Aromatherapy Thursday - Clary Sage

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I know it seems my memory may be slipping because I just did Sage last week but there are several different kinds of Sage and Sage essential oil.  Clary Sage is completely different and has a completely different process to producing it.

These wonderful Clary Sage seeds can be purchased from ETSY shop GranMarysHerbGarden
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/GranMarysHerbGarden?ref=seller_info

The Sage we talked about last week was the kind that you could use to season a chicken or burn to smudge.  Clary Sage is a different plant all together; its leaves are not fuzzy like the other, it has thinner leaves (not as fleshy,) it is a more true green and has a more angular (has points) leaf than the other Sage.  Clary Sage essential oil is distilled from the flowers the plant produces rather than the leaves as with the other Sage.

Clary Sage has many useful properties and can often be found in cosmetics because of its tonic and astringent action.  It is mainly used as an ingredient in cosmetics that are for sensitive and dry skin.    It is also used as a main ingredient of lavender toilet water and Eau de Cologne. 

Because of its known cooling effect on the skin and has been used to help relieve fever symptoms.  It can be used as a soothing eye compress simply by soaking a clean washcloth with clean potable warm water that has 3 - 5 drops of Clary Sage essential oil mixed into the water well.  Ring out the cloth so it is not dripping and lay across your closed eyes why you are lying on your back.  Note:  While this has been a traditional use of Clary Sage I am not a medical professional and this is just to help with tired eyes not treat medical conditions. 

Clary Sage also has many useful properties used in aromatherapy.  It is considered to be soothing and calming, uplifting and relaxing at the same time.  It may help provide relief in those moments of stress and nervousness.  Here are some products that I found that use Clary Sage as an ingredient.  Enjoy!


Please Note that prior to using any herbal or natural treatment you should always first consult your physician.  You should also check for allergies prior to use because each individual is different and you may find that you do have allergies.   

Aromatherapy Thursday - Sage

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Many people will think of Sage only during cooking but it not only does it work well to season meats it has deep spiritual meaning, many medical purposes, cosmetic properties and is used in aromatherapy. 

Don't have garden space?  You can get some fresh sage from ETSY shop Sweet Finds 2012 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetFinds2012?ref=seller_info

Sage is a very pretty plant when it is dried and combined into potpourris, posies and other dried arrangements.   While the leaves are hardy and hold its shape well when mixed with other herbs in natural craft, they are a delicate silver - minty shade of green that adds a delicate touch.  The leaves of the sage plant is used to created the essential oil.  Unlike some other plants the leaves are first dried before the distillation process, making the true essential oil slightly more expensive than others.

This wonderful dried White Sage can be found in ETSY shop White Magic at http://www.etsy.com/people/whitemagic?ref=ls_profile

One very  use is to bundle dried or fresh sage into a smudge stick, an Native American tradition used to cleanse rooms of negative energy and to purify the space along with the persons inhabiting the area.  Making your own smudge stick is as easy and I found a very quick video on Utube that describes a quick and easy way to make one.  If possible use red hemp or cotton as it is the traditional color of the binding.


In the holistic world, Sage, is know for its nervine and antiseptic properties.  It has been used in salves and rubs to help relieve some of the painful symptoms of rheumatism.  Topically it is also known to be used to cleanse and help heal skin conditions.  Cosmetically it has been used in gargles and deodorants to combat offensive odors. 

Using sage in aromatherapy is shown to aid in relieving nervous tension.  Sage oil is very relaxing and can be added with other essential oils such as lavender to create a nice soothing atmosphere.   Here are some products that are already made for you from my favorite ETSY shops.


As with all aromatherapy and natural products it should always be discussed with your physician prior to use and Sage should not be used as a therapy for pregnant women.  Please always make sure you are not allergic to any products or herbs prior to use.