SALVIA SCLAREA
If you want an essential oil to ease PMS or menopause symptoms, you’ll appreciate what clary sage can do for you. This versatile oil makes short work of common complaints ranging from hormone-induced mood swings to painful, period-related cramping, thanks to a constituent called sclareol; it offers a structure similar to that of estrogen, and, for many women, it helps promote a sense of balanced calm. Clary sage shines in soothing bedtime formulas, too, and makes an uplifting addition to any mood-boosting regimen. Most people like the scent of clary sage; it is comforting, herbaceous, and promotes a relaxed atmosphere.
Precautions
Avoid clary sage essential oil during pregnancy.
It is a strong emmenagogue that can promote uterine contractions.
Do not use topically on children under age 6 years.
Clary sage essential oil can promote drowsiness. Do not use it before driving, or while operating machinery.
Do not use clary sage essential oil in combination with alcohol.
If taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor before adding clary sage to your regimen.
Application Methods
INHALATION: Try adding 3 drops of clary sage to an essential oil inhaler or placing 1 or 2 drops on your pillowcase just before lying down. If adding it to a diffuser, use the number of drops recommended by the diffuser’s manufacturer.
TOPICAL: Use blends containing clary sage as a soothing temple rub or massage oil. This method is ideal for relaxation and meditation.
BATH: Bath salts, body washes, hair products, and bath oils let you enjoy clary sage for its emotionally grounding effects as well as its ability to nourish and balance skin and hair.
Popular Uses
Clary sage promotes an almost instant sense of calm, so it’s ideal to use in relaxing blends for dealing with stress or anxiety, or try using it on its own.
Since clary sage can help bring troubled hormones back into balance, it makes an excellent treatment for PMS and menopause symptoms, such as mood swings and hot flashes. Used in a massage blend, it eases period pain.
BLENDS WELL WITH
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Clove
Lemon
Geranium
German chamomile
Juniper berry
Frankincense
Ginger
Grapefruit
Lavender
Patchouli
Peppermint
Roman chamomile
Sandalwood
Sweet orange
Tea tree
Vitex berry
SUBSTITUTE WITH
Anise seed
Bergamot
Fennel
Frankincense
Lavender
Red mandarin
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Tarragon
HEALING PROPERTIES
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Bactericidal
Carminative
Deodorant
Digestive
Emmenagogue
Euphoric
Hypotensive
Nervine
Sedative
Stomachic
IDEAL FOR TREATING
Anxiety
Body odor
Depression
Emotional upset
Exhaustion
Insomnia
Menopause symptoms
Painful periods
PMS
Stress