Spotlight On: Clary Sage

Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea

Part of plant used: flowering tops

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

This is an oil that I didn’t really get into using until recently.  Now I am hooked and use it quite a bit.  The scent is herby, as one would expect, but do not confuse it with common Sage, Salvia officinalis,  which is the kind that is probably growing in your garden right now. The two oils have completely different chemical make-ups.

Containing mainly esters and alcohols, Clary Sage is an extremely relaxing oil, even inducing euphoria in some.  This oil should be avoided in situations when concentration is required.  You do not want to diffuse Clary Sage in the car on a long trip! It acts as a sedative and can have a hypotensive effect (reduces blood pressure).  When using this oil, one should avoid alcohol consumption, as Clary Sage can exaggerate its effects.  In England it is sometimes used as a substitute for hops in beer making.  And I thought Canadian beer was strong!

A synergy of Clary Sage, Marjoram and Lavender is my standard go-to relaxation blend. This is what I will use on a client who is new to aromatherapy, or really has no health complaints and is just looking for something to help them relax and unwind.

Besides relieving stress and nervousness, Clary Sage is an excellent uterine tonic.  It is a hormone balancer and can help with cramping, lower back pain and menstrual flow regulation. Please note that it should be avoided during pregnancy because it is considered an emmenagogue (induces uterine bleeding).  However, some aromatherapists may use a blend containing Clary Sage to massage a woman who has already begun her labour, as it can help the uterus contract, thus causing labour to progress faster.

The seeds from the Clary Sage plant were once used to combat eye infections and other ocular conditions – this is where the name Clary Sage, or  “clear mind(eye)” is derived from.