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What are the Different Types of Sage Essential Oil?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

Sage essential oil is one of several varieties of calming essential oils. Three different types of sage essential oil blends are available. They include Common sage, Spanish sage, and Clary sage. Each has its own aromatic uses and compositions.

Common sage essential oil is scientifically known as salvia officinalis. This translates from Latin to the phrase to heal or to save. A popular cooking oil, it has been used since Roman times for its medicinal properties. Its primary uses included aiding women with menstruation, menopause, and childbirth problems. As a folk remedy, the oil has been used across the globe in many countries.

Clay sage is sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins.
Clay sage is sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins.

With its many medicinal properties, common sage is often used to treat several conditions in conjunction with other aromatherapy supplies. Some conditions that common sage oil can be used to treat include anxiety, water retention, congestion, herpes, rheumatism, and angina. The herb itself is also considered a good source of antioxidants.

Spanish sage is known as a cure-all essential oil in Spain. Scientifically known as salvia officinalis, it was once believed to be a remedy against the plague and other infections. One of several calming essential oils, Spanish sage essential oil has been used to treat depression, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, gum or skin infections, stress, headaches, asthma, hair loss, and many other conditions. People thought that using Spanish sage could bring about longevity and fertility. It was also used to combat rheumatism, menstrual problems, and digestive disorders.

Clary sage is used in aromatherapy to treat sleeplessness.
Clary sage is used in aromatherapy to treat sleeplessness.

Clary sage was typically used as a nerve tonic during the Middle Ages. Also called salvia sclarea, its scientific name comes from the Latin word clarus, meaning to clear. Clary sage gets its name for its mucus-clearing properties. The herbal remedy has also been used to help treat menstrual problems, digestive complains, uterine issues, and kidney disease. Other maladies Clary sage is used to treat in aromatherapy include postpartum depression, fatigue, varicose veins, sleeplessness, and low libido.

Sage essential oil is supposed to be calming.
Sage essential oil is supposed to be calming.

Both Spanish and Clary sage oils contain ketones, which can cause uterine muscle stimulation during pregnancy. For this reason, the oils should be avoided by women who are or may become pregnant. These types of aromatherapy oils should not be used on children, either, and they can also worsen epileptic symptoms. Aromatic types of essential oils like the variants of sage are often used for their scents. All three varieties can be used as deodorants.

Clary sage can be used in aromatherapy to treat postpartum depression.
Clary sage can be used in aromatherapy to treat postpartum depression.

Chemically composed of esters, Clary sage essential oil is considered to be notoxic. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childhood. Using the oil after drinking alcohol is also not advisable, as it can increase the symptoms of drunkenness.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for BeautyAnswered and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for BeautyAnswered and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

fancypants

I read that one reason Clary Sage is different because it has no thujone content and so side effects associated with high amounts of thujone are not a factor if you use the Clary sage variety. I just bought some regular sage extract from my organic grocery place and plan on taking a bath with a few drops in it tonight. I've been having menstrual issues and am hoping it will help.

discographer

@burcinc-- All varieties of sage essential oil are beneficial. The most popular use for all of them is for aromatherapy. I also use it for this purpose, either in a diffuser or a little bit on my forehead when I'm stressed or when I have a migraine. I do like Spanish sage the most but it is difficult to find. It's easier to find official sage and Clary sage.

I think for general benefits though, any variety can be used as long as the product is high quality, fresh and 100% essential oil without additives.

bear78

@burcinc-- I'm sure you can use it as a perfume but if you have sensitive skin, make sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil and test some on your arm. I don't know if Clary sage is better because I haven't tried the other types. But I suspect that aside from their benefits varying a little bit, their scents do too. Some people just like the scent of Clary sage better.

I add a little bit of Clary sage essential oil to my massage oil which also has other oils like coconut. It works great and smells very nice.

burcinc

I want to use sage essential oil to make my own perfume. Which type is best for this use? I'm seeing that Clary sage essential oil gets sold more than common sage essential oil. So is Clary sage better and is it okay to use it for perfume?

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    • Clay sage is sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins.
      By: roblan
      Clay sage is sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins.
    • Clary sage is used in aromatherapy to treat sleeplessness.
      By: bramgino
      Clary sage is used in aromatherapy to treat sleeplessness.
    • Sage essential oil is supposed to be calming.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Sage essential oil is supposed to be calming.
    • Clary sage can be used in aromatherapy to treat postpartum depression.
      By: Vanessa van Rensburg
      Clary sage can be used in aromatherapy to treat postpartum depression.
    • Spanish sage essential oil has been used to treat stress and headaches.
      By: berc
      Spanish sage essential oil has been used to treat stress and headaches.
    • One use for sage essential oil is to aid women with menstruation.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      One use for sage essential oil is to aid women with menstruation.