Sage is a powerful essential oil that has been known through the ages to heal and strengthen the mind, body and soul, while providing spiritual rejuvenation.
This week I decided to do a yoga routine at home. I love the coziness of turning on my fireplace, getting into some comfy clothes and tuning into relaxing music and the gentle sound of a yogis voice. I felt compelled to enhance my routine by smudging my space with dried sage. It was wonderful and provided a relaxing experience that lasted throughout my day.
For those of you who do not want to smudge with smoke, sage is available in an essential oil. However, it is an oil that comes with cautions that need to be known. I wanted to write this blog post today, not only to explore the therapeutic uses of sage, but also and perhaps more importantly, to discuss safety concerns.
Although there are different types of sage essential oil, today were are talking about an easy one to find, Salvia officinalis, also known as Dalmatian sage, common sage or garden sage. It is a potent herb that has been used throughout history for its various therapeutic properties. From ancient times to modern-day holistic practices, sage has been revered for its healing capabilities and its rich history is deeply rooted in ancient Greek and Roman cultures in particular.
When in Rome
Salvia officinalis, or garden sage, holds significance beyond just its botanical attributes. The very name “salvia” originates from the Latin word meaning “healing balm,” signifying its historical association with medicinal properties of many kinds. In ancient Greece and Rome, sage was not only cherished for its culinary uses but also believed to aid in memory retention and cognitive functioning, similarly to rosemary. (Read about rosemary here)
Sage leaves were made into a tea for digestive upset, and respiratory congestion. It has an affinity for helping wet conditions and may be beneficial for wet cough.
It was a revered and sacred plant, often dedicated to the highest deities and associated with long life.
Still today, we use the word sage to denote a wise person. It was thought in ancient times that carrying sage leaves on your person would denote wisdom.
Therapeutic Properties of Sage Essential Oil
Sage essential oil is created through the steam distillation of the leaves of the sage plant. It’s scent is a robust herbaceous aroma with spicy undertones. It is a middle note, which I find becomes very heavy and possibly overpowering very quickly.
Some of the therapeutic properties that sage is known for include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Anticoagulant
- Analgesic
- Anti-spasmodic
Safety Concerns of Sage Essential Oil
Before we dive in to some specific uses of sage essential oil, it’s important to discuss safety considerations. Sage is a potent essential oil, where a small amount will do and repeated use is not recommended. Give your body a break between uses.
But why?
Sage contains a high level of the chemical component thujone, which can be neurotoxic and hepatotoxic. Sage can encourage convulsions. It is not recommended for use with children (ever) or individuals with epilepsy. Sage essential oil should not be ingested and must be avoided during pregnancy or nursing.
If you have questions about using sage essential oil, please reach out to a qualified professional.
Uses for Sage Essential Oil
Respiratory Support
Sage may alleviate respiratory conditions and assist in relieving coughs and congestion. As mentioned above, sage has an affinity for helping wet conditions and may be beneficial for wet cough.
Women’s Health
Did you know that sage essential oil can be used to help women’s issues when used in moderation? Help manage some of the symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Sage may also help alleviate menstrual discomfort and ease painful periods.
Skincare
When diluted properly, sage essential oil can promote scar healing, and soothe irritated, itchy skin. Antibacterial properties make it helpful to combat acne. The antibacterial properties and deodorizing capability of sage make it a consideration for natural deodorant.
Haircare
When used for hair and scalp care, sage can help to alleviate itching of the scalp, while providing shine to the hair.
Muscle and Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatories in sage may be helpful in dealing with arthritis, and muscle and joint pain.
Spiritual and Emotional Wellness
Sage might be best known as a sacred herb used to smudge a room, a building or even a person. Its cleansing actions are used to get rid of negative or stagnant energy. It provides healing, protection and purification.
Sage is often used in meditation to enhance intuition, quiet the mind, and foster spiritual growth. Working with Sage through meditation can help quiet the mind and help you listen to your intuition and the voice of your soul. Use it during visualization to create the life of your dreams.
Sage can be beneficial in helping to open the crown chakra. Use sage, to help you get back onto the path of following your own intuition.
Sage, essential oil can provide mind, body and spirit healing.
Diffusing sage may help you with fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, and generally feeling down. Curb negative self talk by using sage during some of your self care practices.
You know I try to provide some fun recipes so here is a hair rinse that you may enjoy!
Apple Cider Vinegar Herbal Hair Rinse
Create a nourishing hair rinse by infusing dried sage leaves in apple cider vinegar. This recipe can help promote scalp health and contribute to hair vitality.
What you’ll need:
Dried sage leaves – 1 cup
Apple cider vinegar – enough to cover the leaves
Make sure that the leaves are complete dry. Any moisture left in the leaves will encourage microbes to grow in your infusion.
In a small glass jar with a lid, fill the jar with dried sage leaves. Fully cover the sage leaves with apple cider vinegar. Replace the cap and gently swirl the jar. Place the jar in a cool dark space for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the dried leaves out of the vinegar and place the vinegar in a labelled spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto hair and scalp. Leave in for 10 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly.
You can use this mixture as a hair and scalp refresher or after you shampoo.
Sage essential oil is a powerful healing gift from nature. Its therapeutic properties bestow upon us wisdom, resilience, and holistic well-being. Allow sage to heal and strengthen mind, body and soul, while providing spiritual rejuvenation.
Make sure that you know the safety concerns associated with sage before using it. If in doubt, reach out to a professionally trained aromatherapist.
