The aromatic leaves and flower tops of clary sage are steam-distilled to create a potent oil with remarkable sedative properties. Blending with lavender, it is invaluable for easing depression and anxiety; by itself it can help treat panic attacks, stress-induced headaches and muscular cramps and is an excellent tonic for the nervous system.
Euphoric and hormonal
Clary sage's primary action is on the female reproductive system. It mimics oestrogen and regulates scanty periods and menopausal symptoms. Blended with jasmine and sandalwood oil, clary sage's euphoric action can help cure frigidity and impotence. An effective relaxant for tense and strained muscles, clary sage is useful for people with high blood pressure. As a beauty oil, it is believed to promote hair growth and is used in shampoos and conditioners to treat greasy hair and dandruff.
Active Ingredients of Clary Sage Oil
Esters
Clary sage contains more than 70% esters, such as linalyl acetate. These give clary sage's remarkable calming and sedative properties. They are also anti-spasmodic and digestive tonics.
Alcohols
Clary sage also contains alcohols, including linalool and sclareol. These act as good general tonics and balancers and they are also warming and uplifting to the mind and body.
Uses of Clary Sage Oil
For hundreds of years, clary sage has been used to soothe and heal all manner of conditions. Learn how to use its medicinal properties in your own life.
Ease Stress
Ease away the symptoms of chronic stress and anxiety with clary sage.
A good night's sleep
2 drops chamomile oil
2 drops clary sage oil
Add the chamomile and clary sage to a cotton wool pad and place it under a pillow. The sedative action of these oils will combat insomnia.
Indigestion
2 drops chamomile oil
2 drops clary sage oil
4 drops lavender oil
Add these ingredients to a bath for a soothing and relaxing soak.
Soothe Respiratory Infections
Clary sage's restorative properties can help you combat respiratory ailments.
Ease nasal and chest congestion with a warming chest rub of 3 drops each of lavender, peppermint and clary sage oil in 35ml of sweet almond oil
Treat a sore throat by mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil and 2 drops of clary sage oil in a glass of warm water. Use as a gargle 2-3 times a day. Do not swallow.
Menstrual Regulator
Clary sage is an excellent tonic for the female reproductive system.
Soothe abdominal cramps with a bath containing 3 drops each of clary sage, marjoram and chamomile.
Regulate scanty periods with a daily abdominal massage containing 3 drops each of clary sage and myrrh and 1 drop of fennel diluted in 35ml of grapeseed.
Balance menopausal symptoms with a massage blend containing 3 drops each of clary sage, rose and geranium in 35ml of carrier oil. These oils are known to balance the female hormonal system.
Soothe the Mind and Spirit
Clary sage's mood-enhancing properties create a sense of calm and well-being.
Deep meditation
2-3 drops clary sage oil
2-3 drops ylang ylang oil
Promote deep relaxation for meditation by adding these to an oil burner.
Calming massage
Calm nerves with a massage blend of 3 drops each of clary sage, rose and frankincense in 35ml carrier oil.
Clary Sage Folklore
Clary sage's tenacious bittersweet scent and purifying properties have made it a feature of European folklore.
To the Romans, clary sage was a sacred herb gathered ceremonially with a non-iron knife or sickle by people with purified clothes and feet.
Clary sage is ruled by the Moon, so pick leaves by the light of the Moon to strengthen its healing powers.
Ancient Europeans used clary sage in beer, making an intoxicating brew. Drinkers reported magical dreams, but severe headaches the following day.
In the Middle Ages, clary sage was called 'Oculus Christi' - 'eye of Christ'. It was added to salves for clear vision.