Sage (organic)

Sage and clary sage are often treated as variations on one oil. They are separate species with almost opposite chemistry. Salvia officinalis is ketone-rich and handled with caution. Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea (No. 2665), is led by linalyl acetate and linalool.

01 · Origin

Common or Dalmatian sage is a woody, grey-leaved shrub of the Lamiaceae, native to the northern Mediterranean and long grown as a culinary and garden herb. This oil is distilled in Spain from the flowering plant under certified organic cultivation. Sage Triloba, Salvia triloba (No. 2635), gives a cineole-led comparison.

02 · Chemistry

Alpha- and beta-thujone lead, with camphor, also called borneone, close behind. 1,8-cineole and camphene complete the main fraction. The combined ketone content defines the oil and is the reason it is used in small proportion and at low dilution.

03 · In Practice

Warm, herbaceous and camphoraceous, sharp at the top with a dry, slightly spicy body. A middle note, used sparingly in herbal and fougère accords. Massage blends at low concentration, diffusion in combination and olfactory study of the ketone oils. Blends with lavender, rosemary, lemon, bergamot, juniper, cedarwood and pine.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.