Sage Oils

There are many Essential oils with name of Sage. For example, Sage Oil, Clary Sage Oil. What are the major differences in composition and applications of both ?

As regards aromatherapy applications we know that Clary Sage blends well with Bergamot and Sandalwood to relax the mind and body and inspire confidence. You wont go far wrong with a blend containing these!

A common application of Sage oils properties in combination of those of Fennel Juniper Patchouli and Rosemary is in a massage blend for the treatment of cellulite.

Sage oil though very useful in professional hands as a minor part of a blend (useful also as an antifungal for a persistent infection and for its hormonal regulating properties for a relentlessly oily skin) should not be commonly used by the untrained. The composition of Sage oil can vary widely. As regards composition Thujone 22-38%, Camphor 2-24% and Cineole 5-18% should be raising red flags with everyone. So useful but a little goes a very long way.

By contrast Clary Sage has a typical composition of 35-45% linalyl acteate and Linalol 10-22% - sounds similar to a lavender doesnt it (typically 35-35% linalyl acetate and linalol 14-22%)

For this reason a dash of Clary Sage can give authenticity to the aroma of a mix of synthetically produced Linalyl acetate and Linalol.

We then look to the more minor alcohols to distinguish the oils of Clary Sage and Lavender in aroma. Sclareol in Clary Sage is 2-5%. Isolated from the concrete is it possible to arrive at an ambergis substitute.

The name of Clary Sage in German is Muskateller Salbeiol which speaks of its addition to alcoholic drinks. Robert Tisserand has a useful post "Is Clary Sage oil estrogenic" for those interested in the oils possible hormonal effects recorded in the aroma literature.

So in summary Clary Sage is there in Box One with the 48 commonly used oils and Sage is there in Box Two when you need to fight the foe!

1. http://roberttisserand.com/2010/04/is-clary-sage-oil-estrogenic/

2.  http://www.leffingwell.com/download/CLARY%20SAGE%20PRODUCTION%20IN%20THE%20SOUTHEASTERN%20UNITED%20STATES.pdf