Musk sage is one of the healthiest essential oils with anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to be nerve-calming because it contains warming ingredients. This article contains information on sage oil and its health benefits.
Sage gets its name from clarus, sage is a clear Latin word. It is a perennial herb that grows from May to September and is native to the northern Mediterranean with some regions in North Africa and Central Asia. The plant reaches 4-5 feet in height and has thick square stems covered with hairs. Blooms in lilac colored bunch. The main components of sage essential oil are sclareol, alpha terpineol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, linalool, cariophylene, neryl acetate and germacren-D; It has high ester concentrations of about 72 percent.
Benefits of Sage for Our Health
Musk sage works to regulate the menstrual cycle by naturally balancing hormone levels and stimulating the opening of a blocked system. It has the power to treat PMS symptoms, including bloating, cramps, mood swings, and food cravings. This essential oil is also antispasmodic, meaning it treats spasms and related issues such as muscle cramps, headaches and abdominal pain. It does this by relaxing uncontrollable nerve impulses. An interesting study conducted at Oxford Brooks University in England analyzed the effect of aromatherapy on women during childbirth. The study was conducted over an eight-year period and included 8,058 women.
Evidence from this study suggests that aroma therapy may be effective in reducing maternal anxiety, fear, and pain during labor. Of the 10 essential oils used during childbirth, sage oil and chamomile oil are the most effective in relieving pain. Another 2012 study measured the effects of aroma therapy as a pain reliever during high school girls’ menstrual cycle. An aroma therapy massage group and an acetaminophen (pain reliever and antipyretic) group were formed, and aroma therapy massage was applied to the subjects in the treatment group. Her stomach was once massaged using almond oil-based sage, marjoram, cinnamon, ginger, and geranium oils. Menstrual pain level was evaluated after 24 hours. The results showed that the reduction in menstrual pain was significantly higher in the aromatherapy group than in the acetaminophen group.
Supports Hormonal Balance
Musk sage affects the body’s hormones because it contains natural phytoestrogens called dietary estrogens that are derived from plants and not within the endocrine system. These phytoestrogens give sage the ability to induce estrogenic effects. It regulates estrogen levels and ensures long-term health of the uterus, reducing the likelihood of uterine and ovarian cancer.
Today, many health problems such as infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome and estrogen-based cancers are caused by excessive estrogen in the body, partly due to the consumption of high estrogen foods. Sage is an incredibly effective essential oil as it helps balance these estrogen levels. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that inhaling sage oil has the ability to reduce cortisol levels by 36 percent and improve thyroid hormone levels. The study was conducted on 22 postmenopausal women in their 50s, and some were diagnosed with depression. At the end of the study, the researchers noted that sage oil had a statistically significant effect on lowering cortisol and had a mood-improving anti-depressant effect.
Relieves Insomnia
People suffering from insomnia can relax with sage oil. It is a natural sedative and gives the feeling of calm and tranquility necessary for falling asleep. When a person cannot sleep, he rests often, which negatively affects his ability to work throughout the day. Insomnia affects not only energy levels and mood, but also health, work performance and quality of life. The two main causes of insomnia are stress and hormonal changes. An all-natural essential oil can increase insomnia by alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety and balancing hormone levels.
In a published 2017 study (evidence-based, complementary, and alternative medicine), a massage oil containing lavender oil, grapefruit essential oil, and musk sage oil exerted positive effects to improve sleep quality in nurses returning night shifts.
Improves Blood Circulation
Musk sage opens blood vessels and improves blood circulation; It also naturally lowers blood pressure by relaxing the brain and arteries. This increases the performance of the metabolic system by increasing the amount of oxygen entering the muscles and supporting organ function. A study conducted at the Department of Basic Nursing Sciences of the Republic of Korea measured the ability of sage oil to lower blood pressure in women with urinary incontinence or involuntary urination. 34 women participated in the study and patients were given sage oil, lavender oil, or almond oil (for the control group); Then, after these scents were inhaled for 60 minutes, blood pressure was measured.
The results showed that the clarified oil group experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to the control and lavender oil groups, a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure compared to the lavender oil group, and a significant decrease in respiratory rate compared to the control. . The data suggest that clarifying oil inhalation may be beneficial in providing relaxation in women with urinary incontinence, particularly when undergoing assessments.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Sage oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are cardioprotective and may help lower cholesterol naturally. Fat also reduces emotional stress and improves blood circulation, which are two important factors for lowering cholesterol and supporting the cardiovascular system. In a double-blind randomized trial, 34 women participated in a controlled trial. Systolic blood pressure decreased, and diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate significantly decreased compared to the sage placebo and lavender oil groups of these participants. Participants inhale only safe essential oil, and blood pressure levels were measured 60 minutes after inhalation.
Works as a Stress Reliever
Musk sage serves as an antidepressant and one of the best natural remedies for anxiety; It increases confidence and mental strength while alleviating feelings of anxiety and failure. It also has euphoric properties that give a feeling of joy and comfort. A 2010 study in South Korea determined that sage oil could be developed as a therapeutic agent for people with depression. For the study, antidepressant properties in rats were measured by the forced swimming test; It turned out that musk oil has the strongest anti-stress effect.
Fights leukemia
A promising study conducted at the Department of Immunology at the Greek Anticancer Institute in Athens, Greece, examined the role of sclareol, a chemical compound found in sage oil, in combating leukemia. The results showed that the sclareolus can kill cell lines during the apoptosis process. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process; Research involving the role of apoptosis has increased significantly since the early 1990s. Insufficient amount of apoptosis caused uncontrolled cell proliferation like cancer.
Kills Bacteria and Infections
Musk sage prevents the growth and spread of bacterial and fungal infections; It can also stop the dangerous behavior of bacteria entering the body through water or food. These antibacterial properties protect the colon, intestines, urinary tract and excretory system. This powerful oil is also antiseptic, so when applying this essential oil to them, the wounds do not get germs. This beneficial property protects wounds, heals cuts and helps the body recover quickly.
A study published in 2018 in the journal Postepy Dermatol Alergol determined that sage oil can be used in the treatment of skin infections due to its antimicrobial properties. The results showed that the essential oil has a strong antistaphylococcal activity against clinical strains isolated from wound infections.
Improves Skin Health
Musk sage oil contains an essential ester called linalyl acetate, a naturally occurring phytochemical found in many flower and spice plants. This ester reduces skin inflammation and works as a natural remedy for rashes; It also regulates oil production in the skin. Musk sage oil works similarly to jojoba oil in this regard, so combining the two makes it an excellent skin moisturizer that will keep skin even throughout the day.
Aids Digestion
The digestive system is the foundation of health. This amazing system includes a combination of nerves, hormones, bacteria, blood and organs that work together to complete the task of digesting foods and fluids consumed daily. Although the evidence for this benefit is limited, musk sage oil has been used to increase the secretion of gastric juices and bile, which speeds up and facilitates the digestive process. It relieves indigestion symptoms and minimizes cramping, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
This powerful essential oil can also work to prevent stomach upset and helps the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals consumed throughout the day. It has been used to regulate bowel movements, relieve constipation, and help heal ulcer symptoms and wounds in the stomach.
