Clary Sage Essential Oil

ABOUT THE PLANT

A plant native to Southern Europe, Clary Sage can still be found growing in garden beds throughout the continent. It is a biennial or perennial herb that typically reaches 1 to 4 feet in height with hairy, heart-shaped leaves and numerous pale blue, lavender, pink or white flowers.

Its Latin binomial comes from 'salvare', meaning ""to heal”, and 'clarus', meaning "clear", The name reflects the ancient role of Clary Sage in targeting many eye conditions.

ABOUT THE OIL

Clary Sage essential oil is warming, sedative, an excellent nerve tonic, and can induce feelings of mild euphoria in some individuals. It is also thought enhance one's ability to dream. Clary Sage oil is a tonic for one's overall well-being, and is ideal for use on a regular basis in baths or as a perfume.

OF INTEREST

Considered a 'sacred herb' by the Romans, it remains a desirable medicinal essential oil and is considered one of the most important aromatics in aromatherapy practice today.

Clary Sage is known as an adaptogenic herb, meaning it has the ability to provide an individual with the state of balance their chemistry requires. Like Marjoram, it is revered in part for its capacity to induce calm in states of tension while bringing about euphoric states of renewed energy in cases of fatigue. This quality renders it invaluable to the medical community.

In fact, the essential oil has traditionally been added to muscatel wine, some English beers and Italian vermouth, presumably to utilize the somewhat euphoric effects of the oil.

GENERAL

normalizes and regulates systems of the body
enables the body to deal with stress

NERVOUS SYSTEM

induces euphoria
uplifting
calms the nervous system
lessens anxiety
reduces stress
strengthens the nervous system
clears the head
relieves intellectual fatigue
strengthens and clarifies the mind
helps relieve headaches brought on by nervous tension

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

eases discomfort
decreases unpleasant sensory experiences
relaxes cramping
supports hormone balance
promotes and regulates menstruation
helps manage menopause
soothes tension and anxiety during labour

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

relieves spasms in the bronchial tubes

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

settles digestion
increases absorption in the intestines
promotes normal peristalsis
assists the body's natural eliminatory response

SKIN CARE

reduces sebum production
reduces sweating
firms and contracts exposed tissue
reduces moisture loss
tones and restores venous circulation
promotes the healing of tissues
neutralizes microbes
Indicated for: oily skin, greasy hair, dandruff

ENERGETICS

According to TCM, Clary Sage strengthens depleted Qi and improves and relaxes the circulation of Qi. This makes Clary Sage an excellent antispasmodic and general tonic.

SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY

Clary Sage brings long lasting inner tranquility and helps dispel melancholy. It is warm and lively and opens the path to creativity and intuition. It's earthiness speaks of its ability to steady and calm the mind, while its gentle pungency enlivens the senses and restores clarity. Clary Sage brings us closer to the dreamworld.

INHALATION

direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer
Clary Sage can be beneficial for nervous disorders accompanied by weakness and debility. The oil helps restore confidence and courage, assisting in relief of postnatal depression, and recovery from illness and injury.

TOPICAL

massage, compress, bath, SKIN CARE
Clary Sage essential oil is often found in skin and HAIR CARE formulas; it can regulate secretions and also act as a follicle stimulant encouraging hair growth.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt notes in Advanced Aromatherapy, "Clary Sage impresses with its aroma. When applied to the wrists or temples, it is relaxing in a gentle, effective manner.”
Massage with Clary Sage in a carrier oil can be helpful in cases of sexual dysfunction, frigidity and impotence – partly due to its hormone balancing effects, and partly because of its usefulness in relieving stress and fear.

Clary Sage oil is a tonic for one's overall wellbeing, and is ideal for use on a regular basis in baths or as a perfume.
For menopausal hot flashes, a sponge bath with a few drops of Clary Sage in cool water can help.

INGESTION

It can be made into a tonic. Dilute a few drops (1 or 2) in water or juice.

This Clary Sage oil has a moist, clay-like top note, a light, floral lavender-like middle note and a fresh grassy undertone with a subtle herbal spice.

It blends well with oils fresh citrus or woody, earthy tones like: Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Cedarwood, Cypress, Juniper, Lavender, Geranium and Sandalwood.

For accurately measuring oils, see our Drops per mL page.

Clary Sage is non-toxic and a non-irritant. Even though considered useful for promoting menses, it is considered safe to use in small doses when pregnant.

It is alway recommended to consult a physician if pregnant or using internally.

Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. Because of its estrogen-like structure, IT IS CONTRAINDICATED IN CASES OF CANCER, PARTICULARLY ESTROGEN-DEPENDENT TYPES.

NOTE: Clary Sage has a different chemical composition to that of common Sage (Salvia officinalis). Common Sage is composed of up to 50% thujone, a potentially toxic ketone. Please ensure that therapeutic use is always with Salvia sclarea.

Also note that overuse of Clary Sage can result in headache or dizziness, and raise blood pressure, rather than its opposite effect in proper dosages. Your body will usually let you know when you've had too much of any oil – as soon as you don't seem to 'want' any more, cease use until the aroma is desirable again.