Sage – pic via http://www.renaissanceherbs.com.au
Sage is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Salvia. Its soft, furry leaves pack a powerful punch when it is steam distilled into an essential oil. I did touch on the herb oils in this earlier article “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular!”, but they are so important in Aromatherapy I thought I must elaborate!
Sage.
Interestingly this is also the name we give to someone who is wise, shares wisdom and perhaps weaves some magic too. A sage would be someone we hold in great esteem and who holds the wisdom of the universe in their healing hands. So does the essential oil of sage also contain these properties within its molecules?
Yes! Of course. I’ve always used sage as an oil of abundance and as the perfect treatment for a sore throat, sage encourages us to speak truthfully and wisely and opens the throat chakra. When we speak kindly and feel compassion we are able to feel the abundant intelligence of the universe move within us.
Sage – illustration from Köhler’s Medizinal Pflanzen
Sage is one of the ancient herbs that has been used for healing for centuries and the Romans named it salvia after “salvare” meaning to heal. According to Patricia Davis the Latin name also indicates the word “salvation” as this plant was seen to save people from disease. During the centuries since then, sage has mainly been used in women’s health to normalise menses and as a stimulant for childbirth.
It is high in camphor and thujone – which has a few contra-indications including the warning not to be used in pregnancy or with epileptics, or kids. I use this oil sparingly and with great respect. Just because something is natural does not mean it is totally safe. Having said that please do your homework and use your intuition when using natural remedies.
In aromatherapy today sage is used –
* to stop milk production in lactating women
* as a diuretic
* to ease sore throats
* to ease rheumatic pain
* to help regulate periods
and sometimes to stimulate digestion and remove catarrh.
Sage sticks for energetic cleansing of a space – pic via liveinart.com
Sage also gives another form of healing in the way of “sage sticks”. They are used for smoking, purging and cleansing ceremonies but are usually made from white sage (Salvia apiana) which is mostly found in north America. It does feel fantastic when you smoke a premises to renew the energy of the space!
Anyway lets check out a few recipes –
a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist
1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist
In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil
“New Start”
When you actually move into a new home or office or to renew your space –
Sage 5 drops
Orange 15 drops
Geranium 5 drops
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“Begone Bad Stuff”
Get your witchy-poo magic happening –
Sage 6 drops
Lemon 12 drops
Peru Balsam 7 drops
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get any cute little dish to mix your oils in
2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume
In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!
“Wise ol Owl”
Tap into the wisdom of the universe –
Sage 1 drop
Vanilla CO2 1 drop * see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?
Lime 1 drop
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“It’s a New Day”
Seize your chance to have another go –
Sage 1 drop
Cardamom 1 drop
Mandarin 1 drop
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suzannerbanks 
Very interesting! Now I need to get sage oil! You should put together a book with a page for each just like these in the blogs, they are great little blurbs + recipes, I will buy it! 🙂
Thanks James! In fact I wrote a book over a year ago and it’s still at the publisher waiting in line. I started the blog to create a platform for my book and now I’ve written so much more in my blog than I ever did in my book! Life!
Hi Suzanne,
As always, your words are right on time! I was just texting 2 friends who each are moving into new spaces. I’m reconfiguring my old space today as well. And I’m always in the mood for wisdom. @;^)
Cheers from the north side of the world, Jackie
ps. I second James’ emotion! Would love to see all your writings in a book.
Serendipity!
Suzanne,
Energetically, what is the difference between Mandarin and Orange?
I have Orange, Blood Orange and Tangerine. I made a room mist for a friend who doesn’t much like fragrance. (She’s very into interior design.) She loved it.
Tangerine 2 drops
Tomato Leaf 5 drops
Wild Black Spruce 2 drops
Hi Jackie great blend! There’s not a lot of difference in these oils but mandarin is a bit deeper and heavier than orange. Orange is sweet innocent and light and mandarin is a bit more grown up, relating to lower chakras. Tangerine is similar to orange and blood orange is also similar to orange. Does that make sense? Thanks again x
Dear Suzanne,
My first little bottle of Mandarin ariived today. It’s much different from the Oranges and Tangerines. It reminds of the taste of a Kumquat, orangey with a bitter-sour edge that is rather sophisticated. Marvelous! Going to start at the top and blend it with Cedarwood Virginia (one of my favorites) for a little communion and add a drop of Rose for love.
Love to you in the Land O’ Oz,
Jackie
Brilliant blends Jackie! Bon chance!
Oo, sounds marvelous! (May have to order it; don’t think I’ve seen it in the shops.) I’m wearing a necklace of fired red agate these days that also corresponds with the lower three chakras: building strength and creativity.