Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Country of Origin: Greece
Plant Part: Leaves & Twigs
Distillation Method: Steam
About the Oil
Also known as 'Dalmatian' and 'Garden' Sage, this is the common herbaceous aromatic plant found in semi-arid regions the world over. A member of the illustrious mint family, Sage typically reaches a meter in height with distinctly oval, fuzzy leaves and produces a large number of blueish violet blossoms. A native species to the Mediterranean, it is now predominantly cultivated in Albania, Turkey, Greece and Italy.
This pale yellow essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of Sage plants organically grown in Greece.
This Sage oil has a green, slightly spiced top note, a deep pine-like and herbaceous middle note and a warm, resinous, musty and earthy undertone.
It blends well with: Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Pine and Rosemary c.t. cineol oils.
Sage was known at the 'sacred herb' by the ancient Romans; 'Salvia' being derived from the word 'salvation'. The dried herb is commonly used to smudge (clean the air) of spaces to move out old, negative, or stagnant energy.
Medically, it has been used for the treatment of oral and skin infections, improving mental clarity and memory retention, strengthening the immune system and taken as a tonic for supporting balanced metabolic function.
The energetics of sage are mainly drying and astringent. It is very effective for treating deficiencies of Qi. It is recommended for nervous exhaustion and as a tonic during convalescence.
In subtle aromatherapy, sage may aid meditations and visualizations focused on developing wisdom.
Therapeutic Properties Described In The Aromatherapy Literature
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Anti-oxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Antiviral, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Hypertensive, Insecticidal, Laxative, Stimulant (digestive, immune system) Stomachic, Tonic.
- Counteracts the effects of mental fatigue
- Lifts feelings of despair
- Clarifies times of confusion
- Increases focus and attention span
- Increases blood flow to extremities (head, hands and feet)
- Stimulates digestion
- Aids in elimination of toxins
- Supports healthy metabolism
- Contains estrogen-like compounds that can balance hormonal cycles
- Balances menstrual flow (useful with amenorrhea and leucorrhea)
- Effective wound healing agent
- Reduces scarring
- Known skin regenerating properties (aids in hair growth and follicular health)
Application and Use
In all uses of this essential oil, keep the dilutions as low as possible; it is powerful and should be used with care. A concentration of 1% or less is sufficient to induce the medicinal benefits of Sage.
Clary Sage essential oil is substantially more mild and would serve where higher concentrations are required or desired.
- To prevent or heal scars, 0.5% (one-half of one percent) of Sage is prescribed in the complete blend: 0.1oz Sage and 0.1oz Helichrysum in 4oz Rosehip Seed and 81oz Hazelnut oil. 1ml is equal to 27 drops.
- To promote faster healing of wounds: add 3% Sage oil, 3% Helichrysum oil, plus additional Lavender to balance the aroma to a base of 20% Rosehip Seed Oil and 80% Hazelnut Oil.
Safety IMPORTANT: All Sage officinalis oil contains relatively high levels of thujone, a ketone that can be toxic when used frequently at high concentrations. Thujone is known to induce convulsions if used in too high a dose and should be avoided during pregnancy, with children or by individuals with a history of epilepsy or other seizures. The concentrated essential oil is recommended not to be used internally unless under medical supervision.