Sage essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of 'common' or 'Dalmatian' Sage. This is the same plant with that wonderful aroma found in semi-arid regions the world over. The oil is is a pale yellow, with a warm, spicy, herbaceous and mildly-camphorous aroma. Sage can be excellent for skin regeneration (please see warnings below) and as a mental stimulant.

Sage was known at the 'sacred herb' by the ancient Romans; 'Salvia' being derived from the word 'salvation'. Sage herb is commonly used to 'smudge' rooms, buildings and other areas to move out old, negative, or stagnant energy. Aromatically, the essential oil can be mentally stimulating, helping one cope with despair and mental fatigue. The oil may support balancing of hormones for women, bringing positive energy to the pelvic chakra where negative emotions from denial and abuse can be stored. It may assist in detoxifying the body, regulating circulation and supporting metabolism.

It is thought by some aromatherapists to be highly regenerative for the skin and scalp. Though this does come with a caveat—with high levels of 'thujone', its safety is questioned by some therapists. Some say don't use it ever, some say it's the safest oil with this ketone, and in therapeutic dilutions, it should be acceptable for most folks (Noted as: not to be used if pregnant, with children under 12, or by those with epilepsy).Sage oil is included in Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt's recipes (in Advanced Aromatherapy) for cellulite, healing stretch marks, healing old and keloid scars, and is included in some hair growth stimulating formulas.

If you are using this essential oil, be sure to keep the dilutions as low as possible. This is a very powerful oil, and should be used with care. Generally, in aromatherapy, folks find that 'less is more'! Very small amounts, 1% or less, should be sufficient to utilze the the oil's biological signaling action. For healing 'old' scars, for example, Kurt Schnaubelt recommends .5% (one-half of one percent) of Sage in the complete blend (.5ml Sage and .5ml Helichrysum in 15ml Rosehip Seed and 85ml Hazelnut oil -- 1ml is 27 drops).

IMPORTANT: Because of Sage's ketone content, it should not be taken internally, and otherwise should be used sparingly as needed.

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.