Clary Sage: Nature’s Gift to Women (and Men As Well)

by Dr. Christoph Streicher and Stephanie Chambers

After a long search Amrita has finally found a high quality conventional Clary Sage at a decent price. During our search over the last 2 years, we found that most conventional Clary Sage is either low quality or heavily adulterated.

We have now found one with a sclareol content of 1% - the compound which is responsible of balancing the female endocrine system. On our search we encountered oils with a sclareol content lower than 0.1%. Such oils from a therapeutic point of view are as good as useless.

Although the plants themselves may have been treated with pesticides, we guarantee the essential oil is pesticide-free. We also still have our Certified Organic Clary Sage Essential Oil for sale. It has an even higher sclareol content of 1.3%.

The essential oil is steam-distilled from the velvety, grayish, heart-shaped leaves and pastel-colored flowers of Clary Sage. It is a middle fragrance note and blends well with Bergamot, Atlas Cedarwood, Coriander, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Frankincense, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

The Latin name of Clary Sage is “Sclarea” and this means “clear”. That’s why it’s also called “Clear Eye”, “See Bright”, and “Eye Bright”. This is because one of its traditional uses was to clear mucus from the eyes. In the middle ages, it became known as 'Oculus Christi' which translates to the 'Eye of Christ'. But it shouldn’t be confused with the herb called Eyebright (Euphrasia).

The ancient Greeks and Romans appreciated Cary Sage’s sensual, aphrodisiac effects. Clary Sage was also used as a compress to reduce tumors and inflammations. A recent Polish study ¹ showed that Clary Sage oil acts an active natural antimicrobial agent against staphylococci, at least in a laboratory setting, and recommended that further study be done to see if it can be applied to treat wounds and skin infections.

Although Clary Sage is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, it can cause inebriation when used in excess. For this reason, it should also not be used in conjunction with alcohol consumption, as it could accelerate the intoxicating effect of the alcohol.

CLARY SAGE’S USES FOR WOMEN

Clary Sage essential oil is traditionally known for its ability to balance the female endocrine system. It is one of the few essential oils that has this harmonizing effect on women’s hormones. However, it is not recommended to be used by pregnant women.

Women also use it to prevent premenstrual syndrome (PMS / PMT), relieve menstrual cramps and to reduce pain during childbirth. It balances estrogen production, and thus increases breast milk production. To use it for this, dilute 2% with a carrier oil if using for a whole body massage (so 10 drops per tablespoon) or 5% for local application (25 drops per tablespoon) or dilute and use in an aromatic bath.

It has been known to help with endometriosis and to help keep the ovaries and uterus healthy. To use for feminine disorders such as these, dilute it 5% in jojoba or hazelnut oil (25 drops per tablespoon) and rub on the lower abdomen.

It also helps regulate hormone levels during menopause. To use it for this, diffuse or dilute 2% with a carrier oil if using for a whole body massage (so 10 drops per tablespoon) or 5% for local application (25 drops per tablespoon) or dilute and use in an aromatic bath. A study in Korea ² showed that Clary Sage oil produced a significant antidepressant-like effect in menopausal women as shown by changes in their neurotransmitter levels.

It can be diffused to increase female sexual energy, diluted 3 - 5% in any carrier oil (15-25 drops per tablespoon) and applied to the whole frontal line, or diluted and used in an aromatic bath.

CLARY SAGE’S MENTAL EFFECTS

Clary Sage has many other uses, not just for women. For example, it’s sweet-smelling aroma is also comforting and mood-enhancing. That’s why it is often diffused to help reduce depression and fear and to calm hysteria. It can also help to lessen nervous exhaustion and to increase mental clarity and groundedness. For depression, it can also be diluted 3–5% in any carrier oil (15-25 drops per tablespoon) and applied on heart and chest area or it can be diluted and used in an aromatic bath.

A Korean study ³ showed inhaling Clary Sage oil significantly lowered systolic blood pressure and decreased respiratory rates and thus helped female urinary incontinence patients undergoing assessments to relax.

CLARY SAGE’S USES FOR MUSCLES AND CIRCULATION

In terms of the musculoskeletal system, it is also traditionally used to promote relaxation and to provide pain relief. You may like to dilute it 3–5%, in jojoba or hazelnut oil and to use it to soothe back pain, inflammation and muscle stiffness and/or spasms. It can also be used to reduce cholesterol in the circulatory system and to help provide temporary alleviation from fibromyalgia symptoms.

CLARY SAGE’S USES FOR ASTHMA ATTACKS

As Salvatore Battaglia mentions in his book The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, it can also be diluted 5%-10% in jojoba or hazelnut oil (25-50 drops per tablespoon) and applied on the chest and back for asthma attacks as it has an antispasmodic effect upon the bronchial muscles.

AMRITA USES CLARY SAGE IN VARIOUS PRODUCTS

Clary Sage is an ingredient in:

• Menopause Roll-On Relief
• A Woman’s Balance Roll-On Relief
• A Woman’s Balance Synergy
• Ecstatic Body For Women Tri-Essence Power Blend
• Unbounded Body Tri-Essence Power Blend

CONCLUSION

Clary Sage is a wonderful essential oil for women in particular, but many have also used it to great effect for enhancing moods, relaxing muscles, relieving pain and some have even found it useful for asthma attacks. What have you found it useful for? We would love to hear. Please submit a comment below, so that all can benefit.

Sources:

1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25821423

2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802524

3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23360656

Disclaimer: The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-08-05 / Last Modified: 2021-10-11