White Sage Hydrosol

I don't imagine that many people seek out White Sage Hydrosol for its aroma as it's quite harsh and bitter. White Sage Hydrosol does not smell anything like Sage Essential Oil (Salvia officinalis or Salvia lavandulaefolia) or fresh or dried sage used for culinary applications.

Botanical Name

Salivia apiana

Aromatic Strength

Medium-Strong

Shelf Life

Up to 2 years if stored properly (refrigeration is recommended).

Reported Properties, Uses and Applications

White Sage is amongst the dried botanicals that are traditionally used by Native Americans during smudging rituals. Native Americans find that sage, when properly burned, helps to rid a space of negative energy. Native Americans tightly tie and dry sage into bundles known as smudge sticks. Though a different technique is needed to burn and keep smudge sticks burning, smudge sticks are considered a form of incense.

Little documentation is available about White Sage Hydrosol. I traditionally use the hydrosol in place of burning sage to help envision clearing negativity from my space including when I want to cleanse and purify a room.

Suzanne Catty confirms that White Sage Hydrosol is traditionally used in spiritual and ritualistic applications. She states that "the energy field of the hydrosol is unbelievable." [Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001), 126.]

Safety Information

Read AromaWeb's Hydrosol Safety Guidelines.

Helpful Sources of Information About White Sage Hydrosol

Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Author: Suzanne Catty
ISBN: 0-89281-946-4

Essential Waters: Hydrosols, Hydrolats & Aromatic Waters
Author: Marge Clark
ASIN: B00LDBDBC

The hydrosol information and safety precautions provided within this area are intended for educational purposes only. The data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.