What Is Clary Sage Essential Oil – A Brief
Scientific Name – Salvia sclarea Native – Europe Other Names – Muscatel sage Chief Components – Sclareol, Geraniol, Alpha Terpineol, Linalyl Acetate, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Neryl Acetate, and Germacrene-D Clary sage essential oil has been used to fight eye troubles since ages (but be wary, though – as essential oils must not be administered directly in the eyes; please consult your doctor on this). This oil is extracted from the steam distillation of flowers and leaves of clary sage plant. But, the benefits of clary sage essential oil is not just limited to eyes. It has a plethora of uses that aren’t that well known. Here’s a peek into its other benefits. Blending: Try blending clary sage essential oil with Lemon, Orange, Lime, Lavender, Pine, Geranium, Juniper, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Frankincense oils.
Clary Sage Essential Oil Uses
Skin Benefits
Health Benefits
Skin Benefits
Clary sage essential oil not only helps prevent acne and pimples but also makes your skin radiant.
1. Prevents Acne And Pimples
This must come as a big surprise, but clary sage essential oil is a vital part of commercial creams and lotions. Clary sage oil can help in reducing all kinds of skin problems and ailments. The oil is great for balancing sebum production and helps naturally maintain optimum skin oil levels. This property of the oil helps in preventing acne and pimples (1).
2. Gives You Beautiful Skin
Want skin that is gorgeous and radiant? Use clary sage essential oil! It reduces inflammation and skin rashes because of the presence of linalyl acetate. It also balances the production of natural oils in the skin. Apply this oil to your face using a piece of cotton. You could also combine it with almond oil for better results. The best part is that it is suitable for both oily skin and dry skin types (2).
Health Benefits
From boosting your vision to enhancing heart health, clary sage offers a multitude of health benefits.
3. Ideal For Vapor Therapy
Clary sage oil is one of the core ingredients used in vapor therapy. It has often been used to reduce tension, stress, nervousness, depression, stress, and anxiety. If you have insomnia, this oil is perfect for you. People with depression can use clary sage oil to refresh their minds, reduce tension, and live a happy life. The therapeutic value of clary sage makes it amazing for aromatherapy. It has a soothing aroma that influences dopamine activity to generate feelings of happiness (3).
4. Works As An Aphrodisiac
With increasing stress levels, people experience a dwindling sex drive. If that is the case with you, you can use clary sage oil. It works great for men too. One of the best and most attractive benefits of clary sage oil is that it acts as an aphrodisiac. It can boost libido and sexual desires (4).
5. Induces Euphoric Feelings
This might sound funny, but it is true. Clary sage oil induces a sense of happiness. This effect is mainly due to clary sage’s soothing smell that makes us relaxed and happy, thanks to its influence on neurotransmitters in the brain (5).
6. Great For The Stomach
Did you know that clary sage oil is great for the stomach too? It can heal ulcers and wounds found in the stomach and protect the integrity of the colon. If you are suffering from constipation, this oil is what you need. Clary sage essential oil regulates secretion of digestive juices, which, in turn, helps control stomach disorders. It also helps in the absorption of essential nutrients and regulates bowel movements. Clary sage may also protect the mucous lining of the colon, preventing severe damage, including colorectal cancer. More research is required in this aspect, though.
7. Works As A Sedative
Are you hyperactive? Do you get excited a little too easily? You probably need a sedative. Clary sage oil can reduce all symptoms of anxiety disorders and inflammation in the body. Clary sage essential oil is perfect as a sedative as it helps in calming the nerves. This oil also reduces convulsions of any form, including epilepsy. It brings about peace of mind to the users (6).
8. Great For The Nerves
Clary sage oil is great for your nerves too. It can prevent nervous breakdown and provide relief from other nerve-related disorders. You can also reduce symptoms of vertigo and hysteria with the help of this oil. As mentioned earlier, clary sage oil is a blessing in disguise for those suffering from nervous breakdown because of its calming nature (7).
9. Fights Depression
We often fall prey to negative thoughts because of the increasing levels of stress. This constant worry eventually leads to a state of depression. Aromatherapy using clary sage oil can help you beat the blues. Studies have found that clary sage oil can help in boosting confidence and self-esteem. It is an excellent anti-depressant that also neutralizes anxiety attacks (8).
10. Is An Antimicrobial Agent
Clary sage oil is also an antimicrobial that eliminates severe bacterial and fungal infections. It can also protect you from contracting new infections. This oil can easily curb the spread of bacteria, especially in areas such as intestines, colon, urinary tract, and the excretory system. Clary sage oil also stops the harmful bacteria from entering our system (9).
11. Works As An Antiseptic
Clary sage essential oil can also be used in case of large wounds to prevent infection by Staphylococci bacteria. You can apply it topically for instant effects. The antiseptic property of clary sage oil makes it a useful ingredient in surgical recovery (10).
12. Amazing For Oral Care
Worried about your weakening gums? Why don’t you try using clary sage oil for keeping them healthy? Clary sage oil is perfect for oral care because of its strong astringent properties. It is perfect for strengthening your gums, but consult your doctor to know about the proportion of usage (11).
13. Eliminates Stomach Gas
Are you a big fan of spicy food, but feel nauseated because of all that excessive gas present in your tummy? Don’t worry, you can get rid of that uncomfortable feeling by using clary sage essential oil. Clary sage oil is a carminative that helps bring down the gas in a matter of seconds, thereby reducing the feeling of being all bloated (12).
14. Regulates Menstrual Cycle
One thing we women dread are the days we have our periods. It’s not only tiring but also painful. Most women resort to over-the-counter pills available in the market or pay a hefty price to a doctor to get rid of the excruciating pain. But, ladies, mind you, this oil can save not only your day but also money. Read on to know more. Clary sage oil has emmenagogue properties. It helps regulate menses and makes them less painful, particularly when combined with other oils like lavender and marjoram (13).
15. Lowers Hypertension
This miraculous oil is also helpful in lowering blood pressure by relaxing nerves and blood vessels. Using clary sage oil can actually lower the risk of heart-related diseases like strokes, attacks, and atherosclerosis. The hypotensive property of clary sage oil widens the blood vessels, allowing proper circulation throughout the body. This, in turn, helps in increasing transportation of required oxygen to all muscles, tissues, organs, and organ systems (14).
16. Maintains Uterus Health
Clary sage oil treats uterine troubles that are usually caused by menopause. It has healing properties that cure many problems, including bleeding, tumors, and pain. It also regulates the secretion of hormones like estrogen, thus enhancing uterine health (15).
17. Massage And Bathing Purposes
Body massages reduce muscle cramps and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and the tiredness that we tend to feel often because of work pressure (16).
18. Used In Deodorants
Clary sage oil is also used in making deodorants. The best thing is it doesn’t have any side effects. It will not impact the environment either and is durable too (17).
19. Other Benefits
Clary sage oil can help fight unhealthy addictions. It is also anti-inflammatory, thereby eliminating backaches and pain in the joints.
A Word Of Caution
Just like other essential oils, clary sage oil needs to be used with caution.
Consult your doctor before using as it can increase the sedating effects that come with alcohol and sedative drugs. Irregular and untimely use can cause severe headaches. Consult your physician before using if pregnant or nursing. Check for allergies before use. Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using it on wounds. Make sure you dilute this oil before use to avoid sensitivity and irritation. Look for clinical- or pharmaceutical-grade clary sage oil, as an adulterated product can cause significant harm.
How To Use Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil can be used in a variety of ways, including direct application and inhalation. The US Food and Drug Administration has declared it safe for ingestion. Here are ways in which you can make use of this miraculous oil.
Indirect Application – This method is generally used to ease eye troubles. For this, just soak a clean muslin cloth in a mix of lukewarm water and 2-3 drops of clary sage essential oil. Remove the cloth and press over the infected area for a few minutes. Direct Inhalation – For nerve-related disorders, aromatherapy is the best option. You can even put a few drops on your pillow for a good night’s sleep. As A Massage Oil – For relieving muscle cramps and pains, clary sage oil can be used as a massage oil. Just add a few drops in a carrier oil (coconut or almond) and rub the area gently for quick relief. Adding It To The Bath – For further relaxation of stiff muscles, you can always add a few drops to bath salts and then to your bath water. Topical Application – For making use of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, clary sage oil can be applied topically to the wound.
Clary Sage Oil Side Effects
Here’s a peek into the side effects of clary sage oil. Try clary sage oil and make full use of its benefits. Do share your experience with us in the comments section below. Can you mix ylang ylang and clary sage? Yes, clary sage can be mixed with ylang-ylang. This blend can be used as a massage oil and a hair tonic. The mixture also helps in lifting one’s mood. How long does clary sage take to work? Clary sage starts its action after 15 – 30 minutes post inhalation. Can I diffuse clary sage while pregnant? Yes, clary sage is generally considered safe for use in pregnancy. However, it is advised to have a word with your doctor before starting it.
