Botanical Brilliance: The Benefits of Sage for Hair

Summary of Benefits of Sage For Hair

• Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
• Good Source of Phytonutrients Proven Beneficial For Hair And Scalp
• Improved Blood Circulation in Scalp, Better Irrigation Better Plants
• Natural DHT Blocker
• Combat Dandruff with Anti-Inflammatory and Astringent Properties
• Possible Hair Darkening Effect
• Hair Texture and Diameter Promoting

Have some Sage fun. Read on for details on Sage and great recipes for teas, hair rinses and cocktails. 

Introduction

Name

SAGE //  Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis

Genus: Salvia / Latin: Salvare = To Heal / 900 shrub like species belonging to mint family

Historical Uses

Prior to its use as a culinary item, it was used for its medicinal properties. Records show use of this ancient herb for medicinal reasons dates back to 1500 BC where it was used as a remedy for itching.

In 500 BC followers of Hippocrates commented on its ability to coagulate blood and effects on menstruation.

In the Middle ages its Tea was used for nervous system, digestive, respiratory and metabolic ailments. Further, it was used to treat circulatory disorders such as angina. Its effects were so popular that significant trade developed around its tea. This ultimately led to the dissemination of the tea and its benefits to Chinese culture where it was later used as an antispasmodic and antiseptic.

Modern Day Use

Recent studies demonstrate promise in the following areas of research:

• Sage benefits for hair follicles and hair care,
• Brain function in dementia,
• Hot flashes,
• Blood sugar control in diabetes,
• Lipid control and insulin sensitivity,
• Wound healing, and
• Oral health.

What Are The Benefits of Sage For Hair?

Benefits of sage for hair include promoting new hair growth, preventing dandruff, and enhancing shine. This botanical serves therapeutic roles for hair and scalp. Its natural properties help balance scalp oils while improving hair texture. This nutrient packed botanical also contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, contributing to healthier locks overall.  

Antioxidants Are Good For The Hair And Scalp

This herb functions as a potent antioxidant. One tablespoon has 43% of the daily recommended vitamin K needs. It has also been shown to provide substantial amounts of Vitamin A, Calcium, Folate, Iron, B vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Phytonutrient Profile:

Scientific name of major functional ingredients in Sage and their benefits.

Camphor

• Smooths follicle shaft and decreases frizz
• Prevents itchiness
• Prevents dandruff
• Antibacterial properties
• Improves circulation in the scalp

• Scalp health 
• Anti-inflammatory 
• Potent Antioxidant
• Antimicrobial effects
• Clinically used in rhinosinusitis, COPD, asthma and bronchitis
• Modulator of signaling pathways

Borneol

• Permeation enhancer
• Analgesic
• Anti carcinogenic effects

Alpha/Beta Thujone

• Skin regeneration and wound healing
• Promotes healthy hair growth and healthy strands by inducing anagen phase in hair growth cycle
• Serves as antioxidant

Linalool

• Natural sedative
• Muscle relaxer
• Sleep enhancer
• Anti anxiety and depression
• Stimulates scalp and produces improved blood circulation

Ursolic Acid

• Found to have anticancer effects
• Found to possibly suppress metastasis to lung for metastatic melanoma
• Anti-Oxidant
• Modulates 5-alpha reductase activity for hair growth

Rosmarinic Acid

• Effective in Alzheimers
• Neuroprotective
• Anti-apoptotic
• Antioxidant

Ethanolic Acid

• Effective in mild to moderate Alzheimers disease

Recipes

Sage Tea:

Bring one kettle to boil, amount of water up to you. Add 2-4 stalks of fresh garden sage (aka common sage)  depending on how much water you put in and desired strength. Turn off and allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. 

Herbal Hair Rinse:

Work your way towards healthy hair by nourishing your follicles and your scalp by making this Sage tea scalp herbal rinse. Alternatively, make this botanical hair and scalp therapy from an essential oil.  Apply to scalp to lock-in moisture and shine. 

How To Prepare Sage Oil:

To prepare sage oil for botanical hair and scalp therapy, combine equal amounts of rosemary essential oil and sage essential oil (Sage leaf extract) with a carrier oil like jojoba oil. Mix well and apply the blend to your scalp, gently massaging for improved absorption. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out with a mild shampoo. This potent botanical mixture can help nourish follicles, promote circulation for a healthy scalp, and support follicular growth. It's a simple yet effective way to harness the benefits of sage for hair. 

Safety first! 

It is important to follow safety guidelines and best practices when using any product or herb to avoid potential side effects. Here are some tips to ensure safe and effective use:

1. Patch Test: Before using sage oil or any herb-infused products on your hair, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritations. Apply a small amount of the product and wait for 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.
2. Safe Application: Dilute sage essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to your scalp. This helps prevent skin irritation and ensures safe application. Use a dropper to measure the amount of essential oil needed and mix it thoroughly with the carrier oil.
3. Quality Products: Ensure that you are using high-quality products from reputable sources. Look for products that contain pure sage oil or sage extracts and do not contain any harmful additives or chemicals. Check the ingredient list and choose products that are free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.

Add Luster To Your Hair With Sage

Origenere Naturale Line For Thinning Hair 

Sage Cocktail:

Sage infused Syrup:

Add one cup of water to one cup sugar to a sauce pan-> Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved -> turn off heat and add cup of fresh sage leaves (10 leaves)-> allow to steep for 10 minutes -> Remove herb. 

Cocktail:

Get rocks glass fill with ice -> add 1-2 oz bourbon + syrup + 2 splashes of lime juice

Cheers to your shiny botanical enhanced hair! 

     Social Links To Article

In Botanical Brilliance we review different natural botanical ingredients, their history and potential uses and benefits. Current articles include:

• A Physician's Review of The Benefits of Sage for Hair
• A Physcian's Review of Saw Palmetto and The Use in Hair Loss
• A Physician's Review of Turmeric 
• Ashwagandha Hair Benefits: An In-depth Expert Review
• Hair Benefits of Peppermint Oil
• Aloe Benefits for Hair: A Physician's Review
• Rosemary Phytochemicals for Hair Health: A Physician's Review
• Benefits Of Olive Leaf For Hair And Skin

Sources:

Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb;28(1):53-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00463.x. PMID: 12605619.

Hamidpour M, Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Shahlari M. Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Apr;4(2):82-8. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.130373. PMID: 24860730; PMCID: PMC4003706.

Moss L, Rouse M, Wesens K, Moss M. Differential effects of the aromas of Salvia species on memory and mood. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010;25:388–96. PMID: 20589925

Ghorbani A, Esmaeilizadeh M. Pharmacological properties of Salvia officinalis and its components. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017 Jan 13;7(4):433-440. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.12.014. PMID: 29034191; PMCID: PMC5634728.