OIL OF THE “MASTER HERB” – BENEFITS AND USES

IN ESSENCE...

• Sage Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Salvia officinalis herb, also referred to as Common Sage, True Sage, Garden Sage, and Dalmatian Sage.


• In the Middle Ages, Sage earned the nickname “Sage the Savior” for its various treasured properties. For its cleansing and nerve tonic properties, the Lakota Indians nicknamed it “master herb.”


• Sage Essential Oil is commonly mistaken for Clary Sage Essential Oil; however, despite belonging to the same family of evergreen shrubs, these two herbs and their resultant oils differ from each other.


• Used in aromatherapy applications, Sage Essential Oil is known to stimulate and clarify the mind while exhibiting a balancing, uplifting, soothing, and strengthening effect on the senses to ease negative moods. It is known to promote a sense of attentiveness, enhance memory, and soothe discomforts of the digestive, respiratory, and female reproductive systems.


• Used cosmetically or topically in general, Sage Essential Oil is reputed to eliminate toxins, provide relief to minor skin abrasions, diminish the appearance of blemishes, and address stretch marks, sores, and swelling. Its moisturizing and conditioning properties help soothe dryness and irritation.


• Used medicinally, Sage Essential Oil is reputed to ease the muscular and joint pain, address bacterial infections and spasms, eliminate toxins, promote relief for digestive complaints, and calm skin conditions such as dermatitis and Athlete’s Foot. Sage Oil is also known to regulate and stabilize menstrual cycles and related symptoms.

HISTORY OF SAGE OIL USAGE

Native to the southern European and Mediterranean regions, the Sage herb was highly valued in both the ancient Greek and Roman societies, which considered it to be sacred. For centuries, it has been believed that Sage had the ability to grant a longer life, and in China, it was traditionally used as a remedy for addressing infertility and symptoms of menopause. According to historical records, in some communities, the Sage herb also had culinary applications and was used as a preservative for foods such as meats. The oil of the Sage herb was also considered to be beneficial for both the mind and the body, hence it was used to quicken the senses by addressing negative emotions, such as sadness, and shifting them into positive moods, such as the sense of courage. It was believed that Sage Oil had a positive influence on the individual’s inner lifeforce, thus it was used in spiritual practices to not only encourage the onset of hypnotic conditions that would increase mystical mindfulness but to also cleanse the mind of negative self-talk that creates unhelpful behavior patterns.

Sage Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the Salvia officinalis herb, also referred to as Common Sage, True Sage, Garden Sage, and Dalmatian Sage. The latter nickname is due to the fact that most of the world’s Sage grows wild in the region of Dalmatia. The name Sage is derived from the Latin “salvere,” meaning “to save,” as its benefits have historically been known to “save” the user’s general health – both emotional and physical. Its beneficial uses included applications for fungal ailments and respiratory conditions. In the Middle Ages, Sage earned the nickname “Sage the Savior” for its countless valuable properties, while the community of Lakota Indians nicknamed it “master herb” for its cleansing and nerve tonic properties.

Sage Essential Oil is commonly mistaken for Clary Sage Essential Oil, which is derived from the Salvia sclarea herb; however, despite belonging to the same family of evergreen shrubs, these two herbs and their resultant oils differ from each other. Although both oils smell herbaceous, the scent of Sage is robust and piquant, while the scent of Clary Sage has a softer, sweeter profile, exuding floral, earthy, and nutty tones with a fruity nuance.

Though Sage Oil has historically been used largely to address complaints related to digestion, it continues to be used in a vast array of versatile applications including skin care, hair care, overall health care, and in the making of cosmetics and fragrant soaps.

SAGE OIL BENEFITS

The main chemical constituents of Sage Oil are: Camphor, α-Thujone, β-Thujone, 1,8-Cineole, and α-Pinene.

CAMPHOR is known to exhibit the following activity:

• Decongestant
• Absorbent
• Cooling
• Warming
• Anesthetic
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cough suppressant
• Febrifuge

1,8-CINEOLE is known to exhibit the following activity:

• Analgesic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic 
• Anti-viral
• Increased blood flow
• Reduced tension headaches
• Cough suppressant

α-Pinene is known to exhibit the following activity:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-septic
• Expectorant
• Bronchodilator

Used in aromatherapy applications, the scent of Sage Oil is known to cerebrally, emotionally, and spiritually stimulate and clarify the mind while exhibiting a balancing, uplifting, soothing, and strengthening effect on the senses to ease negative moods such as fatigue.

When diffused, Sage Essential Oil is known to help soothe discomforts of the digestive, respiratory, and female reproductive systems.

Used cosmetically or topically in general, Sage Essential Oil makes an ideal ingredient in skin care products intended to slow and inhibit the appearance of signs of aging, as its antioxidant property addresses wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and muscles, and the disintegration of tissues. With cicatrizant qualities, Sage Oil works to diminish the appearance of blemishes, spots, and scars, making it ideal for addressing stretch marks, sores, and swelling as well as for diminishing the appearance of enlarged pores. Used in hair, Sage Oil’s moisturizing and conditioning properties help soothe irritation and prevent dandruff while cleansing the scalp to remove the look and feel of greasiness caused by excessive oil.

Used medicinally, Sage Essential Oil is reputed to ease muscular and joint pain associated with inflammation, tenderness, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis, strains, and sprains. With anti-inflammatory properties, Sage Oil is known to soothe the redness, soreness, and itching that is characteristic of skin conditions such as dermatitis. Sage Oil’s anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties are reputed to eliminate toxins, thereby providing relief to minor skin abrasions and injuries such as bruises, cuts, burns, and irritation while protecting them from developing infections.

With antiseptic properties, Sage Essential Oil is reputed to prevent toxic substances from entering the body while it reduces the effects of toxins that have already entered, including intoxicants, excess salt, or ingested spice. It boosts circulation, helps diminish the appearance of cellulite, and makes an effective solution for cleansing wounds and other minor topical injuries including insect bites.

Furthermore, Sage Oil’s anti-spasmodic property effectively addresses spasms, such as those associated with coughs, chest and stomach pain, and cramps. Its depurative property promotes the body’s elimination of toxins by promoting perspiration and its laxative property boosts excretory functions, thereby addressing discomforts such as constipation. Its carminative property promotes relief for digestive complaints, while its anti-fungal properties are reputed to address infections both internally through diffusion and externally through topical application. Accordingly, Sage Oil is known to calm dysentery as well as skin afflicted with conditions such as dermatitis and Athlete’s Foot.

When diffused, Sage Oil’s anti-bacterial property is believed to address infections of the nose and throat, thus reducing the symptoms of asthma and coughs, colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, congestion, and the buildup of phlegm. By encouraging the release of digestive secretions, Sage Oil enhances and facilitates the function of the entire digestive system. As an emmenagogue, Sage Oil is known to regulate and stabilize menstrual cycles while also calming related symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, nausea, weakness, and headache.

As illustrated, Sage Essential Oil is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:

• COSMETIC: Stimulating, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Astringent, Tonic.


• ODOROUS: Stimulating, Febrifuge, Expectorant, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Tonic, Stomachic, Hypertensive.


• MEDICINAL: Stimulating, Laxative, Febrifuge, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Disinfectant, Digestive, Depurative, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-septic, Cicatrizant, Astringent, Diuretic, Tonic, Laxative, Stomachic, Hypertensive.

SAGE OIL USES

Used in aromatherapy applications, Sage Oil is known to balance the mind by diminishing anxiety and promoting the reestablishment of tranquility and relaxation, thereby promoting sleep. For a therapeutic bedtime blend, combine 2 drops of Sage Essential Oil, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, and 20 drops of Neroli Essential Oil, then add it to a diffuser of personal preference. Diffusing Sage Oil is known to not only uplift the mood but to also provide relief from headaches and congestion while supporting the health and function of the respiratory, digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems, among others. Sage Essential Oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Vetiver essential oils.

Used in cosmetic and topical applications, Sage Oil is believed to promote hair health. To help decrease the chances of hair loss, combine 3-4 drops each of Sage Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, and Peppermint Essential Oil, then dilute the mixture in 1 Tbsp. Olive Carrier Oil. Massage this blend into the scalp twice a day to encourage strong, healthy hair growth.

For a massage blend that addresses day and night sweats experienced during the time of menopause, combine 10 drops Sage Essential Oil, 10 drops Lime Essential Oil, 5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil, and 5 drops Thyme Essential Oil, then dilute the mixture in 30 ml (1 oz.) of a carrier oil of personal preference. Massage the required amount of this blend to the affected area. Alternatively, 1 Tbsp. of this blend can be added to a warm bath for a daily soak that diminishes fluid retention and the appearance of cellulite.

For a more complex massage blend that also energizes while exhibiting a simultaneously calming effect, in a 60 ml (2 oz.) amber glass bottle combine 60 ml (2 oz.) Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 14 drops Sage Essential Oil, 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil, and 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil. Cap the bottle and shake it gently to thoroughly combine all the oils. Massage 1-2 tsp. of this oil blend into sore muscles, and skin as well as the temples to soothe a headache.

For a body oil that is known to have detoxifying effects, combine 15 drops Sage Essential Oil, 15 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil, and 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil in a 60 ml (2 oz.) bottle and gently swirl the contents to thoroughly combine them. Next, add 60 ml (2 oz.) Grapeseed Carrier Oil to the blend. Cap the bottle and gently shake it to ensure all the oils are combined. Massage a small amount of this oil all over the body. The application can be repeated several times a day to soften the skin and to facilitate the elimination of fat and toxins.

For a hot oil hair treatment that is reputed to strengthen the hair while balancing oil production in the scalp, combine 60 ml (2 oz.) Coconut Carrier Oil and 30 ml (1 oz.) Jojoba Carrier Oil in a glass bowl, then place this bowl in a pan containing boiling water until the oils are gently heated. The glass bowl can be removed from the heat once the oils inside reach a temperature at which they can still be applied tolerably to the scalp without causing burns. At this point, 30 drops Sage Essential Oil and 10 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil can be blended into the carrier oil mixture. To use this hair oil, massage it into the scalp and smooth it down over the strands until the ends are also coated. Cover the head with a shower cap and allow the oils to soak into the scalp and hair for 30 minutes before washing it out with a regular shampoo.

For a Sage Oil shampoo that not only cleanses but also clarifies the scalp of accumulated environmental pollutants and product residue, simply combines all of the following oils in a dark bottle: 120 ml (4 oz.) Liquid Castile Soap, 60 ml (2 oz.) Water, 40 drops Sage Essential Oil, and 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil. Cap and shake the bottle to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Massage the shampoo into the scalp, then rinse it out with warm water and follow it with a conditioner.

Used in medicinal applications, Sage Oil is reputed to soothe and relax muscles by increasing circulation. For a massage blend that also eases stress and promotes better digestion, dilute 10 drops of Sage Essential Oil in 2 tsp. of a carrier oil of personal preference. Alternatively, a hot compress can be made with Sage Oil by adding 4 drops to a bowl of warm water then dipping a small folded towel into the solution and applying the compress directly to the affected area.

For a bath blend that is known to calm symptoms of menopause while enhancing immunity and promoting the health and function of the circulatory system, dilute 5 drops of Sage Essential Oil in 1 Tbsp. of a carrier oil of personal preference then adding this to warm bath water. Alternatively, Sage Oil can be added to 1 Tbsp. of Castile Soap before being added to a bath. This blend is known to effectively diminish the appearance of enlarged pores, soothe sores and wounds, and calm skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Furthermore, it is believed to have a steadying effect on involuntary trembling, such as hand tremors, and to enhance the health and function of the lymphatic system.

A GUIDE TO SAGE OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

SAGE DALMATIAN ESSENTIAL OIL

Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from leaves

Country of Origin: Hungary

Believed to:

• Be clear and pale yellow to greenish yellow in color


• Exude a top note with a medium aroma that can be described as herbaceous with strongly musty nuances


• Stimulate the nerves while promoting their equilibrium


• Reduce feelings of sadness and fatigue


• Enhance the ability to recall and retain information


• Soothe muscle aches and joint pain, thus benefitting those suffering from arthritis or the consequences of over-exercising


• Offer relief from symptoms of colds and coughs, such as shortness of breath, accumulation of phlegm, fatigue, fever, chills, and infections


• Alleviate and regulate symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes


• Soothe pain associated with menstruation

SAGE ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL

Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis

Method of Extraction and Plant Part: Steam distilled from leaves

Country of Origin: Spain

Believed to:

• Be clear and pale yellow to greenish yellow in color


• Exude a top note with a medium aroma that can be described as herbaceous with strongly musty nuances


• Be ideal for disinfecting and soothing cuts, lesions, scrapes, and pustules


• Lessen the effects of exposure to toxins and sedatives


• Diminish the harmful effects of a diet high in salt and spices


• Support the health of the skin, stomach, and excretory tract by calming inflammation


• Enhance metabolism by promoting the health and function of the digestive system


• Control and normalize menstrual cycles


• Prompt action in several body systems, such as the brain, circulatory, nervous, and excretory systems


• Be an ideal ingredient for natural products that require the use of organic components

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR SAGE OIL

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Sage Essential Oil is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this oil for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Sage Oil without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. The oil should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with (or with a history of) the following health conditions are recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, hormone-related ailments, epilepsy, high blood, and hysteria. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use. Sage Oil should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin, as this may facilitate the oil’s penetration into the body in concentrations that may be toxic.

Prior to using Sage Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Sage Oil must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Sage Oil include irritation or sensitization to the skin, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, inflammation, seizures, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and kidney problems.

Those seeking medical care to manage moods, behaviors, or disorders should treat this essential oil as a complementary remedy rather than a replacement for any medicinal treatments or prescriptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.