Learning about essential oils can be confusing, especially when oils have similar names. Take Clary Sage and Sage Dalmatian, for example. Both oils have common names and botanical names that seem alike. But are they interchangeable, or are their similarities only in name?

In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between Clary Sage essential oil and Sage Dalmatian essential oil. We'll break down their top benefits, unique aromas, and essential safety information. Read on to discover the key distinctions and uses of these two herbaceous oils, and find out how each can fit into your essential oil collection.

Is There A Difference Between Sage Essential Oils?

When it comes to aromatherapy, Sage and Clary Sage are popular choices, but what do most people really know about them? For starters, many are aware that Sage is an edible herb commonly used in cooking and smudging rituals. In contrast, Clary Sage is a comparatively lesser-known herb in American culture. It is also edible and has been used as a natural medicine since antiquity.

Fast forward to today, how do we commonly use these herbal oils, and how do they compare? Let’s dive in. 

Sage- Dalmatian Essential Oil Benefits & Aroma

Origin: Greece

Properties:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Digestive aid
• Reduces the appearance of cellulite
• Supports hair growth
• Reduces overactive sweat glands

Aroma: Sage is herbaceous, sweet, and slightly camphorous, true to the herb used in cooking and smudging. It blends well with Cardamom and other spices, as well as with light florals like Lavender.

Featured In: 

• Cellulite blend
• Forgiveness & Healing blend
• This Smells Amazing blend

What is Sage Dalmatian essential oil used for? Steam distilled Sage essential oil makes an excellent addition to shampoo or preparations with carrier oils for sore muscles, aching stomach, and cellulite. It’s also a highly effective addition to DIY home cleaners and sprays. Diffuse Sage for a fresh aroma.

What does Sage Dalmatian do to the brain? Sage oil’s grounding aroma helps promote peace, calm, and groundedness. 

Safety: Due to the presence of thujone, it is not recommended to exceed a 0.4% dilution of Sage to avoid skin irritation. Due to its potency, it is better to keep the dilution of Sage low and combine it with other skin-nourishing oils to boost its therapeutic properties. 

Who shouldn't use Sage? It is not recommended for use on or around children and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.[2]

Clary Sage Essential Oil Benefits & Aroma

In the wild, the Clary Sage plant (Salvia sclarea) offers a periwinkle hue that’s both striking and inviting. Yet its benefits extend beyond simple aesthetics. A flowering herb native to the Mediterranean Basin, Clary Sage has historically been extracted from leaves and buds as a remedy for a number of symptoms. As a bonus, it offers a refreshing aroma that we think you’ll love too.

Origin: France

Properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Digestive aid
• PMS and menopausal symptoms
• Emotional balance and sleep support
• Respiratory
• Restores skin

Aroma: Clary Sage essential oil is sweet, herbaceous, clean, and likened to Earl Grey tea. With its softly floral, grape-like aroma, it is ideal for elegant perfumery. For a balanced blend, combine Clary Sage with florals and citrus oils.

Featured In: 

• Gal Pal blend
• Love blend
• Stop Cramps Period blend

What is Clary Sage essential oil used for? With a significant amount of linalyl acetate, Clary Sage oil works well when applied topically for oily skin care, stomach aches, and cramps. Use in a diffuser or inhale directly to ease respiratory ailments, mood swings, or insomnia.[3] Women are treated especially well by Clary Sage, so turn to this oil for any side effects associated with your period, PMS, hot flashes, or menopause. 

What does smelling Clary Sage do? Clary Sage helps to alleviate stress and focus the mind. 

Safety: Clary Sage is generally considered safe for use with all healthy individuals. A 1% dilution is recommended for topical use on children 2+. 

Who shouldn't use Clary Sage? Some have proposed that Clary Sage oil is estrogenic, though we’ve found that there is currently little evidence of this.

Bottom Line

Sage and Clary Sage essential oils each have unique constituents, therapeutic properties, and aromas. These significant differences mean they cannot be substituted for one another in recipes or usage. Each oil has its own therapeutic strengths and should be used accordingly, with safety in mind. Whether you're seeking the purifying benefits of Sage essential oil or the calming, stress-relieving properties of Clary Sage essential oil, understanding their distinct characteristics will help you make informed choices in your aromatherapy practice.[4]

SOURCES:

1. The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Based on the Volatile Constituents. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622382/
2. Dalmatian Sage Essential Oil Uses and Benefits. https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/dalmatian-sage-oil.asp
3. Clary Sage Essential Oil. https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/clary-sage-essential-oil.php
4. Garden sage or clary sage? Which should I use? https://www.everygreenherb.com/sage.html