Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Location: Sage grows in the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in Albania, France, Greece, Italy and Turkey.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is colourless with a fresh, warm, herbaceous and camphoraceous aroma.
Description: A herb reaching about 60cm and having greyish-green leaves and bluish flowers.
Background: Long thought to prolong life and promote wisdom, sage remained very popular throughout Europe, often used as a tea. The Chinese have long regarded sage very highly and at the height of the tea trade would barter 3 kg of their own tea for 1kg of sage.
Properties: Tonic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, digestive, astringent.
Precaution: This oil is best used in lower concentrations as it may cause irritation in sensitive people.
Uses
Digestive System- Can be helpful for digestion and for diarrhoea.
Respiratory System-Can strengthen the lungs and is useful for colds, flu, coughs and sore throats.
Muscular System-Relaxes the muscles, especially when they have been overworked as in weight training or other strenuous sports.
Skin-Good for cuts and wounds.
Emotion-Quickens the senses, strengthens the memory and tones the conscious mind. Can help with tiredness, depression and grief.
