Purple Monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.) is traditionally used in flower essence therapy, a practice developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. In this tradition, Mimulus flower essence is believed to help individuals cope with known fears and everyday stresses, promoting calmness and emotional resilience. The use of Purple Monkeyflower, and flower essences in general, is rooted in holistic and homeopathic traditions rather than in pharmacologically active properties of the plant itself.

There is minimal scientific validation for the efficacy of Purple Monkeyflower in treating or supporting stress. Published research on flower essences, including Mimulus, is limited and generally does not meet rigorous scientific standards. Systematic reviews of flower essence therapies have found little to no evidence supporting their effectiveness for psychological conditions, including stress. As such, the use of Purple Monkeyflower for stress is justified primarily by traditional usage in alternative medicine systems, particularly those influenced by Bach flower remedies, rather than by robust scientific evidence.