CLARY SAGE

Medicinal Uses

skin care

acne

boils

dandruff

hair loss

impotence

migraine

nervous tension

oily skin and hair

vision problems

ulcers

wrinkles

anxiety

depression

catarrh

asthma

throat infections

whooping cough

labor pain

dysmenorrhea

leukorrhea

cramps

dyspepsia

flatulence

high blood pressure

muscular aches and pains

removing thorns/ splinters

tumors

Clary sage oil calms the mind, promotes relaxation and has a mild euphoric effect. It is highly recommended for nervous and emotional tension, anxiety, emotional shock of any kind, panic and depression with anxiety or agitation. The sweet scent fosters emotional stability, while its green scent provides a calming effect.
Clary sage is well known for its ability to balance. It is strengthening yet relaxing and regarded as a general tonic for mental and nervous fatigue.
Clary Sage is commonly used to treat the vision as an herbal eyewash, not only to treat various vision complaints, but to also sharpen the vision and remove foreign material from the eyes. In a similar way, Clary Sage has been used in a prayerful manner, or used ritualistically as incense, to sharpen the clarity of the spirit and to bring clarity to important life decisions.
The flowering tops and leaves have been used to treat catarrh and as an antiseptic and emmenagogue. The herb is also used as a stomachic in digestive disorders.
The antidepressant effects of the essential oils were investigated using a forced swim test in rats. Rats were treated by intraperitoneal injection or inhalation. Clary sage oil had the strongest anti-stressor effect in the forced swimming test. The researchers found that the antidepressant activity of clary sage was closely associated with modulation of the DAnergic (dopamine) pathway.
After inhalation of clary sage oil, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) plasma levels significantly increased and cortisol plasma levels decreased in a study on 22 menopausal women. The change rate of cortisol was greater in the depression group compared with the normal group. The researchers concluded that clary sage does have antidepressant-like effect.
An in vitro study confirmed that clary sage oil had potent anti-fungal activity.
A study investigated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition of a range of essential oils. Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by the loss of activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex. It was demonstrated that clary sage essential oil gave 20.8% inhibition. It was concluded that the inhibition of AChE is more effective when synaptic acetylcholine levels are low, which is the case in Alzheimer’s disease.
Clary sage is one of the most important essential oils as a women’s remedy. All three phases of a woman’s life stand to benefit from clary sage – the menstrual cycle, childbirth and menopause.
Clary sage is renowned for the relief it brings to menstrual cramps because of its spasmolytic and analgesic action on the womb. Clary sage is also a uterine stimulant and an emmenagogue that promotes menstruation when delayed, scanty or completely absent.
A randomised placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of aromatherapy on menstrual cramps and symptoms of dysmenorrhoea. A blend of clary sage, Rosa centifolia and Lavandula officinalis in almond oil was applied topically by massage to the abdomen. Menstrual cramps were significantly lowered in the aromatherapy group. It was suggested that aromatherapy can be offered as part of nursing care to women experiencing menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhoea.
A clinical trial involving the use of essential oils during labor found clary sage oil was beneficial for its analgesic effects, relaxing effects and its ability to accelerate labor.
Clary sage oil is recommended for treating asthma as it relaxes spasms in the bronchial tube and helps reduce anxiety and emotional tension often associated with asthma sufferers.
Clary sage oil is suggested for preventing excessive sweating. It is recommended for oily skin, greasy hair and dandruff as it reduces excessive sebum production.
In Ayurveda, Clary Sage has been used to overcome weakness and promote emotional strength for thousands of years. It is known for helping to boost confidence in those who struggle with self-doubt, social anxiety, and emotional weakness.
Clary sage mucilage is used to remove foreign objects from the eye, to remove thorns and splinters from the skin, and for treating tumors

Constituents

linalool (10-20%)
linalyl acetate (60-70%)
caryophyllene (1.5-2.5%),
terpineol (0.5-2.5%)
geraniol (trace-1.5%)
neryl acetate (0.3-1.0%)
sclareol (0.5-2.0%)
germacrene D (3.0-5.0%).
Clary sage oil is also rich in esters, which are known for their antispasmodic and sedative properties.

Energetics/ Organoleptics

COLOR: Clary sage oil is a colorless to pale-yellow or pale-olive colored liquid
SMELL: fresh, sweet fruity, floral and herbaceous bittersweet, nutty, musky, camphoraceous odor. Some perfumers describe it as tobacco-like, or balsamic or tea-like.
TASTE:
PLANET: Moon
ELEMENT: Earth
CHAKRA: Root (1st), Sacral (2nd)
CHARACTER: Yang
Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides were quite fond of Clary Sage as a spiritual guide as well as a potent, aromatic medicinal herb. They wrote that Clary Sage may shed light on the instinct and pave the way for having a clear vision of the future. It was called Sclarea, “clear eye,” by ancient Romans for its ability to bring clarity on spiritual, emotional, mental, physiological, and sensory levels.
Clary sage oil is able to uplift one’s spirit without disconnecting one from reality. The earthy quality of its herbaceous, musky sweetness reflects its ability to both steady and calm the mind, while its gentle pungency enlivens the senses and restores clarity.
Clary sage allows us to draw on our deep emotional and energetic core. In doing so, it can have a gentle effect that will help break down and remove any protective barriers we may use when relating to others.
Clary sage feeds the soul and helps us get through tough times.
Clary sage strengthens the ability to dream and assists in the development of the intuitive mind, helping us access hidden truths and insights about others, ourselves and our life experiences. Clary sage helps to bring us more closely in touch with the dream world.
Clary sage can be used whenever we feel stagnant and unable to have a clear understanding of what is happening in our life. She explains that it helps give us clarity and understanding of our dreams which in turn heightens our natural intuition.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, clary sage oil is reputed to strengthen Qi that is depleted and it relaxes and improves circulation of Qi. This means that it is both a general tonic and an excellent antispasmodic.
According to the principles of the Five Elements, clary sage oil is associated with the Metal Element. Clary sage has a pronounced effect on the Lungs and Lung Qi. Clary sage oil acts on the bodily soul known as the Po. When the Po is disturbed, we are unable to ‘see’ clearly in the here and now. We feel distracted from our spirit and intuitive insight. Clary sage oil helps us restore lucidity to our intuition allowing inspiration to flow.
Holmes states that clary sage has an affinity with Fire and Wood Elements. It nourishes the Blood and Yin, helps the Yang energy to descend and calms the Shen. When the Shen is agitated and the Yin Qi is deficient, we are likely to suffer from restlessness, insomnia, night sweats and headaches. He recommends blending clary sage with vetiver, geranium, and patchouli for this purpose.

Common Names

Sclarea, Clary, Clary Wort, Clear Eye, See Bright, Muscatel Sage, Herba Sacra (sacred herb), the Eyes of Christ, Muscatel Sage, Salvia Romana, Toute-Bonne

Botanical Name

Salvia sclarea

Family

Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Parts Used

Fresh or dried, above ground parts of leaves and flowering tops

Therapeutic Actions

anti-convulsive

anti-depressant

anti-fungal

anti-inflammatory

anti-microbial

anti-nociceptive

anti-phlogistic

anti-septic

anti-spasmodic

astringent

carminative

cholinergic

deodorant

digestive

emmenagogue

hypotensive

nervine

sedative

tonic

uterine

Proper Use

Clary sage oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tops and foliage of S. sclarea.

Because clary sage oil is relatively expensive and since the main constituents found in the oil are linalool and linalyl acetate it is frequently adulterated by the addition of these constituents that may be synthetic or of natural source. The addition of these constituents may not be detected by the physico-chemical analysis of the oil. However, it can be detected by olfactory analysis.

Bath -full body bath, foot bath
Topical - compress, massage, ointment, skin care
Inhalation- direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer

Formulary

For dysmenorrhoea and PMS consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as Roman chamomile, sweet fennel, geranium, lavender, sweet marjoram or rose absolute or otto.
For anxiety, nervous tension and stress-related conditions, consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as bergamot, Virginian or Atlas cedarwood, fragonia, geranium, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, patchouli, petitgrain, sandalwood or ylang ylang.
To alleviate depression, consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as bergamot, geranium, neroli, sweet orange, jasmine absolute, rose absolute, sandalwood or ylang ylang.
Circulatory: 6 drops clary sage, 3 drops lavender, 2 drops Melissa
Respiratory: 4 drops clary sage, 3 drops benzoin, 3 drops sandalwood
Reproductive: 6 drops clary sage, 3 drops geranium, 2 drops marjoram
Emotion: 5 drops clary sage, 4 drops ylang-ylang, 3 drops cedarwood
Anti-sorrow fragrance: 4 oz sweet almond oil, 10 drops marjoram EO, 5 drops each clary sage and cypress or rosemary EO, 1 drop hyssop EO (optional), 1 drop melissa EO. Combine ingredients.
Clary Eye Lotion: place a handful of leaves or tops in a saucepan, cover with a cupful of milk or water and simmer over a low flame for 10 minutes. Strain and when lukewarm, bathe the eyes with cotton or use an eye bath.

Cultivation

Clary sage is a biennial or perennial herb, growing 30 to 120 cm high, with grayish, velvety, heart-shaped leaves and numerous pale-blue, violet-pink or white flowers.2 It is cultivated in central Europe, Russia, England, Morocco and the US.
A biennial to zone 6. Germination is in 12-15 days. Space 2-3 feet apart. Soil temperature 70F. Soil should be well drained, fertile. Moist is preferred but it tolerates dry conditions with a pH of 5.3 to 7.2. Full sun. Seedlings started in spring will flower the following season. Plants self-sow.

Contradictions

Clary sage oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
The oil is contraindicated during pregnancy. However, Tisserand & Young state that there are no known contraindications. Just because clary sage is labelled as an emmenagogue does not imply that the oil is an abortifacient in the amounts used in aromatherapy, and as such, it should present no danger in pregnancy.
Lis-Balchin states that clary sage oil is often quoted in aromatherapy literature as being oestrogenic, however, no clear scientific evidence has been forthcoming.

History

The English name clary is derived from the Latin word sclarea, a word derived from clarus meaning `clear’. The name clary was gradually modified to clear eye, possibly because the herb was once used for clearing mucus from the eyes.
Culpeper suggested that a compress of the mucilage made from the seeds would reduce tumors or swellings.
Originally grown in southern Europe, it was planted in German vineyards. It was also used as a substitute for hops in brewing beer.
Clary sage oil is used as a fragrance component in perfumes.5 In flavoring, the coriander-like note of clary sage oil is used in liqueurs, wine essences and grape essences. It is also used as a modifier in spice compounds.
Clary Sage was also commonly used as an aphrodisiac throughout Europe to help stimulate the sacredness of sexuality and dissolve sexual discomfort and anxiety.

clary-sage-salvia-sclarea-bruno-petrigli

Research & References

Arctander S. (1994). Perfume and flavor materials of natural origin. Allured Publishing, Carol Stream.

Bowles J. (2003). The chemistry of aromatherapeutic oils. 3rd edn. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest.

Grieve M. (1971). A modern herbal – Vol. I. Dover Publications, New York.

Han SH et al. (2006). Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, ; 12(6): 535-541. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database, 2013.

Holmes P. (2016). Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Vol. I. Singing Dragon, London.

Holmes P. (1993). Clary sage. The International Journal of Aromatherapy; 5(1): 15-17.

Hur MH et al. (2012). Aromatherapy massage on the abdomen for alleviating menstrual pain in high school girls: a preliminary controlled clinical study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 2012: 187163. doi: 10.1155/2012/187163

Khan I, Abourashed E. (2010). Leung’s encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs and cosmetics. 3rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey.

Lawrence BM. (1989). Essential oils 1981 – 1987. Allured Publishing, Wheaton.

Lee KB et al. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and cortisol plasma levels in menopausal women after inhalation of clary sage oil. Phytotherapy Research; 28(11): 1599-1605. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database.

Le Strange R. (1977). A history of herbal plants. Angus and Robertson, United Kingdom.

Lis-Balchin M. (2006). Aromatherapy science – a guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press, London.

Ou MC et al. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research; 38(5): 817-822. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database, 2013.

Burns E, Blamey C. Soothing scents in childbirth. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1994; 6(1): 24-28.

Džamić A et al. (2008). Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Salvia sclarea (Lamiaceae) essential oil. Archives of Biological Sciences; 60(2): 233-237. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database.

Perry N et al. (1996). European herbs with cholinergic activities: potential in dementia therapy. International Journal of Geriatric Psychology; 11(12): 1063-1069. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database, 2013.

Sakurada T et al. (2009). Intraplantar injection of bergamot essential oil into the mouse hindpaw. Effects on capsaicin-induced nociceptive behaviors. International Review of Neurobiology; 85: 237-248. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database, 2013

Seol GH et al. (2013). Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 19(7): 664-670. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0148

Sharma PR et al. (2013). Ten highly effective essential oils inhibit growth in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; 5(1): 52-54. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database, 2013.

Sienkiewicz M et al. (2015). The effect of clary sage on staphylococci responsible for wound infections. Postȩpy Dermatologii i Alergologii; 32(1): 21-26. doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40957

Seol GH et al. (2010). Antidepressant-like effect of Salvia sclarea is explained by modulation of dopamine activities in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, ; 130(1): 187-190. Cited in Quintessential Aromatics database.

Tisserand R, and Balacs T. (1995). Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Tisserand R, and Young R. (2014). Essential oil safety. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Yang HJ et al. (2014). Effects of Salvia sclarea on chronic immobilization stress induced endothelial dysfunction in rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 14: 396. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-396