Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Essential Oil

Clary Sage Essential Oil


BOTANICAL NAME
Salvia sclarea

COMMON METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Steam distilled

PARTS USED
Leaf and flower

NOTE CLASSIFICATION
Middle

AROMA
Dry, musky, bittersweet floral

LARGEST PRODUCING COUNTRIES
USA, France, and Bulgaria

TRADITIONAL USE
This oil has an extensive history in perfumery. It is considered a fixative, and adds a warming note to a blend.



Clary sage is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. It furthermore is a good tonic for the womb and female functions in general, such as painful periods, scanty menstruation and relaxation during labor, thus encouraging a less painful birth.

During menopause, clary sage oil can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, as well as headaches and dizziness.

It is good for muscle pains, digestive disorders, kidney diseases and the cooling of inflammation of the skin.

Clary sage oil's greatest benefit lies in its calming and sedating influence on the nerves, emotions, female functions, kidneys and digestive system.

It also helps with skin conditions like acne, boils and ulcers and cools painful muscles and joints.

Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, clary sage oil can be used for nervous tension, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and menopause. It is particularly effective to help ease depression and create a more positive outlook on life and can also help to boost the creative side and intuition.
Blended massage oil or in the bath
Clary sage can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with muscle pains, frigidity, depression, anxiety, menstrual problems, PMS, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, cramps and addiction.
In a cream or lotion
Used in a cream or lotion, clary sage oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and a stiff neck, as well as for body odors, PMS, skin problems and cramps. It is particularly good for balancing the production of sebum of the skin and to clear greasy complexions.

PROPERTIES

Antibacterial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, nervine, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary, antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, uterine and nerve tonic.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The main chemical components of clary sage are linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, a-terpineol, geraniol, neryl acetate, sclareol and germacrene D.

BLENDS WELL WITH
Bay, bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile, coriander, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon balm, lime, mandarin, patchouli, petitgrain, pine, rose, sandalwood, tea tree

OF INTEREST
The herb derives its name from the Latin clarus, meaning, “clear,” and was nicknamed “clear eyes” during the Middle Ages for It is a native to southern Europe and is a stout biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall with large, hairy leaves and small blue/ white flowers growing directly off the long, thin stem. It is cultivated for oil production in France and Russia.

The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear' or from the Greek 'Skeria' meaning 'hardness', referring to the hard parts of the flower petals and perhaps for its ability to clear tired or strained eyes and blurred vision. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine.

In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.

SAFETY DATA
Avoid while pregnant