FAQs ~ Insights and Answers for Curious Minds
đź’« What are flower and gemstone essences?
Please see our page, What Are Flower and Gemstone Essences?
đź’« How do essences work?
In quantum terms, everything is energy. Everything in existence has a frequency— including thoughts, feelings, or even a state of health. Emotions like fear, joy, courage, and empathy each carry their own energetic signature, vibrating in distinct wave patterns. Variations in intensity show up as the same pattern, simply in different octaves.
Vibrational essences carry high, coherent vibrations. When introduced to your energetic field, they act as tuning forks—encouraging the body, mind, and spirit to attune to higher frequencies like peace, joy, clarity, or vitality.
Star Essences work by introducing higher-frequency vibrations into your energetic field. In the presence of these elevated frequencies, lower vibrations naturally begin to shift and dissolve. Instead of treating symptoms, you choose the frequency you wish to align with.
For example, if you're feeling low or emotionally heavy, taking a blend like Pure Joy invites that joyful vibration into your system—helping to gently lift your mood. And if you're already feeling good? You might find yourself smiling, laughing, or even giggling.
Essences meet you in the octave where you are, gently guiding your energy to a more balanced, harmonious uplifted state. The shift is often subtle, yet powerful—working in the background to support your emotional and energetic well-being.
đź’« How do I choose which essences to take?
For specific issues or conditions, the Star Essence Repertory is a super convenient and valuable resource! Simply look up your concern in the alphabetical listings and see which essences and/or other products are suggested for that issue.
Cited from Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences by Star Riparetti:
"There are many methods for choosing the essences that will serve you best at a given time, and from my experience they all work. We get to use the ways that work best for us... I love the idea that I am my own guru (and you are yours)."
"How would it be if it were perfect? Write down the answer (for the moment) - How your life would be if it were perfect. Then see what essences come up that will support your most compelling issues. Other questions to ask yourself are: What are your wildest (or fondest) dreams? What is the outcome you desire? By asking and answering these questions, you are strengthening your intuitive nature, learning to trust your inner guide. Your answers will direct you to your essences."
"Star Essences are outcome-oriented. Look at their names... and take that to broader and deeper levels. Their names and subtitles will give you clues and reflect the essences' purpose as you read through them, which will aid in your selection. If you are working on key issues or challenges, think about what the opposite is. (Depressed? How about 'Pure Joy'...) Also bear in mind the essences are vibrations - and sometimes, just like isotopes, they have different 'peaks', i.e., a number of different energy frequencies. If you test for them [or are drawn to them] - and the written description doesn't fit - use them anyway. You may have discovered a new range of an essence's usefulness that we haven't yet translated into words. Sometimes you can think of the organs that the plant would address in an herbal tonic- i.e., Dandelion and the liver. You could extrapolate from there. Don't be concerned that the Dandelion essence is named 'About Face'."
"People, especially children, often can choose essences very well for themselves by looking at the photos. Sometimes you can run your hand over the essences [or the computer screen] and know by a vibration or a heat which one to choose."
"Body knowledge... Skin knowledge (goose flesh/goose bumps- also called God bumps) is another sign. There are many forms of body knowledge. For Dr. Bach, hair stood up on the back of his neck as he passed his hands over the correct essences."
"Kinesiology is a method of communicating with your body through your electrical system. It is also called muscle testing. You get answers from your body to yes or no questions. The key to the effectiveness of this method is learning to ask the right questions. There are various ways to muscle test [you can Google it]. A simple way to do it for yourself is to make a circle with the thumb and little finger of your non-dominant hand and try to pry at apart with the thumb and forefinger of your other hand. You ask questions, and if the fingers come apart (weaken - the circuit is broken), the answer is no. If they stay together (the circuit is strong) it means yes. With some practice, you will learn to read your own body. Begin with some questions you know the answer to ('My name is Mickey Mouse') to get a feel of yes or no."
đź’« How to use Star Essences?
Orally
The most traditional and effective way to take essences is orally. Simply drop the essences directly under your tongue or on top of it using the dropper. Absorption is faster under the tongue because of the major meridian there, which helps disperse the essence throughout your entire meridian and chakra system.
Alternatively, you can add the drops to water and sip it throughout the day.
First Guideline for Using Essences:
Take the essences as guided by your own divine director. Always avoid touching the dropper to your tongue (or any other surface) to prevent contamination—let’s keep things clean to avoid bacteria growth in the bottle.
Topically
Essences are also highly effective when used topically. They are absorbed through the skin by osmosis, bringing comfort and support directly to the area.
Here are a few areas where you can apply essences:
• Pulse points (wrists, neck, temples, behind ears)

• Forehead, back of neck, and bottoms of feet

• Cotton swab: Apply to pulse points with a rhythmic, stimulating motion, sometimes in circular patterns.

You can also rub the essences in your palms and gently fan them through your aura, offering energetic support.
In Baths
Essences are fantastic when added to baths. Combined with essential oils, the experience is even more powerful and soothing. Simply add the essences to your bathwater, allowing them to work their magic while you relax.
With Massage
Mix essences with your favorite massage oils for an incredibly powerful treatment. This is not only beneficial for the recipient but also for the massage therapist, as their hands absorb the essence as well.
In Lotions, Potions, and Sprays
You can add essences to lotions, creams, and oils, increasing their vibrational energy. They’re also great in misters and spray bottles, perfect for personal sprays or room mists.
At Star Essence, we offer Essence and Essential Oil Blends in Sprays, Mouth Mists, and Topical Oil Blends—a convenient and powerful way to enjoy their benefits throughout your day.
For Healthcare Practitioners
• Chiropractors have reported that adjustments hold better when the person is using essences.

• Acupuncturists are achieving excellent results by applying essences to meridians and pressure points, often using Q-tips instead of needles.

Essences enhance energetic alignment and support bodywork practices, making them an excellent complement to traditional therapies.
đź’« How many essences should I take?
Cited from Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences by Star Riparetti:
"The number of essences to use varies. Sometimes I want a capella - a single note. Sometimes I feel called to take them in threes. Trilogies. Most folks agree that 5-7 are plenty- yet some folks want a whole symphony- and they go for dozens- and it seems to work for them. My feeling is that you want to choose essences that support one main issue- and use essences that will support that outcome- sometimes from many directions. (Thus more essences.) Work on the amount of issues that your nervous system would like to take on at once. (If you do more, it won't hurt you, it just takes time for your system to sort through and see what it wants and what to delete.) I like to have my basic Constellation that I take for sure every morning and evening, and then if I take other essences during the day- for some momentary reason- I still remember my Constellation that I am taking in a cyclical fashion."
đź’« How often should I take essences?
Cited from Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences by Star Riparetti:
Taking essences with Regularity, Rhythm and Consistency harmonizes with the natural pulses of the universe. It helps us to tune into the natural cycles around us that affect us. Modern conditions have lessened our awareness of the natural cycles- and it is valuable to move back into sync. Choose specific times to take essences- especially right when you get up and when you go to bed. These are thresholds when the boundaries between body and soul are shifting- transition times. There is power in the cycle, in taking essences at the same times, regularly. The rhythm builds energy. Watch what happens when you take them on a regular, consistent, cyclical basis!
Take the essences more often rather than taking more drops, for more and faster results. You can take them as often as you like- with a minimum of 4 times a day suggested. You can't overdose. Essences are safe and self-regulating. The message I frequently receive is to take them often. The more I remember to take the essences, the more balanced I feel.
đź’« How many drops should I take?
Dr. Bach, the pioneer of flower essences, suggested taking just 2 drops. I often take a dropperful under my tongue, and that works beautifully too. The truth is: when it comes to vibrational essences, the number of drops both matters—and doesn’t.
It’s not about volume. One drop holds the full energetic pattern. So technically, one drop is one dose—just like taking the whole bottle would be.
That said, I’ve been guided to recommend:
• 4–7 drops for flower essences

• 7 drops for gemstone essences and Constellations

Even still, it’s not just about how much—it's about the geometry of it. There’s something deeper unfolding around drop patterns and harmonic sequences: four drops might be a 2+2, or a 3+1. These patterns are subtle and energetic, and while I don’t fully understand all of it yet, I know there’s more being revealed. Some people are already receiving their own intuitive guidance about this—you might too.
What I do know is this:
Essences are evolving. Our relationship with them is becoming more refined. But at the same time, we don’t need to overcomplicate it.
Even with all I know, I still often squirt a dropperful under my tongue while on the go. And you know what? It works. The essences continue to support me in magical, unexpected ways.
Because what is magic?
Magic is learning how to shift your own energy—and influence your environment with intention. ✨
đź’« How long should I take an essence?
Cited from Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences by Star Riparetti:
“Sometimes I take them once- sometimes for several weeks and months. It can depend on how long I have been dealing with an issue. How rooted is what you are changing? Is it long-standing or short-term? It can take a while to be able to hold the new frequency. Things might improve and I might stop taking the essence- and then find I need to start taking it again- to get the frequency back. Take it until you can hold the frequency yourself. The length of time can depend on the strength of the disharmony. If you have had a pattern for a long, long time, it might take a little longer to shift it, and it may be valuable to continue to take a particular essence for a while in order to maintain a particular frequency."
đź’« How long do essences take to work?
The effects of vibrational essences can be instantaneous—sometimes you may feel a shift immediately after taking them. For others, it may take several days, weeks, or even months for the full effects to unfold.
The time it takes to experience results often depends on how long you've been holding the frequency you wish to shift, and how deeply that frequency is embedded in your energy system. The longer you’ve been in a particular state—whether it’s emotional, mental, or physical—the longer it may take to gently shift and realign.
But it’s important to remember: essences work differently for everyone, and the process doesn’t have to be drawn-out. Sometimes the shift happens quickly, and other times it’s more gradual. The key is to be patient with yourself and trust that the essences are working at their own pace.
There are times when you might feel a change, but your body may not yet "hold" the new frequency or vibration. For instance, you may feel lighter, more energized, or more aligned right after taking an essence, but as life’s pressures return, the shift might fade. In these cases, it’s helpful to continue using the essences consistently. Over time, your energy field begins to "anchor" the new frequency, and eventually, the new state becomes more stable and natural.
Essences are gentle and work to help your body, mind, and spirit re-tune to a higher, more harmonious vibration. You may not always see a drastic change overnight, but the essences are helping you align with your true frequency—one that’s more in tune with peace, joy, clarity, or whatever you’re seeking to embody.
In short, trust the process and be kind to yourself. It’s not about rushing the shift; it’s about aligning with it and allowing the essences to support your journey at their own pace. 🌿
đź’« Are there any side effects when using essences?
"When taking a flower or gemstone essence, the worst that can happen is nothing and the most that can happen are miracles!” ~Star
On a rare occasion, especially with very sensitive individuals, there will be a temporary exacerbation of a situation, because of a need to consciously recognize patterns before they are released. One of the big things that drew me to flower essences after working in Nuclear Medicine, was the rare and beautiful blessing that there are no side effects or contra-indications with essences. Flower essences fulfill the first premise of the Hippocratic oath: 'Physician, Do no Harm.' And they help miracles abound.”
đź’« Can I take essences with meals?
Yes, you can take them in-between, before, or after meals, or inside or outside your eating schedule.
đź’« Can I take essences with other modalities?
Star Essences are fully compatible with any other healing modality you're using, whether it's traditional or alternative medicine. They work synergistically to enhance and accelerate your healing process.
You can use essences alongside allopathic (Western) medicine, herbal remedies, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, or any other therapeutic approach, with absolute safety. Essences are gentle yet powerful tools that support your electrical system, while most other treatments focus on the physical body.
Essences are excellent adjuncts to any form of therapy, helping to hasten recovery and improve overall well-being. You can even add them to other liquid preparations—such as herbal tinctures or skin creams—to expand and enhance their effectiveness.
They integrate seamlessly with any health-enhancing practice, supporting a holistic approach to healing.
đź’«What about alcoholics and children using essences preserved with alcohol?
Cited from Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences by Star Riparetti:
"First of all, I will say that I am told there is less alcohol in a dose of flower essences than there is in a ripe banana- And you can preserve them with other things. Apple cider vinegar and vegetable glycerin are tried and true."
"I use vegetable glycerin in the Happy Kid Constellation- and growing up, my granddaughters were so used to the ones with alcohol that they didn't like the super-sweet taste of the glycerin! [Other kiddos- and even some adults- love it.]”
Alcohol does have some advantages, though. It helps the essences enter the bloodstream more quickly, as it is absorbed rapidly by the body. Alchemically, alcohol represents fire, which adds an extra layer of transformational energy to the essences.
đź’« How long do essences last?
The Star Essences are very stable. Their vibration is said to last seven generations. The rubber in the dropper, however, does not. For this reason it is best, when possible, to store them standing up. They are made in the sun, so the sun does not hurt them."
Essences have alcohol [or another preservative] in them to preserve them. As long as you don't introduce anything into the bottle, they will remain good. That means not touching the dropper to anything, especially your mouth. Also, [essences that contain alcohol] will not freeze. There is no alcohol in the sprays, so they will freeze (and the bottle will probably break).
I do keep Angel Spray or FAB Spray in my car, and the Angel Breath Mouth Mist, as well as whatever other essence I am taking at the time, because I seem to spend so much time in my car, having them right there reminds me to take/use them.
You can store the essences in the refrigerator. And this is definitely not necessary. You can put them around your house and they act like little crystals, sending out their beautiful vibrations. I like to keep some in my bathroom. I take Eternal Youth or Forever Young every day. Put them where you will remember to take them, because the most important thing about essences is remembering to take them.
Of course I always have some in my purse.~ Star
đź’« Can I take essences through the X-Ray at the airport?
I have had essences in my luggage go through X-Ray many times. These essences have proven to be very stable. Their efficacy remains. in the past, when I traveled to Peru to make essences, I never let a Mother essence go through X-Ray. I asked the authorities to hand search it and I tell them that it is Holy Water. Things are different now, and even though I am still making new essences, thankfully I haven’t flown anywhere to make them.
đź’« What is the difference between "Dosage" and "Concentrate"?
1 oz. Dosage essences are the most convenient- They are ready to use (for immediate gratification), preserved with ratio of 20% alcohol to 80% Sacred Healing Water. We recommend Dosage for those new to Star Essence products (or essences in general), and for those who don’t choose to spend the time making their own Dosage bottles or blends.
½ oz. Concentrate essences are the most economical, and you can create your own Constellations (combinations) with them. They are preserved with a ratio of 50% alcohol to 50% Sacred Healing Water. 4-7 drops of Concentrate (in water, with or without a preservative) makes 1 Dosage bottle, and there are 300-380 drops in a Concentrate bottle! We recommend Concentrate for Practitioners (so they can make individual bottles or create unique essence blends for their clients), and for those who enjoy making their own Dosage bottles and blends for personal use. If there is a particular essence that you take regularly and know you will be using for some time, purchasing it in Concentrate will save you money as you can make roughly 60 Dosage bottles from 1 Concentrate bottle.
đź’« How do I make Dosage from Concentrate?
For detailed written instructions on making Dosage from Concentrate, see the downloadable PDF,
How to Make a Dosage Bottle from the Concentrate and/or Watch this video on www.youtube.com,
đź’« What are Constellations?
Constellations are combination essences. They are a blend of multiple essences, synergistically formulated to address and assist with specific concerns.
Constellations are harmoniously blended Star Essences—each one a synergy of flower and gemstone vibrations, working together like a celestial map. Just as stars form constellations in the sky, these formulas weave together individual essences into powerful energetic support systems.
Each Constellation is intuitively crafted to illuminate specific soul paths and life themes—supporting sleep, transformation, addiction recovery, hormonal balance, prosperity, focus, travel ease, and more. They’re here to gently guide your evolution, attune your energy, and align you with your higher purpose.
Constellations are only available in 1 oz. Dosage bottles (with the special exception of Super Immune and Vortex of Harmony, which are also available in Concentrate due to the unique process of infusing Peruvian rose salt into the stock). You can use our constellations or purchase individual essences in concentrate form to craft your own.
đź’« What is Activated Sacred Healing Water?
The Sacred Healing Water we use in all of our products is water that has been "activated" through precise prayers and intentions, and which was originally sourced at numerous sacred sites and water bodies around the planet, and blessed during significant cosmic events. The process for activating water has been likened to sourdough starter: you begin by adding one ounce of Activated Healing Water to a gallon of pure water, do an activation (which consists of specific invocations and visualizations), and then you have a gallon of Activated Healing Water from which you can refill the one ounce bottle you started with - for next time.
For complete written Activation Instructions and detailed information- including sources of the Sacred Healing Water- see the downloadable PDF, Sacred Healing Water Activation Packet. Or Watch this video on www.youtube.com
đź’« Where do I get Activated Sacred Healing Water?
Sacred Healing Water is never bought or sold, always freely given. We got our original starter water from Patricia Cota Robles (www.eraofpeace.org). By request we will happily send you a starter 1 oz. bottle of Sacred Healing Water and the activation instructions, free of charge, with your Star Essence order (without an order we request you pay shipping).
đź’« Will Star Essence refill or reuse my empty product bottles?
We always strive for sustainable and earth-friendly business practices. The small size of our facilities, and the vibrational nature of our products, don't make it feasible for us to offer product refills or to reuse empty bottles at this time.
We highly encourage everyone to recycle or re-purpose their own empty bottles. (If you make your own Dosages or personal essence blends from Concentrate, note that some people boil their bottles or leave them in direct sunlight for a few hours with the intention of energetically cleansing them before reusing them for different essences.)
"I prefer not to reuse a bottle for an essence unless it is for the same essence. Use the bottle to make an essential oil blend- or something else that will enjoy the energy of the essence. It will add a sweet vibration."
- Star, Bliss and Blessings: the Divine Alchemy of the Star Flower and Gemstone Essences
We are grateful to our customers for being environmentally aware and making responsible choices.