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"Sage is a protective spirit for those who are not afraid of the spiritual forces or the force of unseen beings," writes aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. She says the emotional benefits of sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis) are to encourage strength, courage, perseverance, grounding, and protection. Its spiritual benefits is to help "integrate a spirit that has the majesty of the heavens behind it."
This profile looks at Salvia officinalis, also called dalmatian, common, or garden sage. Other varieties of sage oil are available, though less commonly used in aromatherapy, and have different properties. These varieties include African wild sage (Tarchonanthus camphoratus), blue mountain sage (Salvia stenophylla), Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa), Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia), and white sage (Salvia apiana).
Do not confuse sage with clary sage (Salvia sclarea), which is a different oil with different properties.
Plant family: Lamiaceae/Labiatae
Production: Steam distilled from the leaves of the sage plant
Aroma: Spicy, sharp, herby.
Perfume/aromatic note: Top
Is sage safe to use during pregnancy? No
Is sage safe for children? Do not use with children under 10 years old is commonly offered advice.
Cautions:
Main components:
Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.
Note: "Enterprising distillers have found a way around the high ketone content in sage essential oil," according to The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils. "Distilling sage early in its life cycle, when the leaves are still very small, yields an oil with very low thujone content."
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art: Sage tames the oiliness of oily skin and hair, helps heal acne, and reduces perspiration. The oil may also encourage hair growth.
Aromatherapy for Dummies also states sage is good for oily skin and hair. Plus, sage may repel cockroaches and moths, may simulate memory, and may enhance stamina.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Uses for sage essential oil include helping relieve:
375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols: Use sage in moderation in massage blends for muscle aches and pains.
Subtle Aromatherapy: Using sage with meditation or visualization might support developing wisdom.
The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Spiritually, sage clears negative energy from space and from your personal energy field. On a vibrational level, use the essential oil to break down old, repetitive ways of thinking. Sage destabilizes negativity associated with challenging memories or experiences.
Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Sage gives you focus and stability for divination, clairvoyance, and psychic work. The oil has a grounding energy that clears negativity and supports ritual purification.
Use sage in an aromatherapy diffuser to calm nerves, stimulate memory, or help relieve grief and depression. Because sage is strong, limit diffusion time to 30 minutes three times a day.
Burning dried sage is a time-honored method to clear and cleanse a space. You could also diffuse sage or make a room spray by combining the essential oil with distilled water.
For menstrual cramp relief:
Source: 10 Recipes with Sage Essential Oil by Suzanne Banks
Oily hair treatment:
Add 1 drop sage essential oil to 1 teaspoon coconut oil or jojoba oil. Massage the blend into your oily hair. Wait about 10 minutes and then shampoo as usual.
Massage oil for sore muscles:
Blend all ingredients in a glass bottle. Massage a little into sore muscles as needed.
Make a mouthwash: