Clary sage is the most euphoric of the essential oils, and it can produce an almost druglike narcotic “high”. Combined with its pronounced anti-depressant qualities, this euphoria makes clary sage a powerful aid to easing depression, melancholia, anxiety, stress and chronic general dissatisfaction. Overall, clary sage is intoxicating, sensuous and uplifting. “The Aromatherapy Bible” Gill-Farrer Halls
Clary Sage is warming, sedative, an excellent nerve tonic, and can induce feelings of mild euphoria in some individuals. It is 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. As 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."
One of the many components of Clary Sage is Sclareol, which has an estrogen-like structure. Clary Sage oil can be beneficial to the female reproductive system, with hormone balancing effects possible for some individuals. This may be useful for for amenorrhea, cramps and menstrual pain. For perimenopause hot flashes, a sponge bath with a few drops of Clary Sage in cool water can help. The oil is noted by Peter Damian in 'Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche' as "an excellent relaxant having somewhat aphrodisiacal, euphoric, antidepressant characteristics especially helpful in the treatment of menopausal or PMS symptoms. A remedy for insommnia, it is likewise effectual for feelings of paranoia, panic, or hysteria."
Massage with Clary Sage (in carrier oil) can be helpful in cases of sexual dysfunction, fridgidity and impotence - partly due to it's hormone balancing effects, and partly because of its usefulness in relieving stress and fear.
The essential oil has been added traditionally in muscatel wine, some English beers and Italian vermouth, presumably to utilize the somewhat euphoric effects of the oil.
Clary Sage can be beneficial for nervous disorders accompanied by weakness and debility. The oil helps restore confidence and courage, assisting in post-natal depression, and recovering from illness and injury.
Clary Sage oil is a general tonic for the stomach and digestive system, relieving tension in the area. Clary Sage is also noted as an important ingredient in skin care preparations as it can regulate secretions and also act as a scalp stimulant.
Note that overuse of Clary Sage (and many essential oils) can result in headache or dizzyness, and raise blood pressure, rather than its opposite effect in proper dosages. Your body will generally let you know when you've had too much of any oil - as soon as you don't seem to 'want' any more, cease inhalation for some period of time until your intuition tells you you're ready for more!
Clary Sage
| Clary Sage oil, High Sclareol, USA | |
| Essential Oils | |
| Salvia sclarea L., fam. Lamiaceae (Labiatae) | |
| Flower | |
| Hydrodiffusion | |
| Ester | |
| USA |
Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 205.]
Avoid while drinking alcohol and while driving due to a narcotic effect. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 213.]
Avoid during pregnancy. The Aromatherapy Bible
Aromatherapy / Home Use:
Uses of Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage essential oil has sedative and aphrodisiac qualities. It also possesses great regenerative properties, which makes it popular for using on the skin. Clary Sage is also popular in modern day aromatherapy for helping with depression.
Clary Sage is also a good oil to choose for its calming and sedative qualities on your emotions and nerves.
Clary Sage oil is also beneficial for the following ailments:
Clary Sage essential oil will help reduce the effects of the menopause including symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, dizziness and headaches.
Suggested Uses of Clary Sage Essential Oil
To help relieve stress, depression and nerves simply add a few drops of oil to an oil burner. Then sit back, relax and emerge with a more positive outlook on the world. Apply Clary Sage essential oil topically or diffuse. Add a few drops to a warm bath; apply at the wrists as a perfume or at the wrists, temples, or bottoms of feet for relaxation. May enhance one's ability to dream and is very calming and stress relieving.
Clary Sage is highly sedative and can be an excellent oil to use in the bath before bedtime. A few drops of Clary Sage and Chamomile in your bath should be helpful with any sleep problems.
Clary Sage blends well with most oils but is particularly well suited to Bergamot, Jasmine, Lavender, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Geranium, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang, Orange and other citrus essential oils.
This is one of the most valuable oils in treating menstrual cramps. To be used in baths or hot compresses on the abdomen relaxes mind and body, eases pain, and its oestrogenic action helps to bring on and regulate menstruation. It also helps treat menstrual symptoms, and can be used in childbirth in a massage oil during early labor. Avoid during pregnacy, until labor begins.
Anti-Anxiety Massage Oil
2 tbs Sweet Almond Oil
11 drops Lavender essential oil
6 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
5 drops Frankincense essential oil
3 drops Clary Sage essential oil
In a dark glass bottle, add the ingredients together and roll between your hands to mix. Better not to shake in order to keep from introducing excessive amounts of air. To use, warm the oil by placing in a hot water bath. Apply to the back / shoulder area in light and gentle strokes.
Super Rich Facial Treatment For Aging Skin
1 tsp. Avocado Oil
2 tsp. Hazelnut Oil
11 Drops Carrot Seed Oil
10 drops Rose Hip Seed Oil
5 drops Evening Primrose Oil
3 drops Rose (Bulgarian) essential oil
3 drops Clary Sage essential oil
2 drops Jasmine essential oil
2 drops Frankincense essential oil
In a small dark glass bottle, combine the oils and roll in the palm of your hand to mix. Apply only a few drops to a pre-moistened face, applying in circular motions, in an upward direction. Avoid the eyes. Apply as frequently as you like. The Frankincense in this recipe is used for replenishing moisture.
Peaceful Slumber
7 parts Lavender essential oil
2 parts Marjoram essential oil
1 part Clary Sage essential oil
Mix the oils in a dark colored glass bottle. Use a few drops to apply to the bed linen, pillow, etc. This blend can be placed in a diffuser. As an alternative, you can add 20 drops to 4 oz of water to make a room mister. Shake before each use. From:Aromatherapy: A lifetime guide to healing with essential oils.
Clary Sage essential oil is extracted from the flower tops and leaves of the perennial herb plant Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), which is native to Eastern Europe and central Asia, though the oil is usually taken from plants grown in France, England and Morocco. This plant can grow to about 2 foot in height, but can be as tall as 1 metre (3 foot).
Clary Sage essential oil has a strong, sweet nutty aroma, which some people may consider unpleasant, whilst others may find it very appealing depending much on personal taste.
Clary Sage has been used for hundreds of years with many different uses. The ancient Romans and Greeks thought it would prolong your life and the ancient Egyptians thought it would cure infertility.
In the Middle Ages Clary Sage was also known as ‘Oculus Christi’, which means the ‘Eye of Christ’. Many people throughout this period thought that it was miraculous, due to its astonishing effects when curing people.
In Jamaica Clary Sage was used to cool ulcers, for cleaning and to soothe inflamed eyes.