History, origin
Salvia officinalis, as it is known in the medical world, or Dalmatian sage, true sage, garden sage, and common sage, received its name from the Latin word for “to save” or “to cure” – “salvare”.
Garden sage is native to the regions of southern Europe, in particular those of the former Yugoslavia as well as Greece.
Historic records demonstrate that the Greeks and Romans had a high respect for the herb in their folk medicine and named it a “holy herb” (herba sacra). The Dalmatian sage was mainly used for preventing foods from spoiling and for the preservation of meat in antiquity.
Description of the flower
Described as an evergreen, perennial subshrub, common sage possesses woody stems, purplish-blue flowers, and somewhat grayish leaves.
Description of the oil
Sage oil is extracted through distilling the leaves of the herb with steam. Its prevailing component is thujone and varies from 20 to 61%. This component has been very controversial among the science world since it may have an adverse effect on the nervous system, but this only occurs if not used in the correct amounts.
Salvia officinalis possesses an active ingredient, resembling estrogen, which has a tightening effect, thus making the plant and its oil perfect against the aging of the skin. Make use of it with extra care as it is quite powerful. The oil has a strong, pungent odor, reminding of camphor and herbs.
In an effort to evade skin irritation and escape thujone’s (contained in sage oil) somewhat toxic effect, you can try clary sage which is milder.
Combines well with
As with other perennial herbs, the oil of garden sage goes very well with oils of other essential herbs, such as eucalyptus, clove, juniper, thyme, mint, and rosemary.
Uses / effects
In a study of Pub Med, it was shown that sage oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties which were tested against yeasts, Aspergillus strains, and dermatophyte. The antifungal effects of the evergreen herb are due to the presence of camphene and camphor.
As an essential oil or as dried leaves, sage is widespread in the food flavoring industry for savoring the dishes. The oil of sage is utilized externally for infections and inflammations of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat (such as pharyngitis, stomatitis, and gingivitis). Internally, the perennial herb is useful for the battle against excessive perspiration and dyspeptic symptoms.
The presence of camphor and 1,8-cineole gives sage oils great antibacterial properties since they inhibit bacteria development. This effect is also beneficial for healing ailments, such as bacterial inflammations and infections in the nose, throat, genitals, eyes, ears, colon, urethra, and intestines.
Besides having antifungal and antibacterial uses, the oil of Salvia officinalis also serves as an antimicrobial treatment as well as an antiseptic for sores, ulcers, post-natal injuries, surgical incisions, and wounds.
Sage is testified to have a very positive effect against Candida albicans. Its essential oil exhibits anticandidal properties against all Candida albicans’ strains.
Not only does the oil of common sage stimulate numerous body systems, including the excretory, circulatory, and the nervous systems, as well as the brain and the liver, but it also greatly diminishes the consumption of spicy or salty foods.
Due to the presence of estrogen-like active ingredients, sage oil is beneficial for the regulation of the menstrual cycle by activating the appropriate hormones.
Uses
Use in beauty and skin products
Salvia officinalis is quite frequently mentioned in the cosmetics world for the incalculable products for beauty treatment. The essential oil acts as a protective shield against skin diseases and dermatitis thanks to the copious amounts of camphor and camphene. The antibacterial effects of the oil work great on skin wounds and external bruises.
Sage’s cicatrizing effect is another amazing property which has its place in the cosmetics world as a crucial element and ingredient of anti-spot and anti-mark creams. Its effects aid in eliminating fat cracks, after-spots by boils, sores, pox, and post-natal abdominal cracks. In addition, it helps incisions and wounds heal much more quickly.
Therapeutic use
The oil of Salvia officinalis possesses febrifuge, laxative, antispasmodic expectorant, antimicrobial, cicatrisant, antiseptic, digestive, antifungal, disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
