12 January 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez
Benefits and Uses of Sage Oil
'Sage the saviour' can offer relief from all kinds of physical and mental ailments.

The word ‘sage’ is derived from the Latin ‘salvere’ meaning ‘to save’.
The Romans, Greeks, and other ancient societies had great faith in sage’s ability to ‘save’ them from all manner of physical and mental ailments, and in many of these societies, sage was considered sacred, believed widely to have the ability to lengthen life.
These days sage is still used to manage, prevent, and offer relief from a wide range of conditions, both on the skin and through inhalation.
Sage is often confused with its popular cousin clary sage. Although the herbs are from the same family, the two oils are distilled from different plants and have different benefits.

What is Sage Essential Oil?Occasionally referred to by the botanical name Salvia officinalis, sage essential oil is a fresh and peppery remedy that is steam distilled from the sage herb, native to the Mediterranean. While there are over 900 species of sage grown throughout the world, only a handful can actually be used for aromatherapy and herbal medicine. Pale yellow in colour, this type of sage oil may also be known as common sage, Dalmatian sage, or garden sage depending on the region it is grown in. Sage is used extensively to flavour a number of culinary items including liqueurs, sauces, and pickles, and the herb itself is considered one of the most popular in southern Europe. |
What are the benefits of Sage Essential Oil?
The popularity of sage oil in recent years has earned it an influx in scientific research, which has been able to categorise some of its strongest properties for the body.
These properties include, but are not limited to:
- Substantial cleaning abilities
- Strong antioxidant levels
- Benefits for skin
- Ability to boost digestive health
- Removal and prevention of grey hairs
Is sage essential oil a powerful cleaning agent?
Sage essential oil has been found to have both antibacterial and antifungal properties - both of which can positively impact the cleanliness of your home.
A study in 2013 found that sage oil had a significant inhibitory effect on both staph infections and the candida fungus, proving its ability to prevent bacterial infections and also tackle stubborn fungi.
It is theorised that these microbe-busting abilities may be due to the presence of camphor and camphene in the oil – two components that are revered as natural disinfectants.
Does sage oil have strong antioxidant abilities?
Sage essential oil has also been found to act as an antioxidant, helping to inhibit the effects of free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage.
If left without the proper defences to attack them, free radicals can slowly destroy the body and lead to a number of debilitating illnesses, making antioxidants an integral part of our overall wellness.
It is speculated that sage oil gets its antioxidant abilities from the presence of rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid in the oil. Regardless, these antioxidant effects could be incredibly valuable.
A study in 2014 found that sage oil’s antioxidant properties can also help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and may even play a role in preventing the development of serious diseases.
Is sage essential oil great for skin?
Sage has a range of great benefits for the skin.
The antibacterial properties of the oil can help it to deeply cleanse the skin’s surface and get rid of harmful microorganisms, whilst its antifungal properties allow it to treat certain tedious skin conditions such as athlete’s foot.
Sage oil is not only a cleansing remedy for the skin, but it is also known to soothe and heal it over time.
Certain sources have recognised sage oil for its anti-inflammatory properties that allow it to calm conditions such as acne and eczema.
Can sage oil boost digestive health?
In addition to its other benefits, sage can play a protective role in our digestive health.
A study in 2011 found that sage promotes the discharge of bile in the digestive system. This allows it to soothe the stomach and digestive tract and prevent harm caused by excess acid, improving the functionality of the digestive system.
The oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits also extend to our digestive health. A study in 2001 found that the oil can help cure inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract, reducing discomfort and gastric distress.
Adding a few drops of sage essential oil to a carrier oil and rubbing it on the stomach may help you to experience these benefits. We cannot recommend taking essential oils internally without consulting a medical professional.
Does sage essential oil make your hair darker?
Several sources have recently indicated sage oil’s ability to prevent premature discoloration and reduce the appearance of grey hairs.
This is due to the oil’s invigorating astringent abilities, which help to produce melatonin in the scalp and allow roots to appear darker.
Many have also claimed that this benefit is twice as useful when applied in conjunction with rosemary oil – another front-runner for the health and appearance of hair.
How to use Sage Essential Oil
Aromatherapy
The refreshing yet warming notes of herbal sage are an ideal aroma for diffusing around the home, and some have even claimed that frequent inhalation can be beneficial for memory and healthy cognitive function.
Try adding a few drops to your chosen diffuser or oil burner and enjoy throughout the day.
Cleaning
Sage’s powerful cleaning abilities make it a perfect natural cleaning agent for the home.
Add a few drops of sage essential oil to a spray bottle of water for a natural solution to commercial cleaning products.
You can also spray the mixture onto countertops and other surfaces for a post-clean refresh.
Skincare
Combining sage oil with a soothing carrier oil base can make a great natural face wash.
This is a result of the oil’s strong antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help clear the skin of harmful microbes as well as reduce the appearance and discomfort of acne, eczema, and other related conditions.
Adding sage essential oil to your skincare routine is also a good way to experience its natural antioxidant levels.
Haircare
If you’re worried about your hair greying prematurely, or you’re looking to darken the appearance of existing grey hairs, creating a hair mask using sage oil and a carrier oil could help.
Be sure to apply the mask at least three times a week, or alternatively add a few drops of pure sage into your shampoo, shake well, and use as normal.
History of Sage Essential Oil
Known in the Middle Ages as ‘sage the saviour’, this soothing herb has influenced traditional medicine for centuries.
Highly valued in Greek and Roman societies for its ability to “save” the population form common ailments and conditions, sage was considered as sacred for its ability to increase the length and quality of life.
Sage was also used in ancient China as a remedy against infertility and the symptoms of menopause.
It was believed by many societies, as it is in some cases today, that sage could positively affect someone’s inner spirituality and cleanse the mind of negative emotions, as well as harmful behavioural patterns.
The versatility of sage makes it a great addition to any collection, as does its fresh, faintly peppery scent.
While it may often be confused or underestimated, there is no denying the strength of sage’s effects on the overall wellness of the body.
Product Name |
100% Pure Sage Essential Oil |
Botanical Name | Salvia Officinalis |
Scent Type | Herbs |
Benefits & Uses | Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Skin |
Suitable for Diffusers? | Yes, this sage essential oil is perfect for diffusers. |
Suitable for Candles and Soaps? | Yes, this sage essential oil is perfect for candle and soap making. |
Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
Bottle Type | Tamper proof and UV resistant |