SAGE, MAGICIAN OR HEALER?

By Creezy Courtoy, Perfume Historian and Anthropologist

Sage is utilized in perfumes for its aromatic and earthy qualities. It can add depth and complexity to fragrance compositions. Sage is often used in both men's and women's fragrances and is appreciated for its fresh, herbal notes.
Sage is also added in food, infused in tea or burned as incense without realizing that it has long been considered sacred and a holder of true magical powers. Druids attributed to it the ability to resurrect the dead. As for Native Americans, they burned its branches to purify the soul. Nowadays, some shamans continue to use it before a ceremony to rid themselves of distracting thoughts. Sage's powers have been recognized worldwide for centuries.

In Egypt, it is said that after a violent epidemic of plague, it stimulated the fertility of the survivors to repopulate the decimated city. It is also said to have protected four bandits who robbed the victims of the great epidemics. Upon their arrest, they confessed to coating themselves with a vinegar made from sage before each crime to avoid contagion. You still can purchase this vinegar today: it is the 4 Thieves Vinegar.
In Europe, people did not hesitate to throw sage onto the witch's pyre or to use it to chase away demons. And even today, some people burn it to purify a place.
So, is sage a bit of a magician? Perhaps, but you will see that it is also a healer recognized by the scientific community.
In a competition with six other aromatic herbs in a study from the University of Rome, sage won the title of the "most antioxidant" plant. It easily surpassed the antioxidant champions like basil, parsley, and rosemary. Its virtues are now validated by numerous scientific studies. Its content of rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary) makes it an excellent tonic and stimulant. It is therefore recommended for digestive disorders. It stimulates the liver, stomach, and intestines. It soothes pain and nausea. Traditionally, a leaf of sage was chewed after heavy meals to aid digestion.

Sage is also considered as woman's best friend.
If you are having trouble recovering from a long illness, sage can help you get back on your feet. It is highly recommended in cases of severe nervous fatigue and effectively relieves many symptoms such as weakness, depression, or loss of appetite. A study has also shown that sage boosts cognitive abilities and reduces anxiety in stressed individuals. It may even have a positive effect on the mood and memory of people with Alzheimer’s. Thus, when symptoms are moderate, taking 60 drops of sage in alcoholic extract daily for 4 months would significantly improve test results.
Sage likes to take care of everyone, but it is particularly attentive to women. Thanks to its estrogenic action, it alleviates hormonal disorders, especially during menopause. It helps the body adapt to change and reduces hot flashes, depression, or dizziness. For women of childbearing age, sage would stimulate fertility and the onset of menstruation in cases of amenorrhea. It is also used in late pregnancy to promote the onset of labor by decreasing progesterone levels. However, it is better to avoid it if you wish to breastfeed, as it decreases milk production. It is also not recommended in cases of hyperestrogenism.

Who has sage in their garden?
The Provençals would not deny the healing virtues of sage, nor its excellent ability to season dishes. They even have a saying dedicated to it: "He who has sage in his garden needs no doctor!"

Here are 6 ways to enjoy the benefits of sage:
In food: it matches perfectly with fish or pasta
In infusion: Let 15 to 20 g of leaves per liter (5 or 6 leaves per cup) steep for 10 minutes. Drink a cup after each meal and one before bed to combat night sweats. 
In decoction: Put 100 g of the plant per liter of water, boil for 5 minutes, then let steep for 10 minutes. You can then use it as a topical application for ulcers and other skin issues. 
In bath: Prepare sage in decoction, then pour the preparation into bathwater to combat rheumatic pain.
In incense: "When burning White Sage incense, negative ions are released into the air and letting positive moods in us." Vennie Chou (Teacher at the Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy)

In natural perfumes (perfumotherapy):  find hereby several perfumes composed with sauge.

CedarTé by Porcelaine Perfumery https://porcelainperfumery.com/collections/cedarte

Chaparral by Illuminated Perfume
https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/products/chaparral-natural-solid-perfume

​B is for Bison by Illuminated Perfume
https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/products/b-for-bison-solid-perfume-in-glass-jar

​Agarita by Scents of the Texas Hill Country
https://scentsofthetexashillcountry.com/shop/ols/products/texas-tubing

Cypress Mill by Scents of the Texas Hill Country
https://scentsofthetexashillcountry.com/shop/ols/products/willow-city-loop

Willow City Loop by Scents of the Texas Hill Country
https://scentsofthetexashillcountry.com/shop/ols/products/el-humo-in-luckenbach/v/WC-LOOP3

Soothing Jasmine by AES Creation Naturel
ÆS Création Naturel - Wellness Line  - Soothing Jasmine (has Clary Sage) Oil perfume fragrance in roll-on with Jojoba Oil Carrier.

All these brands belongs to certified natural perfumers following the New Luxury Code and the IPF Standards for Natural Perfumery.