alpha aromatics®Discover the fragrant history of sage, the three key sage variations used within perfumery and how the fragrance of sage can add a renewed, aromatic and spicy sense of energy to your scented product or product line!
A Brief Overview Of Sage
Sage is an herb with a long and colorful history that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of the world.
It is a member of the mint family, as are rosemary, oregano, thyme, lavender and basil.
Known as Salvia Officianalis, this name derives from the Latin verb, salvere, meaning to save.
Offciianalis is a old reference to a herb store or pharmacy’ known for both its medicinal and culinary uses for centuries past, among the world’s perfume masters, sage is added to both men’s and women’s fragrances because it adds a touch of renewed energy to everything it comes in contact with.
Sage’s history is enmeshed with its medicinal and culinary properties down through the centuries.
It was a well-loved, well-used herb for many ailments before the age of modern medicine. Egyptians used sage as a remedy for infertility.
At one time in history, the French became known for their bountiful crops of sage, which were used to make tea.
The Chinese loved it and traded four pounds of their tea for every one pound of the sage variety.
They also used sage to treat colds, joint pain, kidney and liver conditions.
During the Middle Ages, monks were known to grow 16 herbs that they used in the monasteries to treat various conditions.
Sage was integral to the preparation of the drugs t they used to combat illness at that time.
The Three Variations Of Sage Used In Perfumery
Sage brings an aromatic, woody and spicy facet to perfumes and is often used in fragrances for men.
There are more than 900 variations of sage, but there are basically just three that are used in the many perfume formulations we develop for our clientele; namely, clary sage, white sage and bergamot sage.
More on each follows below —
White Sage
White sage is a mood enhancer that aids in relaxation and is known to improve memory loss.
t is also earthy, bright and cleansing, and pairs well with other herbs like lemongrass, lavender and florals.
Dry white sage leaves are often ground up and smoked, and even turned into incense.
Clary Sage
The herbal qualities of clary sage are blended with sweeter, musky properties, which render an aroma that is tranquil, mellow and calming.
In perfumery and personal care products, clary age is a favorite because it allows a fragrance to linger longer.
The oil found in clary sage has a herby, sweet smell and is often found in unisex perfumes.
Bergamot Sage
Bergamot sage is slightly sweeter than other sages and very popular in candles and personal care products.
The fragrance is known for its ability to reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety.
A Few Interesting Facts About The Fragrance Of Sage
Sage Was Considered An Herb Bringing Health Wisdom
In medieval Europe, sage was thought to strengthen the memory and promote wisdom.
It was often used to prepare people for ceremonies and instructive lessons.
Sage is Believed To Have Saved The Lives of The Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus
While seeking refuge from the wrath of King Herod, it is believed that the Virgin Mary escaped his approaching soldiers with her newborn by hiding in a shrub of sage that hid them from view.
Charlemagne Ordered Sage To Be Planted on German imperial Farms
In 812 AD, the Holy Roman Emperor realized the importance of sage in the tea trade as well as its popular use in the medicines of the day.
From 742 AD to 814 AD, he ran a reputable medical school in Salerno in which sage was one of 100 plants grown on the property.
It was said that he appreciated sage most of all.
In Ancient Times, Sage Was Used To Ward Off Evil Spirits
Native Americans from the Lakota, Cheyenne and Navaho tribes considered sage to be sacred and they burned it in special ceremonies to ward off evil spirits.
Sage Is Said To Remove Negative Energy
Native Americans also made smudge sticks (bundles of dried sage) and lit them to disperse negative energy.
Ancient Romans Believed Sage Had Healing Properties
It was believed to be particularly helpful in the digestion of the fatty meats of the time, and was a part of the official Roman pharmacopeia.
The herb was used to heal ulcers, help stop the bleeding of wounds and to soothe a sore throat.
The emperor Nero’s military physician, Pedanius Dioscorides, noted that sage was one of the most appreciated and important herbs of the time.
English Herbalists Associated Sage With Prosperity
At one time it was believed that the state of sage growing in a garden determined a company’s success.
Less sage meant a failing business, while more sage promised prosperity.
Alpha Aromatics And Our Use Of Sage
A pioneer in fragrance creation and scent branding, our roots stretch back to the late 1940s and we have since been creating and producing fragrances for every industry under the sun.
Our edge over our competitors is largely due to our unique, in-house Technology Center, which boasts 85,000 square feet of space situated in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a recent expansion into a second location within the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Our team of experts are equipped with the best equipment that money can buy, including the latest in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and head space analysis.
Each day, within the halls our facility, we design, compose and mass produce unique, one of a kind fragrances that showcase modern brands and help to build consumer loyalty across a wide swath of industries, including but not limited to —
Personal care products, candles and diffusers, fragrances for home, odor neutralizers, private label brands, industrial air fresheners, household cleaning products, fine, customized perfumes and just about any other type of product that utilizes fragrance.
A Few Of Our Favored Sage Type Fragrances
Our master perfumers are often asked by clients to incorporate the fragrance of sage within the fragrances of their products or product lines.
The following represent just a few that feature the aromatic, woody scent of sage as a major component.
Honey Macadamia
This redolent formulation streams with opening aspects of complex, sugary and molasses-tinged rum, lush orange and peachy, smooth plum.
A heart note bouquet soon follows featuring green, fresh and woody lavender, soft, sensual and nutty sage and rich, creamy macadamia.
This beguiling fragrance completes with a base note of sugary, floral honeycomb and slightly sweet and earthy nectar.
Iced Mint Verbena
This invigorating fragrance streams with top notes of spicy, floral and refreshing bergamot and sharp, clean lemon.
A heart note of cool peppermint, sweet, herbal spearmint and refreshing, lemony verbena soon takes hold and ultimately melds into a final base note marked by alluring facets of elegant, rich vanilla and earthy, nutty sage.
Facial Skin Care Product Fragrances
Bamboo Grass And Ginger
Conjuring a landscape of tropical shores and swaying palm fronds, this fragrance opens with facets of sweet, fresh and complex bergamot and creamy peach.
These aspects soon drift into a redolent heart note bouquet streaming with haunting, intense jasmine, dry, green bamboo, spicy, warm and bright ginger, and floral, grassy and mild tea bud.
A base note featuring floral, peppery sage, sensual and passionate musk and dark, rich and honeyed amber completes this alluring fragrance.
Natural Coconut Sandalwood
A keenly exotic fragrance evocative of far way realms and leafy, turquoise lagoons, streams of sugary, lush and waxy pineapple, fresh, sparkling guava and sumptuous, milky coconut seamlessly fuse into a heart note marked by facets of earthy, nutty sage and sensual, musty and balsamic vetiver.
This memorable fragrance completes with a base note of buttery sandalwood and warm, dry cedar.
Fragrances For Sun Tan Products
Ruby Grapefruit Sage
Top notes bursting with citrus facets of succulent, honey-nuanced mandarin, sour sweet lemon, and uplifting and tangy grapefruit open this alluring fragrance.
Soon after, these aspects fade into a middle note featuring mellow, verdant and soothing lavender, woody, clean and sharp rosemary, sensual, nutty sage and sweet, dusty violet.
Warm, dark and rich amber dominates the final note of this delightful scent.
In Conclusion
Contact our teams today and discover how our unique fragrances and signature scents can improve your company’s traffic, brand loyalty and that all important bottom line.
Photo Credits: Pixabay
