Is Sage Oil safe during pregnancy?
Sage contains thujone. NCCIH says it may be unsafe in pregnancy; it is traditionally used to reduce milk supply.
What the sources say
NCCIH says sage may be unsafe in pregnancy because its thujone may have harmful effects, and AAD lists sage oil among essential oils to use sparingly. A 2021 review advises avoiding thujone-rich oils in pregnancy and notes Spanish sage oil is a known abortifacient. LactMed reports sage is traditionally used to reduce milk supply or help weaning (not proven). Limit while breastfeeding: avoid concentrated sage oil and sage on the breasts if you want to keep supply up.
Also listed as
dalmatian sage, sage leaf extract, salvia lavandulifolia oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, salvia officinalis leaf extract, salvia officinalis oil, spanish sage oil
Sources
- NIH NCCIH: Sage: Usefulness and Safety
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents (Int J Mol Sci, 2021)
- NIH LactMed: Sage - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.