Derived from a “perennial shrub” is an essential oil known as Sage oil. This oil has been extracted from a small plant referred to as “garden sage” belonging to the “Salvia officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant using the “steam distillation” process. In addition, this oil is commonly used as a “skin care” product. It is also used in the extensively in the manufacturing of cosmetics.
A. Chemical constituents of Sage Oil:
This oil is extracted from a small plant known as “garden sage” belonging to the “Salvia officinalis” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil mainly comprises of organic compounds such as Aesculetinen, Alpha Humulene, Alpha Thujene, Alpha Thujone, Alpha Terpineol, Alpha Terpenines, Alpha Pinene, Alpha Maaliene, Aromadendrene, Beta Pinene, Beta Copaene, Beta Thujone, Borneol, Camphor, Cineole, Caryophyllene Oxide, Camphene, Delta Cadinenes, Linalool, Limonene, Myrcene, Ocimenes, Octenol, Paracymene, Para Cymenol, Salviol, Terpinenol, Thujanol and Terpinolene.
B. The uses and benefits of Sage Oil:
There are a number of benefits with regards to health that one can gain by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antifungal:
This oil when used exhibits an “antifungal” property and helps in suppressing fungal infections.
2. Antimicrobial:
This oil also possesses an “antimicrobial” property, and hence when used this oil helps in preventing infections by destroying disease causing microbes.
3. Antibacterial:
This oil also helps in preventing bacterial infections when used by destroying disease causing bacteria, and thereby serving as an antibacterial.
4. Antiseptic:
This oil is also an “antiseptic” by nature, and hence when used helps in the treatment of wounds by destroying the growth of disease causing microbes.
5. Anti-inflammatory:
This oil when used exhibits an “anti-inflammatory” property, and so helps in suppressing inflammation and swelling.
C. The adverse effects of Sage Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may arise on using this essential oil. They are as follows:
- This use of this oil could severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
- Since this oil is a nerve stimulant it may severely affect individuals suffering from hysteria or epileptic seizures, and hence must be used with care.