Sage essential oil: properties, uses, aromatherapy, natural remedies and all the information on where to find it or how to prepare it at home.
We immediately clarify that on the market we find three different types of sage essential oil in all cases it is extracted by steam distillation but of two different sage pecies. Thus we have Salvia officinalis essential oil (also known as natural sage essential oil ) and Clary Sage essential oil.
It is not uncommon to find Lavandulifolia sage essential oil but this is none other than the narrow-leaved variety of officinal sage. On the market it is also easy to find essential oil of Dalmatian sage or Dalmatian sage, also in this case we refer to the botanical species Salvia officinalis.
The two species have similar but not identical properties. Sage distillate is more expensive due to its chemical profile.
Clary sage essential oil: properties
The essential oil of clary sage is mostly used in perfume production, vermouth and other spirits. It is added to intensify the muscat flavor of some wines and, in the past, it was used as an aroma in English beers.
In aromatherapy, clary sage essential oil is used to counteract depression and for its central nervous system stimulating properties. Clary sage demonstrates good tonic-stimulating properties towards the digestive system.
Among other things, it has anti-hysterical, antispasmodic, hypotensive and aphrodisiac properties.
Thanks to its purifying properties, it is useful against acne and to be added to a neutral shampoo base for hair care. It is considered useful for relieving the chest and throat. Relieves headaches, stress and tension.
The essential oil of clary sage is cheaper compared to’ essential oil of salvia officinalis.
Where to buy it? In the most well-stocked herbalist’s shops or by taking advantage of the online purchase.
Fights sweat
It is useful for foot massages: thanks to its astringent properties it counteracts excessive sweat.
A cloth handkerchief wet with this oil can be placed on the pillow to prevent menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.
Salvia officinalis essential oil
The properties of sage are concentrated in its essential oil. As well as salvia officinalis and clary sage, the essential oil is also produced with sage fruticosa even if it is much rarer to find it on the market.
The essential oil of natural sage ( common sage or officinal sage ) is rich in cineole, borneol and thujone. Sage leaves contain a good number of active ingredients such as:
- tannic acid,
- oleic,
- ursolic,
- carnosol,
- carnosic acid,
- fumaric,
- chlorogenic,
- caffeic,
- niacin,
- nicotinamide,
- flavones,
- phlycosides
- flaconoids,
- other estrogenic substances
Thanks to the compounds mentioned, sage essential oil for internal use seems to help concentration, attention, decision-making processes and memory. The mother tincture of Salvia is currently being studied to improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s. Sage essential oil is one of the natural remedies for mouth ulcers.
Where to buy sage essential oil?
As stated, in general the essential oil of salvia officinalis is more expensive than that extracted from other species. The best prices are obtained by buying and selling online.
Other uses
This essential oil can be used to relieve menstrual pain, prevent gynecological diseases and regulate the cycle. The active ingredients contained in this oil are supposed to help rebalance hormone levels.
It can be useful in counteracting water retention: just dilute a few drops of this oil in a tablespoon of vegetable oil (including olive oil). The ointment thus obtained can be used to massage the areas richest in fat to eliminate cellulite.
Contraindications
This essential oil cannot be used in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Among the other contraindications is the one common to all essential oils: it cannot be used pure because it would end up irritating and strongly irritating the skin. This is why all essential oils must be diluted before use or intake.
