With the decrease from 10% to 1% in collecting essences, a tactic I was using seems even more relevant now. I find mobs that can't damage me, zap with Cursed Caress, and melee with bare hands. I could often times get 4-6 essences from weak opponents before they were slapped to death. With the 1% proc, the yield will be much lower of course, but it should still be the easiest way to fill your needs for essences.
Woeman
50 SK, Grobb Server
Hawks Noble