Clary sage essential oil
Clary sage essential oil is extracted from Salvia sclarea of the Lamiaceae or Labiatae family and is also known as clary, clary wort, muscatel sage, clear eye, see bright and eye bright (but not to be confused with the common herb also called eyebright, ‘Euphrasia’).
Although not a cheap oil, Clary Sage Essential Oil has great benefits – not only for easing depression and nervous burn-out, but for a host of female complaints and for relieving congested complexions.
Oil Properties
A clear to pale yellow essential oil, Clary Sage Essential Oil has a sweet, nutty fragrance, somewhat herbaceous. The viscosity is watery, viscous if the leaves are included in the distillation.
Origin
It is a native to southern Europe and is a stout biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall with large, hairy leaves and small blue/ white flowers growing directly off the long, thin stem. It is cultivated for oil production in France and Russia. The name is derived from the Latin ‘Claris’ that means ‘clear’ or from the Greek ‘Skeria’ meaning ‘hardness’, referring to the hard parts of the flower petals. It was known in the Middle Ages as ‘Oculus Christi’ – the ‘Eye of Christ’ and was a highly esteemed medicine. In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.
Extraction
Clary sage essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops and the leaves.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of clary sage essential oil may be linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, α-terpineol, geraniol, neryl acetate, sclareol and germacrene D.
Precautions
Clary sage essential oil can be very relaxing and should be avoided when consuming alcohol, since it could exaggerate the effects of alcohol. It is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing oil.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of clary sage oil are antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, uterine and nerve tonic.
Uses
Clary Sage essential oil is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. It is suggested to be a good tonic for the womb and female functions in general, such as painful periods, scanty menstruation and relaxation during labor, thus encouraging a less painful birth.
During menopause, clary sage oil can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, as well as headaches and dizziness.
It is good for muscle pains, digestive disorders, kidney diseases and the cooling of inflammation of the skin.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, clary sage essential oil can be used for nervous tension, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and menopause. It is particularly effective to help ease depression and create a more positive outlook on life and can also help to boost creativity and intuition.
Blended Massage Oil
This Essential Oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with muscle pains, frigidity, depression, anxiety, menstrual problems, PMS, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, cramps and addiction.
Blended in a Cream
Used in a cream or lotion, Clary Sage Essential Oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and a stiff neck, as well as for body odors, PMS, skin problems and cramps. It is particularly good for balancing the production of sebum of the skin and to clear greasy complexions.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: Avoid
Body: Maximum of 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 1% to 2%
6 to 15 years
Face: 1% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 1% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Clary sage essential oil’s greatest benefit lies in its calming and sedating influence on the nerves, emotions, female functions, kidneys and digestive system. It also helps with skin conditions like acne, boils and ulcers and cools painful muscles and joints.
Blends Well With
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, it blends particularly well with Juniper berry, Lavender, Pine, Geranium, Sandalwood (Mysore), Jasmine, Frankincense and other citrus oils.
){kind=link}