COMMON NAME: Sage, Dalmatian, Sage, Common Sage, Garden Sage, True Sage

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Salvia officinalis

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mediterranean

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Dalmatia, Turkey, France, Italy, Greece, China

HISTORY INFORMATION: This is truly an ancient herb. The Egyptians used it for women who were unable to bear children. The Romans called it herba sacra meaning sacred herb, and they thought it could heal everything and the Latin, salvare, means to heal or to save. In the Middle Ages, sage was used for constipation, cholera, colds, fever, liver troubles, and epilepsy. The Chinese discovered it through trade with the Europeans and they traded three times the amount of their best tea for it. Arabs use the leaves to clean and remove yellow film and stains from their teeth. The sage used in smudging ceremonies by Native Americans is the silver sage (S. alpine).

GENERAL INFORMATION: Sage is associated with wisdom and good memory. Sage is one of the essential oils that is confusing. The word dalmatian comes from dalmatia a city that used to be in Greece or Yugoslavia and is now in Croatia. This sage (s. officinallis, major) has bigger leaves, rose-violet flowers, and the most cultivated while (s. officinallis, minor) has smaller leaves with blue flowers and considered to have a finer scent. The Gritman Sage has 30% dalmatian and 70% of the minor sage. We think this oil should just be called sage because they both are (S. officinallis), but then you will think that this is a new oil and wonder where the Dalmatian went. It could mean that the sage was grown in Dalmatia or it is just the larger leaf variety. There are other species of sage used: Italian sage (S. desolleana), Greek sage (S. fruticose), Yugoslavian sage (S. decumbens) is said to be safer to use, but this is untested. If the plant is gathered after it has flowered, it tends to have more ketones (thujone) than when gathered before flowering. The later oil is considered safer. Also the chemical compostion depends on where it is grown. As a flower essence it refers to accepting that which may seem unfair and find the wisdom within all experience.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A hardy perennial herb growing to 3ft with grayish-green, hairy leaves producing rose-violet or blue flowers.

PARTS PROCESSED: Dried leaves

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic,, antiviral, aperitif, aperitive, astringent, blood purifier, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrizant, depurative, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, estrogen,, expectorant, febrifuge, healing, hemostatic, hepatic, hypertensor, insect repellent, laxative, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary, warming. Often spanish sage and clary sage are used more often in aromatherapy as they are considered safer. Use to improve circulation, improve digestion, purify, reduce stress, improve alertness, lessen aches, pains and menstrual discomfort, relax sore muscles, to strength, suppress perspiration, and suppress lactation.

MENTAL USES: I think clearly. I make wise decisions. Judgment and discernment are different. I discern wisely and reserve my judgment.

EMOTIONAL USES: Depressed, repressed or blocked emotion, grief, mentally exhausted TO relieved, clarity with more self confidence and assurance, uplifted, energized, more mentally alert.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have blocked emotions in your energy field, especially the solar plexus. You could be experiencing indigestion, elimination problems, and stomach aches. Sage clears negative emotion especially blocked emotions from the energy field. It seems to work best with the solar plexus or lower chakras. It also helps clear radiation from energy field. It is very grounding and helps you to live in an abundant world. You can manifest whatever you want.

APPLICATIONS: Air freshener, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, lotion, massage, mist spray, shampoo.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Toxic (ketones) could overwhelm central nervous system causing seizures, convulsions, cardiac crisis, avoid in pregnancy and with children.