Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Salvia Officinalis
Family Name: Garden sage oil, Labiatae
Common Name: Sage oil
Part Used: Leaves and flowers
Specific Gravity: 0.953 – 0.990 @ 20C.
Optical Rotation: +2C ~ 29 C.
Refractive Index: 1.46700 TO 1.47300 @ 20C.
Blends well with: Bergamot, lavender, lemon and rosemary.
Uses: This oil helps in digestion problems. This oil relieves menstrual issues.

Countries where it's found

It is a native plant originally from the Mediterranean region and is cultivated extensively in these countries as well as in European countries.

Harvesting Information

The leaves of the Sage plant have to be plucked as per requirement very carefully. After the plants have bloomed, the flower stems can be cut to encourage growth of new leaves. Care is taken to harvest the leaves in early winter so that the plants can harden during the harsh winter. The plucked leaves are then stored in plastic bags and then refrigerated. By freezing the leaves, they tend to retain the maximum flavour. One can also freeze the entire branch and then strip the leaves from the stem as per need. It is possible to finely chop the leaves and mix the same with olive oil or butter to hold them together and then proceed to refrigerate the mixture. It is advisable to dry the sage leaves on a flat screen in a dry spot away from the glare of the sun. To ensure its freshness, the sage leaves are stored in airtight jars.

History of the Plant

The sage plants have been used in the Mediterranean and European countries since the Middle Ages. It was used as a healing plant and was revered by the Romans as a sacred herb. The Romans used it for a variety of illness and also to ward off various diseases. Due to its medicinal qualities, it was traded frequently by the Dutch and Chinese traders.

Extraction Process

Sage oil is extracted from either fresh or dried leaves or stems. It is a volatile oil and is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves. The oil remains floating over the water after steaming and cooling and then it is carefully removed and stored in an airtight jar.

Commonly known Benefits

This oil due to its high thujone content, it can cause convulsions. Hence, it is necessary to have adequate precaution while using the oil. It is effective for stimulating digestion, helps in relieving menstrual problems, rheumatism and depression and is effective in treating urinary tract infections as well as infections of the liver and kidney. Also useful in treating sores, ulcers, stiff muscles, trembling and palsy.

Antiseptic: Sage plants have anti-septic properties which stop bleeding of wounds and clean sores and ulcers. It is also effective for sore throats and cough.

Digestive: It is well known for its help in digestion problems and acts as a stimulant tonic for the stomach.
Anti rheumatic: If given in small repeated doses, it can alleviate muscle stiffness and pain in the legs and joints.
Cerebral power: Consumption of sage helps in improving brain function and memory and is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Additional benefits

It is a good source of anti-oxidant vitamins and vitamin C and also sought for its use in food due to its aromatic flavour