I have been doing a lot of research on essential oils since I have been working on this blog, and it is fascinating. I always liked having a diffuser going because they smell good, but there are so many more uses for these oils than just the fragrance! I never realized how complex some of these oils are, and there are many uses for some of them in women’s health and beauty. Clary Sage is one in particular that I wanted to learn about because of its potential benefits in treating menopausal symptoms and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Clary Sage is a perinneal plant related to garden sage. The scientific name for Clary Sage is Salvia Sclarea. It is very popular in the world of essential oils and has been used for many, many years for its medicinal benefits ranging from balancing hormones to calming nerves and anxiety, to treating skin and hair. It has a woodsy, herby, sweet scent that is very appealing. Some of the more well known medicinal properties of Clary Sage include:
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Astringent
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Clary Sage Essential Oil is known as the “Women’s Oil” because it contains a compound called Sclareol in it, which is a phytoestrogen. This compound mimics estrogen in the body and may help balance hormones during menstruation and menopause. Other compounds found in Clary Sage include Linalyl. Linalyl is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties and contributes to the soothing aroma, useful for mood disruptions, insomnia and anxiety that can go along with menopause. Linalool is a calming compound that also reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Camphor has a refreshing scent and potent analgesic properties and Terpinen-4-ol is well known for its anti-bacterial effect, making it beneficial for skin health.
Some of the ways that you can use Clary Sage Essential Oil to help alleviate symptoms that go along with menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes are:
Dilute with carrier oil and apply to pulse points or the bottoms of your feet for hot flashes.
In a diffuser to calm anxiety, depression and insomnia. It has been shown to decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
On a warm moist compress and applied to abdomen for relief from period cramps and discomfort.
A word of caution, always mix Clary Sage with a carrier oil if applying to the skin and with water in a warm bath and NEVER ingest ANY essential oil without the express advice of a knowledgeable professional.
If you would like to learn more about Clary Sage, my favorite source of information and essential oil products is Aromatics International. Here is the link. This website has a wealth of information and lots of recipes and ideas:
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