Sage Oil Health Benefits, Uses And Its Side Effects

Sage, or Salvia Officinal is a well known and frequently heard name in the world of cosmetics, particularly in the field of skin care. Innumerable beauty treatment products claim that they contain sage essential oil.

Essential oil of clary sage holds antifungal, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, expectorant, cholagogue and choleretic, cicatrisant, depurative, disinfectant, emenagogue, febrifuge, laxative and stimulating properties.

This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of sage leaves and is constituted mainly of Aesculetinen, Alpha Humulene, Alpha Thujone, Alpha Maaliene, Alpha Terpineol, Alpha Thujene, Alpha Terpenines, Alpha Pinene, , Aromadendrene, Borneol, Beta Pinene.

It also contain Beta Copaene, Beta Thujone, Camphor, Cineole, Camphene, Caryophyllene Oxide, Terpinolene, Delta Cadinenes, Myrcene, Linalool, Limonene, Ocimenes, Octenol, Para Cymenol, Paracymene, Salviol, Thujanol and Terpinenol.

There are several varieties of sage essential oil, depending on certain factors like geographical location, climate, part of the plant used and method of extraction. A predominant component of all types is thujone (about 22 to 61 percent). Thujone has been a subject of debate among many experts because of its negative effect on the nervous system.

Research shows that it can cause convulsions and tend to be hallucinogenic.However, when used appropriately and in correct amounts, sage oil does not induce these effects. Other major constituents found in the essential oil of sage include camphor, 1,8-cineole and camphene.

Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Sage Oil. One of the important roles played by sage oil in hair fall and grey hair problems. Its anti-acne properties also helpful and used for skincare issues such as skin irritation, rashes, and pimples.

If you are suffering from PCOS and PMS issues then clary sage oil helpful in balancing the hormone level also. Women facing menstrual cramps can also use this oil to get some relief from it. We also discuss when not to use clary sage essential oil in different health conditions. Also, check out how you can use this essential oil in various ways.

Sage essential oil is primarily used to help relieve digestive problems. It can also be used to help treat respiratory problems, menstrual difficulties, fungal infections and skin problems. Sage oil contains beneficial properties that help address dandruff and oily hair. It can also be used as a shampoo because of its cleansing effects.

The oil of sage is often used to help slow down signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. It is also added to skin care products like anti-mark and anti-spot creams, which help prevent cracks, scars and other unwanted marks on skin. It is used to trigger excretion and help relieve constipation.

In aromatherapy, sage oil can is used to stimulate the mind and help address mental fatigue and depression. Sage oil is added to soaps, colognes, and perfumes because of its strong, fragrant scent.

Sage oil is dangerous only when used in high concentrations. Its thujone content, which is considered hazardous when isolated, does not pose any problem for its users if the oil is used moderately. Among other herbs that contain this chemical compound, sage oil is considered the most commonly used and safest.

However, it is because of thujone that it shouldn't be used by people with sensitivities, or by children of all ages. People who drink alcohol should avoid using sage oil, as it can heighten their intoxication.

In pregnant women the sage oil can cause uterine contractions and in nursing women it can slow down breast milk production, so they should also avoid using it. Because it works as a stimulant, people with epilepsy or hysteria should also avoid using this sage essential oil.

Sage Oil should not be used or applied topically on the skin of individuals with skin problems because of potential irritations. Other reported side effects include inflammation of lips and lining of the mouth, kidney problems, rapid heartbeat, seizures, tremors, vertigo, vomiting and wheezing.

It is a native to southern Europe and is a stout biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall with large, hairy leaves and small blue/ white flowers growing directly off the long, thin stem. It is cultivated for oil production in France and Russia. The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear' or from the Greek 'Skeria' meaning 'hardness', referring to the hard parts of the flower petals. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine.

In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes. Clary sage is a biennial that begins as a rosette in the first year and will grow a flower stalk the second year. It is a short-lived plant that will usually die after the second year, although in some climates it may persist weakly for one or two more seasons. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and produces purplish blue flower spikes from late spring into mid summer.

Flowers are held in panicles which contain four to six blooms. Cultivators grow clary sage primarily for the flowers, which are dried or pressed for various uses. Growing clary sage can be accomplished down to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5. Clary sage plant grows and establishes quickly in full sun and well drained soils.

Sage oil can be started from seed, cuttings or layered. The most important attribute for growing clary sage is drainage. Wet sites can rot the plant or severely curtail its growth. The plant will need supplemental irrigation until it is established but can provide its own moisture thereafter except in very arid zones.