Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean region. Its soothing scent makes it a commonly used plant in aromatherapy.

Since ancient times, sage has been praised as a "holy herb," used to ward off evil and snakebites and increase fertility. Theophrastus wrote about two different sages - sphakos and elelisphakos - and later Pliny the Elder said the latter was the true sage known as salvia by the Romans. He explained its uses as a diuretic, local anesthetic, and a styptic.

Later in the early Middle Ages, Charlemagne recommended the plant for cultivation, and it grew wildly in the monastery gardens. Its reputation as a powerful plant remained throughout the Middle Ages, with some even calling it S. salvatrix, meaning sage the savior. Le Menagier de Paris recommended it for washing hands at table, and its culinary applications became more widespread, too; sage soup was a favorite of the time.

In John Gerard's 1597 Herball, he wrote that sage "is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members."

And so it was. Like countless other herbs, sage secured its position as a panacea, used to treat, well, everything. In 1753, Swedish botanist Carl Linneaeus officially listed the herb in his writings, formalizing what was already well-known: sage had the capacity to heal.

Fast forward to today and we know sage for its frequent appearance on our Thanksgiving tables, showing up in sweet potato and stuffing dishes. In France and English, sage sauce is a popular side, while Italians like it best in saltimboca. For centuries now, the British have considered sage an essential herb alongside parsley, rosemary, and thyme, a list of ingredients that inspired Simon and Garfunkel to write an album by the same name in 1966.

Sage essential oil, which contains cineole, borneol, and thujone, is prized for its soothing scent. At AMASS, we use the botanical in our Basilisk Breath and Forest Bath scents to lend a clean, herbaceous aroma.