Sage has been used by people around the world for thousands of years, with the Romans, Greeks and Romans placing their faith in the hidden powers of this wonderful herb.
What is sage oil?
Sage essential oil is a natural remedy that is extracted from the sage plant via steam distillation.
The sage plant, also referred to by its botanical name Salvia officinalis, is a member of the mint family and native to the Mediterranean.
Common sage is the most widely used type of sage, and although there are more than 900 species of sage grown across the world, only a small number can be used for aromatherapy and herbal medicine.
Once extracted, common sage is pale yellow in colour with a herbaceous scent.
It is widely used in a variety of culinary items, including sauces, and liqueurs and is one of the most popular in southern Europe.
How does sage oil work?
Sage oil works in many different ways, which is mostly dependent on its application.
For example, applying sage essential oil to your skin allows its anti-inflammatory properties to cleanse and remove unwanted microorganisms, whilst its antifungal properties can help to ward off fungal infections.
In aromatherapy, sage essential oil is added to a diffuser, with the scent relaxing and calming people who need to manage moments of stress and anxiety.
And thanks to its rosmarinic and carnosic acid components, sage essential oil also contains antioxidant properties that can offer some protection against free radicals.
Sage leaves with a ladybird on one of the leaves
Benefits of sage oil
The many benefits of sage essential oil means it could:
1. Provide strong antioxidant properties
If the body is given no protection against free radicals, it can lead to the creation of debilitating illnesses.
Antioxidants play a vital role in combating free radicals and the cell damage they cause, and it is speculated that the rosmarinic and carnosic acid components of sage could provide this protection.
According to a study published in 2014,
Trusted Source
PubMed Central
Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer
Go to source sage oils antioxidant properties can offer protection for the body against oxidative stress.
Researchers also believe sage may play a role in the prevention of some serious diseases.
2. Improve skin condition
Sage oil is widely used by some people as a complementary anti-inflammatory treatment for various skin conditions such as eczema and acne, in the belief it helps to heal and soothe the skin.
The oil’s antibacterial properties can help to cleanse the surface of the skin and also remove unwanted, harmful microorganisms.
Sage also contains antifungal properties that can be used to treat certain fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.
3. Aid digestive health
Ongoing research into the benefits of sage oil enables us to understand more about the health properties it can provide to our bodies.
This includes the potential to aid digestive health. For example, a 2011 study
Trusted Source
Semantic Scholar
Evaluation of the Anti-Motility-Related Diarrhoeal Activity of the Sage Tea Salvia officinalis L. in Laboratory Mice
Go to source found that sage can support the discharge of bile in the digestive system. This helps to prevent the development of excess acid that can harm the stomach and digestive tract, which improves the functionality of the digestive system.
An earlier study, published in 2011,
Trusted Source
PubMed
Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Salvia officinalis L. leaves: the relevance of ursolic acid
Go to source found that sage essential oil was able to ease inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract, relieving gastric distress and raising comfort levels.
4. Work as a cleaning agent
The antibacterial and antifungal properties found in sage essential oil also mean it can be used as an effective house cleaner.
Researchers have also investigated this claim
Trusted Source
AJOL: African Journals Online
Antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Salvia officinalis L. collected in Syria
Go to source and found that sage oil benefits were able to offer protection from candida fungus and staph infections. This demonstrated the oil’s ability to tackle stubborn forms of fungi, whilst also helping to prevent certain types of bacterial infections.
It is believed that the camphene and camphor components contained in the oil are responsible for delivering these microbe-busting abilities, as they work as a strong natural disinfectant.
5. Darken grey hair
Although the claim is anecdotal to date, many people believe that sage oil possesses the ability to prevent premature discoloration and reduce the appearance of grey hairs.
This could be due to the oil’s astringent qualities, which may be able to produce melatonin in the scalp, darkening the roots.
If sage essential oil is mixed with rosemary hair oil and applied to the hair, it is also believed that this darkening effect could be intensified to cover up the presence of grey hairs on the scalp.
Post time: Apr-12-2025