This or That: Clary Sage vs Sage
In the essential oil world, we can see how things might get confusing. You may find yourself searching for a particular kind of oil and find two or more that share the same name. Take Clary Sage and Sage for example. How different could they be? Though they share the Latin name Salvia, it turns out they are quite different.
Sage, or Common Sage, is a potent essential oil composed primarily of ketones, while Clary Sage is mostly composed of esters. Let’s examine what this means and how this makes them so different.
Sage
Origin: Greece
Properties:
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Digestive aid
Cellulite
Supports hair growth
Reduces overactive sweat glands
Aroma: Sage is herbaceous, sweet and slightly camphorous, true to the herb used in cooking and burning. It blends well with Cardamom and other spices, as well as with light florals like Lavender.
Uses/Considerations: Sage essential oil makes an excellent addition to shampoo or mixes with carrier oils for sore muscles, aching stomach, and cellulite. It’s also a highly effective addition to DIY home cleaners and sprays. Diffuse Sage for a fall aroma.
Due to the presence of thujone, it is not recommended to exceed a 0.4% dilution of Sage on the skin. Due to its potency, it is better to keep the dilution of Sage low and combine it with other oils for skin applications to boost its therapeutic properties. It is not recommended for use on or around children and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Clary Sage
Origin: Russia
Properties:
Anti-inflammatory
Digestive aid
PMS and menopausal symptoms
Emotional balance and sleep support
Respiratory
Restore skin
Aroma: Clary Sage is sweet, herbaceous, clean, and likened to earl grey tea. With its softly floral, grape-like aroma, it is ideal for elegant perfumes.
Uses/Considerations: Clary Sage works well when applied topically for skincare, stomach aches, and cramps. Diffuse or inhale to ease respiratory ailments, mood swings, or insomnia. Women are treated especially well by Clary Sage, so turn to this oil for any side effects associated with your period, PMS, or menopause.
Caution is recommended for pregnancy as the constituents therein may encourage contractions. If turning to Clary Sage during pregnancy or labor, make sure to consult with your physician to determine safety.
Bottom Line
Sage and Clary Sage each have varying constituents, therapeutic properties and aromas. These large differences mean they cannot be substituted for one another in recipes and usage. Each oil has its therapeutic strengths, and should thus be used accordingly with safety in mind.
About the Author, Jenna Jones
Jenna Jones is the Chief Marketing Officer of Edens Garden. Jenna’s background in journalism led her to investigate the world of essential oils, and what she discovered inspired her. She joined the team in 2016, spurring Edens Garden into a leading source for aromatherapy education.
This article was reviewed by our Lead Aromatherapist,
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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3 comments
Rosanne Ginsburg
Is there a difference between clary sage oil and clary sage essential oil. I bought some clary sage oil for my hair but it does not say that it is an essential oil so I’m not sure if they are different. Can you comment
cass
Clary Sage is safe for an epileptic but Sage is not. I, myself, have epilepsy and have been told this myself by my three doctors, including the one who has done my brain surgery.
Edens Garden
November 30, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Hi Rosanne! We would need to know the ingredients of the oil you purchased.