The miracle of Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Distilled from the flowering herb, Sage has long been seen as a miracle plant. The word ‘Salvare’ means to heal, to save and was used frequently by the Romans and throughout the middle age as a nerve tonic relieving nervousness, tension, stress as well as aiding concentration. It is rich in keytones therefore should be used with caution as it can accumulate or build up within the body and so should be used in very small amounts.

Having said that, it has excellent therapeutic benefits. For example, it is clarifying which can positively impact unbalanced or infrequent menstruation periods as it stimulates hormones and can clear a ‘menstrual obstruction’. It relieves other PMS symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, mood swings and depression. Other therapeutic benefits include anti inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant (clearing out sinuses, fevers, flu) and anti spasmodic relieving coughing and cramps. It soothes and calms digestion helping neutralise acids in the stomach and bloodstream, relieving hiccups and colic.

A top note oil, Sage has a spicy, warm and minty aroma. I like to use it in my skin care routine diluted in a moisturiser (1% blend) as its antioxidant properties are known to aid the regeneration of skin cells. As we age, our skin becomes wrinkled and can loose it’s shape. Sage can support us here – maybe not provide a miracle – but its therapeutic actions can support this inevitable and perfectly natural process – beautifully.

Seek advice from a qualified Aromatherapist when using essential oils. It is not recommended for children, or used during pregnancy as it can activate menstruation. Avoid using if you suffer from epilepsy.

Ginger Zinger!

Mmmmm! Smells so good!

In my last post I talked about oils to lift your mood and one oil that does that for me is Ginger whose Latin name – Zingiber officinale – reflects it’s zinging therapeutic properties! This pungent, warm spicy oil is perfect for this time of year and I can’t promote it enough, not just as an essential oil but as food too.

Firstly, it’s spicy fragrance gives us that well needed lift of motivation, boosting will power and clearing your mind. Feeling apathetic? A sniff of Ginger will help fight lethargy and warm your nostrils.

Second, it stimulates your circulation too, warming cold hands and feet. It is a detoxifying oil, great for colds and flu so works well in a foot bath. Add up to 8 drops in a bowl and sink your feet into spicy, warm bliss.  

Third, it helps joint pain such as arthritis, stiffness, muscular pain so wonderful in a warm, cleansing massage.

Finally, is good for your gut. It can settle your stomach but also stimulate an appetite. It’s wonderfully versatile. It can help with nausea, IBS, colic, motion sickness so works well in a rollerball for pulse points.

Our gut harbours trillions of microorganisms which play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and combatting inflammation. I always have the food – ginger – in the fridge and often grate it on stir fries, or use it to marinade tofu or fish, or add it to spicy dahl. It is full of antioxidants similar to fermented foods which can have a positive impact upon gut health from olives in brine to yogurt to wine!

A good way to get ginger into your body as well as using essential oils externally (never ingest essential oils – eating the ginger root is ok, ingesting essential oils is not recommended) is to make a ginger bug. This is fermented ginger so you have the fantastic naturally occurring goodness of ginger and then your ferment it on top to make it a super-super food!

Ginger bug can be used as a base for all sorts of recipes. Here is a recipe for Ginger bug as a base for ginger beer. Or if you haven’t time to make a ginger bug recipe, here is a recipe for ginger beer (without the bug).

So, get Gingering whether it be a foot bath, a rollerball, a deep inhale from the essential oil bottle, or a recipe to warm your bones, lift your mood and prepare you for the winter months ahead.   

Remember: do not use Ginger neat on the skin, if you’re on immuno-stimulant medication, or pregnant. Never ingest essential oils.