Clary sage is an essential oil with a number of uses and benefits. It is known as a “woman’s oil”, partially because of the flowers that it comes from, but mostly due to its balancing qualities that are particularly beneficial for women.
This essential oil comes to us from the flowers of the plant through steam distillation. It belongs to the same botanical family as lavender and shares chemical resemblances with Roman chamomile. Its chemical makeup of esters provides this oil with remarkable antispasmodic qualities and a profound ability to soothe the nervous system.
Its scent is a middle note which to me is quite herbal with a gentle floral undertone reminiscent of freshly brewed tea. In the realm of holistic wellness, clary sage can be a great companion, especially when tough times create a need for support.
Clary sage is one of the essential oils that is good for so many things, it’s worth having around. If you are looking for a substitute for lavender or a strong companion, this oil might be the one for you. Let’s find out why.
Elevate Your Skin Care
Clary sage can be a versatile addition to your skincare. It is antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory. It can help to regulate sebum production, making it helpful for oily, acne-prone skin.
Additionally, its toning effects make it a great option for mature skin types seeking rejuvenation and vitality.
Hair Care
The benefits of clary sage go beyond skincare. You may enjoy using it for hair and scalp care, as it offers a nourishing shield against common issues like dandruff. Using clary sage for haircare facilitates scalp nourishment, fostering a healthier environment for hair follicles to thrive.
Incorporating clary sage into hair care rituals releases its potential to nurture both hair and scalp, fostering vitality and resilience with every use. Try adding a drop to your favourite shampoo to sample its benefits.
Finding Stress Relief
Clary sage can be a powerful aid in stress relief and anxiety management. Offering exceptional calming effects on the central nervous system, clary sage helps us to cope with stress. It has sedative qualities, making it a great oil for evening use, helping to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
As it releases tension, clary sage gently eases the mind and body, unraveling knots of stress and worry. With its soothing influence, clary sage can help you find inner peace and emotional balance, offering support through life’s pressures.
Using Clary Sage to Ease Headaches
Clary sage has natural pain relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with headaches. Clary sage is known for its ability to relax muscle tension and soothe the nervous system, which are common contributors to headache discomfort.
One effective method of using clary sage for headaches is through inhalation. Add one or two drops of clary sage oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or use a diffuser to disperse the aroma throughout the room.
Another way to use clary sage for headache relief is through topical application. Diluting clary sage essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and massaging it onto the temples, forehead, and neck can help promote relaxation and alleviate headache tension.
Relief From Menstrual Cramps and Abdominal Discomfort
The combination of antispasmodic, muscle-relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties makes clary sage a helpful natural remedy for abdominal cramps.
Clary sage contains components that have antispasmodic effects, meaning they can help relax and soothe muscle spasms and contractions. When applied topically or inhaled through aromatherapy, clary sage can help ease the involuntary contractions of muscles in the abdomen, which often cause cramping.
As an anti-inflammatory oil, this oil can help reduce inflammation in the abdominal area. Inflammation often makes pain and discomfort worse, so by reducing inflammation, clary sage can contribute to overall relief.
Dilute clary sage essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil, and massage the blend gently onto the abdominal area. The massage itself can help promote relaxation and alleviate muscle tension, while the clary sage oil works to calm abdominal cramping. For additional comfort, use a heating pad as well.
A warm bath can also help. Add 5 drops of clary sage to one tablespoon castile soap, and mix with one cup of Epsom salt. Add this mixture to a warm bath and soak for at least 15-20 minutes. The warmth of the water combined with the calming properties of clary sage can help relax the muscles and alleviate abdominal cramping.
Natural Deodorant
With its natural antibacterial properties, clary sage can help combat the bacteria responsible for causing body odor. By inhibiting bacterial growth, clary sage can help keep underarm odor at bay.
Clary sage has astringent properties, which can help tighten pores and reduce sweat production in the underarm area. Try adding it as an ingredient to natural deodorant to keep underarms feeling fresh.
Support Through Tough Times
Clary sage was an important oil to me when I was experiencing a stressful time in the past. Not only is clary sage calming from worry, relieving of tension and ease from stress and anxiety, it’s name shows one of its important roles. It’s name “clary” comes from the Latin word for clear. Infusions made with plant material (not the essential oil) had been used historically to clear up eye complaints. Symbolically, clary sage may help you to see a situation more clearly and help you through a tough time. Turn to this essential oil for support in tumultuous times and times of loss, grief or high stress.
Inspiration and Creativity
Clary sage can ignite our creativity. It is an essential oil that encourages inspiration and creation. Allow yourself to daydream with clary sage and see what comes up for you.
Safety First
Do not use clary sage when pregnant or nursing. Make sure to use it in low dilution to avoid adverse reaction including skin irritation and allergic reactions. Do not use clary sage with kids under 10 years old without consulting a certified aromatherapist. There are other oils that may be much more useful in helping kids. As with all natural products, individual sensitivities may vary, so it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new product.
Here are some helpful clary sage essential oil blends that you can use at home.
Headache relief blend
Clary sage 3 drops
Lavender 3 drops
Peppermint 2 drops
Jojoba oil 9.5 ml
Add jojoba oil to glass roller bottle. Carefully add the essential oils. Replace roller ball and bottle cap. Gently shake. Use on temples and the back of the neck for headache relief.
Nighttime sleep blend
Clary sage 3 drops
Roman chamomile 3 drops
Add essential oils to your diffuser and enjoy the scent 30 minutes before bedtime. Ensure that your diffuser has an auto shut off and set it for the shortest time.
Anxiety Ease
Clary sage 3 drops
Cedarwood 2 drops
Ylang ylang 1 drop
Add essential oils to your diffuser and enjoy the scent for 30 minutes. Ensure that your diffuser has an auto shut off and set it for the shortest time.
PMS Relief Blend
Clary sage 3 drops
Geranium 3 drops
Rose 3 drops
Frankincense 2 drops
30 ml jojoba oil
Add the jojoba oil to a small glass dropper bottle. Carefully add the essential oils. Replace the dropper or cap and gently shake. Apply to abdomen.
