Clary Sage - Relax, Restore, Clear Away Stress

Clary sage is mainly grown for its essential oil and used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and as a flavoring in foods, vermouths, wines, and liqueurs. As an herb, clary sage leaves and flowers can be included in teas or be eaten raw in salads.

The clary sage plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb. It’s considered to be one of the top essential oils for hormones, especially in women. Many claims have been made as to its benefits when dealing with cramps, heavy menstrual cycles, hot flashes and hormonal imbalances. It’s also known for its ability to increase circulation, and support the digestive system.

“Salvia sclarea, commonly known as clary sage, is a magnificent garden herb of the Lamiaceae family. One of the more flamboyant sage plants, it boasts whorls of almost heart-shaped, glowingly fuzzy leaves as large as an outspread hand and extends delightfully large flower stalks with pink-purple tipped buds that open into pastel tiers of lipped blossoms. On a sunny summer day, insects flit between flowers or rest among the shady ruffles of leaves, and the entire plant exudes its musty-sweet scent into the warm air.” Katherine Grames, The Thriving Aromatherapist.

Health Benefits

1. Relieves Menstrual Discomfort

Clary sage works to regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormone levels naturally and stimulating the opening of an obstructed system. It has the power to treat symptoms of PMS as well, including bloating, cramps, mood swings and food cravings.

This essential oil is also antispasmodic, meaning it treats spasms and related issues such as muscle cramps, headaches and stomachaches. It does this by relaxing the nerve impulses that we can’t control.

2. Supports Hormonal Balance

Clary sage affects the hormones of the body because it contains natural phytoestrogens, which are referred to as “dietary estrogens” that are derived from plants and not within the endocrine system. These phytoestrogens give clary sage the ability to cause estrogenic effects. It regulates estrogen levels and ensures the long-term health of the uterus — reducing the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.

A lot of health issues today, even things like infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and estrogen-based cancers, are caused from excess estrogen in the body — in part because of our consumption of high-estrogen foods. Because clary sage helps balance out those estrogen levels, it’s an incredibly effective essential oil.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that inhalation of clary sage oil had the ability to reduce cortisol levels by 36 percent and improved thyroid hormone levels. The study was done on 22 post-menopausal women in their 50s, some of whom were diagnosed with depression.

3. Relieves Insomnia

People suffering from insomnia may find relief with clary sage oil. It is a natural sedative and will give you the calm and peaceful feeling that is necessary to fall asleep. When you can’t sleep, you usually wake feeling tired, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia affects not only your energy level and mood, but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

Two major causes of insomnia are stress and hormonal changes. An all-natural essential oil can improve insomnia without drugs by alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety, and by balancing hormone levels.

4. Increases Circulation

Clary sage opens the blood vessels and allows for increased blood circulation; it also naturally lowers blood pressure by relaxing the brain and arteries. This boosts the performance of the metabolic system by increasing the amount of oxygen that gets into the muscles and supporting organ function.

Fronds of Folklore

Clary sage is under the dominion of the Moon. It is considered an herb that facilitates a remembering of feminine wisdom and encourages connection with our inner knowing and what lies in the unseen realms.

“The earthy quality of its herbaceous, musky sweetness reflects its ability to both steady the mind and reassure, while its gentle pungency enlivens the senses and dispels illusion, restoring the clarity echoed by its name.” (Gabriel Mojay, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit)

“The abundance within this fragrance is captivating, full of prosperity of the spirit.” Valerie Ann Worwood, The Fragrant Heavens