Skin Benefit
Antioxidant and astringent; refines pores, tempers oil, calms irritation.
Spiritual Benefit
Used in Mediterranean and Indigenous American skin and hair washes; valued for clarifying oily complexion and reactive scalp.
The record
In use for 2,000+ years
Origin
The dry hillsides of the Mediterranean.
Harvested
Leaves are picked before flowering and dried in shade.
Cultural impact
The Romans called it salvia, from the word for saving, and harvested it in ceremony. Medieval Europe asked why any man should die who grows sage in his garden.
Traditional use
Rubbed on teeth and skin, steeped into washes, and burned or strewn to clean the air of rooms.
