is administered, one bottle often last between 8-12 weeks.

What if I gave more than one pet and only one is anxious?

Do you have four cats, two dogs, a bird and a fish? 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 🐕 🐦‍⬛ 🐟

Calm Animal Solutions are good for one and for all!

It's okay to add your Calm Animal Solutions blend intended for one pet to the communal water bowl or mist joint eating and sleeping areas. You might even notice quicker improvements when the whole household has access to the solution.

A Fun Testimony...

A fellow animal communicator purchased a Calm Animal Solutions blend for one of her three dogs. She added a few drops daily to the water bowl in the kitchen and not to the bowls located in other rooms. When she noticed all three dogs were only drinking out of the kitchen water bowl, she took a moment to communicate with them and asked them "Why?" Their answer was..."We want the good water."

How long does it take to process my order?

All orders are processed within 2 to 5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive notification when your order has shipped

Do flower essences contain allergens?

In general, flower essences (like Bach Flower Essences, for example) are highly diluted preparations and are typically considered safe for most animals, including those with allergies. The process of creating flower essences involves extracting the vibrational energy or essence of a flower and diluting it to the point where there are only trace amounts of physical substance remaining. This dilution is often done using alcohol or another neutral substance.

Because the physical concentration of flower material is extremely low in flower essences, the risk of triggering allergic reactions is minimal. However, it's crucial to note that individual sensitivities can vary, and some animals may still have rare or specific allergies to certain flowers or components of the dilution medium. If you have concerns about potential allergens in a specific flower essence product, it's recommended to carefully review the product's ingredient list and consult with a veterinarian. Additionally, if you are using flower essences for therapeutic purposes, it's a good idea to start with a small amount to monitor for any adverse reactions.

As with any complementary or alternative therapy, it's essential to use caution and seek a veterinarian's advice, especially if your pet has known allergies or health conditions.

Flower essences are unscented and fragrance free.

Flower essences are not the same as essential oils.

Do you ship to P.O. boxes?

To avoid problems involved with P.O. Boxes, please provide a residential address.

Do you ship internationally?

Please email [email protected] for your international shipping rate calculation.

How do I check the status of my international order?

When your international order has shipped, if the international carrier has a package tracking system, you will receive an email notification from with that tracking information. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available.

Not all carriers and not all countries have online tracking capabilities.

How long does it take to process my order?

All orders are processed within 2 to 5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive another notification when your order has shipped. 

What is your refund policy?

Calm Animal Solutions are non-refundable and not exchangeable due to the each blend is hand-crafted from scratch based on the anxiety concern related to your pet, and can't be re-sold to anyone else.

How do I check the status of my domestic order?

When your domestic order has shipped, you will receive an email notification from us which will include a tracking number you can use to check its status. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available.

Who pays duties, taxes, and VAT?

Your international order may be subject to import duties and taxes (including VAT), which are incurred once a shipment reaches your destination country. Calm Animal Solutions is not responsible for these charges if they apply to your international order and will be your responsibility as the customer.

Is it necessary to check with my veterinarian before ordering a flower essence product?

Yes, it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian before using any new products, including flower essence products (like Bach Flower Essences, for example), for your pets. While flower essences are generally considered safe and have a low risk of adverse effects due to their highly diluted nature, it's important to ensure that they are appropriate for your specific pet and situation.

Here are a few reasons why consulting with your veterinarian is recommended:

Health Considerations:

Your veterinarian is familiar with your pet's health history, any existing medical conditions, and any medications your pet may be taking. They can provide guidance on whether a particular flower essence might interact with your pet's current health regimen.

Underlying Causes:

Behavioral issues or changes in your pet's demeanor can sometimes be indicative of underlying health problems. A veterinarian can help rule out any medical issues that may be contributing to your pet's behavior.

Individual Variability:

Like humans, animals can have individual sensitivities or allergies. Your veterinarian can offer insights into whether the specific flower essences you are considering pose any risks for your pet.

Professional Guidance:

Veterinarians can provide professional advice tailored to your pet's needs. They may also be able to recommend specific flower essences or alternative approaches based on their knowledge and experience.

Integration with Other Treatments:

If your pet is receiving other treatments or therapies, your veterinarian can help assess the compatibility of flower essences with those treatments.

Before introducing any new product into your pet's routine, it's essential to prioritize their well-being and safety. Your veterinarian can offer personalized advice based on their knowledge of your pet's health and can guide you on the appropriate use of flower essences in your pet's care.

How are flower essences different from essential oils (aromatherapy)?

An important difference between flower essences and essential oils is flower essences are unscented and fragrance-free.

Flower essences and essential oils are both natural products derived from plants, but they differ significantly in their composition, preparation, and purpose.

Flower Essences:

Composition:

Flower essences (like Bach Flower Essences, for example) are water-based infusions that capture the energetic or vibrational qualities of flowers. They contain extremely small amounts of physical plant material.Preparation: Flower essences are typically made by floating flower blossoms in water and allowing the sun's energy to transfer the flower's vibrational imprint to the water. The water is then preserved with alcohol and diluted to create the final essence.

Purpose:

Flower essences are used for emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. They are believed to work on subtle energy levels to address imbalances in emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. Flower essences are often associated with the holistic healing of emotional issues rather than the treatment of physical ailments.

Essential Oils:

Composition:

Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that contain volatile aroma compounds from plants. They are extracted from various parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, stems, and roots.Preparation: Essential oils are obtained through processes such as steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. These methods result in a concentrated oil that captures the aromatic and often therapeutic properties of the plant.

Purpose:

Essential oils are primarily used for aromatherapy, massage, and topical applications. They are valued for their fragrances and potential therapeutic effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and relaxation-inducing properties. Essential oils are commonly associated with physical well-being and are used in a variety of products, including perfumes, lotions, and diffusers.

In summary, flower essences and essential oils have different compositions, preparation methods, and purposes. Flower essences focus on capturing the energetic qualities of flowers for emotional and spiritual well-being, while essential oils concentrate the aromatic and therapeutic properties of plants for various physical and emotional benefits. If you are considering using either of these products, it's important to understand their characteristics and application.

How are flower essences different from herbal remedies?

Flower essences are a non-herbal, natural remedy.

Flower essences and herbal remedies are both natural and therapeutic remedies and both approaches fall under the umbrella of natural or complementary medicine. Flower essences are considered a vibrational remedy and herbals are considered a physical remedy.

Flower Essences:

Components:

Flower essences (like Bach Flower Essences, for example) are a type of vibrational remedy that captures the energetic imprint of flowers. They are prepared using the blossoms of specific flowers, and the essence contains the energetic vibration of the plant rather than its physical components.

Preparation:

Flower essences are typically prepared by placing flower blossoms in water and allowing them to be exposed to sunlight. The water is then diluted and preserved with alcohol. The resulting essence doesn't contain the physical substance of the plant but is believed to carry the plant's energy or vibrational imprint.

Applications:

Flower essences are often used for emotional and energetic well-being. They are thought to address imbalances in the subtle energy system, helping with issues like emotional stress, fear, or trauma. Bach Flower Remedies, including Rescue Remedy, are examples of popular flower essences.

Herbal Remedies:

Components:

Herbal remedies, on the other hand, use various parts of plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds. These parts contain active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils.

Preparation:

Herbal remedies can be prepared in different forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and salves. The preparation often involves extracting active compounds through methods like steeping, boiling, or extracting with alcohol.

Applications:

Herbal remedies are commonly used for various health issues, including physical ailments, such as digestive problems, inflammation, or immune support. They can also be used for mental well-being, addressing issues like stress or anxiety.

In summary, flower essences focus on the energetic or vibrational qualities of flowers for emotional and energetic balance, while herbal remedies use the physical components of plants to provide therapeutic effects. Both approaches fall under the umbrella of natural or complementary medicine, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals or practitioners experienced in these modalities to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Are the results a placebo effect?

The placebo effect is a well-known phenomenon in which a person experiences a perceived improvement in their condition simply because they believe they are receiving treatment, even if the treatment itself has no therapeutic value. This effect is often attributed to the power of the mind and the body's ability to respond to positive expectations.

When it comes to animals and flower essences, it's important to note that the placebo effect is primarily a psychological response, and animals may not experience it in the same way humans do. However, there are some observations and explanations that might shed light on the perceived effects of flower essences on animals:

Observer Effect:

Sometimes, the perception of improvement in an animal's behavior or condition may be influenced by the observer's expectations. If an owner or caretaker believes that a particular flower essence will have a positive impact, they may unconsciously interpret the animal's behavior in a way that confirms their expectations.

Calming Influence:

Some flower essences are believed to have calming properties, and the act of administering them may have a soothing effect on the animal due to the gentle and caring nature of the interaction. This can contribute to an overall sense of well-being, which might be interpreted as a positive response to the flower essence.

Synchronization with Owner's State:

Animals often pick up on their owner's emotions and energy. If an owner is using flower essences to address their own stress or anxiety, the animal might indirectly benefit from a calmer and more relaxed human companion.

Routine and Consistency:

The regular administration of flower essences may introduce a sense of routine and consistency in an animal's life, and this predictability can contribute to a stable environment. Animals, like humans, can thrive in environments where they feel secure and where there is routine.

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences

(e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

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Calm Animal Solutions

Calm Animal Solutions offers customized, natural remedies for dog anxiety, and are calming for cats. Plus, we create blends for horses, small animal pets, birds, poultry, reptiles, and fish.

#CalmAnimalSolutions

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©2024, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product (such as Bach Flower Essences, for example).

A Trained Animal Communicator Connects with Your Pet

With every order, a trained animal communicator connects with your pet to choose the right blend of flower essences (e.g. Bach Flower Essences) for calming their anxiety. Custom blended flower essences are natural pet calming products.

all-natural vegan and organic ingredients icon
unscented, oil-free, non-herbal, CBD-free and fragrance-free icon
icon showing molecular representation of water against a blue water drop
flower essences icon with blue flowers in the middle
icon showing molecular representation of vegetable glycerin against a blue carrot background

Mandatory FDA Notice: The statements made regarding Calm Animal Solutions have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any animal disease. Although the ingredients in Calm Animal Solutions are generally regarded as safe, you are encouraged to consult your veterinary before using any essence product.

logo with artistic drawing of a cat, a dog and a horse

©2024, Catherine Winfree. All rights reserved.