Clary Sage EO
Clary Sage from Russia, Steam Distilled, Eden Botanicals
Clary Sage from USA, Steam Distilled, Eden Botanicals
Clary Sage Essential oil has a calming effect on nervous system. Due to its calming and sedating effect on the nerves, it is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Clary Sage essential oil when diluted in a bath or blended in massage oil, helps to reduce muscle pains and release nervous tension. It can also be used in treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia menstrual problems and stress.
Reduces cortisol
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage essential oil, derived from the flowering tops and leaves of the Salvia sclarea plant, is renowned for its myriad of therapeutic properties and uses. This essential oil has been cherished for centuries, not only for its aromatic qualities but also for its potential health benefits. Below, we delve into the origins, benefits, uses, and safety considerations of Clary Sage essential oil.
Origins and Extraction
Clary Sage is a biennial or perennial herb native to the Mediterranean Basin. The plant is characterized by its large, hairy leaves and small, bluish-purple flowers. The essential oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that captures the plant's aromatic compounds, resulting in a pale yellow to colorless liquid with a sweet, nutty, and herbaceous aroma.
Chemical Composition
The primary constituents of Clary Sage essential oil include:
- Linalyl acetate: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linalool: Offers soothing and relaxing effects.
- Germacrene-D: Contributes to the oil's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Sclareol: Known for its hormone-balancing effects.
These compounds work synergistically to provide a range of therapeutic benefits.
Therapeutic Benefits
Clary Sage essential oil is celebrated for its diverse health benefits, which include:
1. Hormonal Balance
Clary Sage is often used to support hormonal balance, particularly in women. It is believed to help alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the body.
2. Stress and Anxiety Relief
The calming aroma of Clary Sage essential oil is known to reduce stress and anxiety. It can promote relaxation and improve mood, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy.
3. Antidepressant Properties
Research suggests that Clary Sage may have antidepressant effects, helping to uplift mood and combat feelings of depression.
4. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial
Clary Sage essential oil exhibits antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it useful for cleansing and purifying the air and surfaces.
5. Skin Health
The oil's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it beneficial for skin health. It can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Uses of Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage essential oil can be used in various ways to harness its benefits:
Aromatherapy
- Add a few drops to a diffuser to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
- Inhale directly from the bottle for a quick mood boost.
Topical Application
- Dilute with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply to the skin to alleviate menstrual cramps or muscle tension.
- Add to skincare products to enhance their soothing properties.
Bath and Body
- Add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing soak.
- Incorporate into massage oils for a calming massage experience.
Safety Considerations
While Clary Sage essential oil is generally considered safe for most people, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Dilution: Always dilute Clary Sage essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to prevent irritation.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult with a healthcare provider before using Clary Sage, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
- Allergies: Perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions before using the oil extensively.
- Photosensitivity: Although Clary Sage is not known to cause photosensitivity, it is always wise to avoid direct sunlight on areas where the oil has been applied.
The complexity of factors relating to depressive symptoms is too intensive to review here; however, one small study examined several factors related to its symptomatology through studying various parameters following the inhalation of the essential oil clary sage (Salvia sclarea). The study consisted of 22 menopausal women in their 50s. Researchers measured changes in 5-hydroxytrypatmine (5-HT), cortisol, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as differences from baseline in the Korean version of Beck Depression Inventory-I (KBDI-I), KBDI-II, and Korean version of Self-rating Depression Scale after exposure to the essential oil.
Clary sage essential oil was selected for this trial due to its reported antidepressant actions on dopamine pathways in animal studies and its suggested estrogen effects, which impact neurotransmitter levels. The study demonstrated that clary sage oil showed an "indirect depression reduction effect in terms of reduced plasma cortisol and TSH concentration and increased plasma 5-HT concentration." The authors noted that only the KBDI-II showed significant differences in association with 5-HT and cortisol levels in normal and depressive subjects, indicating that this subjective measurement may be a more accurate reflection of the biochemical changes in depression.
The authors concluded, "When using KBDI-I and KBDI-II, 5-HT increased by 341% and 828% for the normal group and 484% and 257% for the depression tendency group, respectively. The change rate of cortisol was greater in depression tendency groups compared with normal groups, and this difference was statistically significant when using KBDI-II (31% vs. 16% reduction) and Self-rating Depression Scale inventory (36% vs. 8.3% reduction). Among three inventories, only KBDI-II differentiated normal and depression tendency groups with significantly different cortisol level."
Limitations to this study include generalizability to males, small sample size, and heterogeneity. Yet, this study demonstrated that an essential oil can modulate hormonal and neurological support through physiological effects of the constituents present and the psychological responses known to occur from the odor itself.
Constituents of the Essential Oil of Salvia sclarea Growing Wild in Greece
Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination.
Investigation on the essential oil of cultivated *Salvia sclarea* L.