Salvia officinalis for physical and mental health – how to use the oil?

One of the most famous medicinal plants is sage. Every household has its own ‘secret’ remedies for a variety of ailments, passed down from generation to generation. Although they may seem amusing today, there is a great deal of truth in them. Its wide-ranging pharmacological and cosmetic applications mean that sage oil is a solution to many problems – both physical and emotional. How should sage oil be used?

Sage oil – extraction

Sage (Salvia) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and comprises around 900 different species. The plant is native to the Mediterranean basin, but is now widespread throughout the world. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and herb.

The plant’s name derives from Latin – the word‘salvare’can be translated as ‘to save’, ‘to rescue’ or ‘health’. Evocative and true.

Sage goes by many names

Sage essential oil comes in many varieties. One of the most common is that extracted from common sage (Salvia officinalis), but clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) and Greek sage (Salviafruticosa) are also very popular. Although all these plant sources belong to the same family, the essential oils differ from one another – both in terms of their properties and their uses.

Sage essential oil – properties

Sage essential oil contains many valuable compounds, including: thujone (25%–27%), camphor (14%–17%), pimaradiene (approx. 10%), beta-caryophyllene (9%–12%), viridiflorol (approx. 8%) and 1,8-cineole (5%–9%). The composition includes many other compounds, though their proportions are significantly lower.

Sage essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activity; it aids in the treatment of minor wounds, grazes and scratches, but is also effective for dermatological issues (e.g. eczema, boils). The extract has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties – it can reduce swelling and localised redness. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals in the body.

Sage oil improves memory and concentration. Research shows that the extract is effective in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Whilst it does not halt the progression of the disease, it delays memory loss and supports cognitive processes.

A must-have for every woman

Sage oil has oestrogenic properties – it stimulates and helps regulate the menstrual cycle, whilst also alleviating PMS symptoms such as mood swings, headaches and nausea. The product is also frequently used during the menopause, as it significantly improves women’s quality of life during this period.

Sage oil – uses

The antiseptic properties of sage oil are frequently utilised in the production of toothpastes, mouthwashes and preparations designed to prevent inflammation of the mucous membranes. The extract is added to soaps and detergents, as well as to organic cosmetics.

Sage oil slows down the skin’s ageing process and the formation of wrinkles; it cleanses and tones the skin, balancing sebum production. However, not everyone realises that it is also effective for hair care.

Sage oil for hair

Sage oil strengthens and nourishes the hair, promotes growth and restores shine. It cleanses, moisturises and restores the scalp’s pH balance. Used regularly, it combats dandruff and tackles the problem of greasy hair. And it’s incredibly easy to use – simply add a few drops of the oil to a bottle of shampoo or conditioner.

From time to time (i.e. at least once a month), it’s worth carrying out a hair oil treatment. This shouldn’t be too difficult either – simply mix two ingredients:

• 6–7 drops of sage essential oil+ 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g. castor oil)

Mix everything thoroughly, gently massage into the scalp and leave for about 60 minutes. The treatment will improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourish the hair roots and help unblock the hair follicles.

Sage oil in aromatherapy

Sage oil has a strong, herbal-camphor scent (it may resemble the aroma of rosemary oil). It has a calming effect, relaxes you and restores emotional balance. It reduces stress and feelings of anxiety. It aids concentration and clears the mind. To enjoy all the benefits of sage essential oil in an aromatherapy burner, diffuser or humidifier, add a few drops of the extract… on its own or blended with other essential oils.

Sage essential oil – what to combine it with?

Sage essential oil, though unassuming, can be combined very effectively (and easily) with other essential oils. Which ones work best? The list is really long, but here are a few ‘sure-fire’ combinations:

• lemon
• lavender
• bergamot
• neroli
• geranium
• lemongrass
• orange

Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from experimenting a little with a wider range of oils. Which combinations always work well?

• 4 drops of sage essential oil + 3 drops of mandarin+ 2 drops of patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops of sage essential oil +3drops of orange+ 3 drops of geranium
• 2 drops of sage essential oil + 2 drops of bergamot+ 1 drop of sandalwood + 1 drop of lavender
• 2 drops of sage essential oil +2drops of peppermint+2drops of lemon

Sage essential oil for inhalation

Sage essential oil supports the health and proper functioning of the respiratory system. It is particularly recommended for infections and asthma. It purifies the air, clears the airways and brings relief from coughs. Although highly effective on its own, the oil can be combined with other essential oils to enhance the therapeutic effect, for example:

• mint
• Eucalyptus
• lavender

Sage essential oil for baths

Sage essential oil is a great addition to a bath. Why? It improves the condition of the skin, combats the ageing process, and tightens and firms the skin. It can also soothe redness, itching and pain caused by various skin conditions. Simply add around 5 drops of sage essential oil to a bath filled with warm water.

A massage makes a brilliant addition to your home spa – it’ll improve circulation and help you relax. Whether applied to the whole body or to specific ‘problem’ areas, it’s sure to deliver wonderful results. How do you use it?

• 7–8 drops of sage essential oil + 3 teaspoons of carrier oil

It couldn’t be simpler.

Sage essential oil during pregnancy

Sage essential oil, like many other natural extracts, should not be used during pregnancy. There are indications that it has teratogenic effects – meaning it may harm the embryo or foetus. Although there is a lack of evidence on this matter, doctors advise against taking the risk.

However, research suggests that sage oil can be beneficial during labour. Experts believe it may speed up labour and, during labour, also help to calm the mother and alleviate pain and discomfort. It has been proven that high levels of anxiety increase negative sensations – such as pain.

Sage oil with a difference

Sage essential oil effectively freshens the air by neutralising unpleasant odours (so it’s ideal for the kitchen or bathroom). Mix a few ingredients in a spray bottle:

• 15 drops of sage essential oil +15drops of rosemary+ 5 drops of orange+ 1 tablespoon of alcohol + 120 ml of water

If an air freshener isn’t enough, you can also make a homemade odour absorber. You’ll need a jar with a lid – in which you’ll need to make a few small holes. Place an inconspicuous yet highly effective mixture into the jar:

• 200 g bicarbonate of soda+5drops of sage essential oil+ 5 drops of lemon

Mix everything together, close the jar and place it in a discreet spot (next to the bin or behind the toilet). A little tip – the absorber will also work well in the car.

Sage oil is a product that becomes indispensable after just one use. It improves your health – not only for temporary problems, but also in the long term. It promotes emotional balance and restores calm. It’s excellent for body care, complementing or even replacing many cosmetics and everyday products. Since nature offers such an excellent alternative, why not make the most of it?

"Pharmacological properties of Salvia officinalis and its components"– A. Ghorbani, M. Esmaeilizadeh, Pharmacological Research Centre of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, Student Research Committee, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran

"The effect of sage oil on aerobic bacteria isolated from the oral cavity, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract"- A. Kędzia, B. Dera-Tomaszewska, M. Ziółkowska-Klinkosz, A. W. Kędzia, A. Wojtaszek-Słomińska, B. Czernecka, Department of Oral Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Gdańsk Medical University, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Serology, National Salmonella Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk; Clinic of Diabetology and Childhood Obesity, Department of Clinical Auxology and Paediatric Nursing, Poznań University of Medical Sciences; Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Gdańsk

“A review of essential oils extracted from plants of the Lamiaceae family and their properties”– J. A. Michalski, D. Zielińska, Higher Vocational School of Cosmetology and Health Care in Warsaw

"Attempts to use sage in the treatment of cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease"– Z. Zdrojewicz, D. Pypno, B. Bugaj, K. Cabała, M. Waracki, Department and Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Wrocław

“Apianane terpenoids from Salvia officinalis”– K. Miura, H. Kikuzaki, N. Nakatani, the scientific journal *Phytochemistry*

"Antioxidative Phenolic Compounds from Sage (Salvia officinalis)"- M. Wang, J. Li, M. Rangarajan, Y. Shao, E. J. Lavoie, Tzou-Hi Huang, Chi-Tang Ho, Department of Food Science, Cook College, Rutgers University; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rutgers University; Department of Food Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan