Clary Sage (lat. Salvia sclarea) has a long history as a medicinal plant and it is also often used as a spice. The same word ‘sage’ comes from the Latin word ‘salvere’ which means ‘to save’. This name tells us how many benefits we get from this plant. Ancient Egyptian ladies used it to improve fertility. Even the Ancient Greeks and Romans used it and considered it as a sacred herb.
You might also know it as true sage, garden sage, culinary sage or common sage. Northern Mediterranean Basin is the origin area of this beautiful plant. But we may also find it in central Africa and Asia. We can use most parts of the Sage plant because it has so many beneficial parts. Leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, all of these parts can be used for many purposes. It is considered one of the main essential oils for establishing a hormonal balance, especially in women. It is known for its ability to relieve problems during a painful menstrual cycle, especially painful cramps. This beneficial plant improves circulation, eye health, regulates the digestive system, effectively increases libido equally in men and women.
Sage is one of the most powerful medicinal essential oils because it possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimycotic, antidepressant and spasmolytic properties. It is also neurotic and sedative with its soothing components.
Sage oil is obtained by steam distillation from petals and leaves of the Salvia sclarea plant from the family Labiatae, also known as Clary – which means pure as an eye. Proven to greyish yellow, salvia essential oil has a sweet, bony fragrance.
It contains about 50% Omega 3 type ALA unsaturated fatty acids and 50% of other ingredients, including all forms of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Monotherapy and Diterpene Alcohol.
Here are some of the most popular and beneficial properties of Salvia oil:
- relieves stress
- improves digestion
- improves circulation
- antibacterial effects
- anti-inflammatory effects
- antidepressant effects
In a completely natural way, this essential oil relieves stress and anxiety. It lowers the cortisol level and increases the feeling of pleasure and confidence.
Increases the secretion of gastric juices and bile, which speeds up and facilitates digestion. It relieves symptoms of disturbed digestion, reduces cramps, bloating and stomach complaints. This powerful essential oil also helps the body absorb the necessary vitamins and minerals and regulates the stool.
Sage oil leads to vasodilatation or spread of blood vessels, enables better circulation and lowers blood pressure. This way, it helps the body supply itself with a sufficient amount of oxygen necessary for its normal fusion.
This amazing oil reduces the growth and spread of bacterial and fungal infections and practically helps in the prevention of wound infections and accelerates their healing.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sage oil are cardioprotective and can help lower blood cholesterol.
Sage reduces stress and improves circulation – two very important factors for cholesterol reduction and support for our cardiovascular system.
Salvia essential oil is really helpful as an antidepressant, especially with menopausal women that are prone to mood swings.
As we can see, Old Greeks had a point, considering Sage a sacred herb, there’s little thing this plant cannot do to help our health.
Caution!
Sage is a universal medicinal herb but it should not be used by:
- pregnant women
- nursing
- epileptics