Clary Sage Essential Oil Uses: How to get Relief from Anxiety, PMS and more

Clary sage essential oil is a wonderful way to relax and sooth the senses. This oil is sourced from the clary sage plant, which grows primarily in Europe and parts of Asia.  The plant itself has been used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years and is famous for providing vision and mental wellness.  As an essential oil, clary sage offers dozens of benefits and uses, including better sleep, anxiety relief, menstrual cramp relief, and more.  Let’s look at clary sage’s top benefits and how to use it effectively.  

1. Anxiety & Depression Relief

With anxiety and depression affecting millions of people, especially women, many are searching for answers.  Several essential oils, such as clary sage, can greatly reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.  According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, clary sage specifically lowers cortisol while increasing serotonin.[1]  The result is a reduction of stress and an increase in mood stabilization. 

To experience the anxiety and depression relief that clary sage offers, you can simply use the oil in a diffuser in your home.  You can also treat yourself to a relaxing steam facial.  Add a few drops of oil to a steamy bowl of water and cover your head with a towel.  Lean your face over the bowl, close your eyes, and breathe in deeply. 

2. Asthma Relief

If you suffer from asthma, you know how uncomfortable it can be to breathe.  Clary sage can help relax the bronchial tubes, resulting in better breathing.   It is also effective for those suffering from respiratory infections. 

You can get asthma relief by using the oil in a diffuser or cotton ball method as described in the previous section.  You can also dilute the oil with a carrier oil and rub on the chest and bottoms of the feet. This method is also effective in helping relieve coughing due to respiratory infections.  Be sure to always ask your doctor before using if your asthma or respiratory symptoms are severe. 

3. PMS & Menstrual Cramps Relief

One of the biggest pains in life for women is PMS and menstrual cramps.  Thankfully, there’s an oil for that!  Women around the world praise clary sage for its ability to get them through that difficult week every month.

You can say goodbye to bloating, mood swings, compulsive eating, and other PMS woes by simply inhaling the oil.  You can use a diffuser, or simply soak a cotton ball and place by your bedside.  A steam facial, as described in the previous section, is also a great way to relax and get rid of the PMS blues.

For menstrual cramps, use 10mL of sweet almond oil and a few drops of clary sage essential oil.  Rub your abdomen gently with the mixture for several minutes.  A warm, soothing bath with the diluted clary sage mixture is also a great way to help relieve cramping.

4. Acne Relief

Clary sage contains a special chemical called linalyl acetate which works to reduce inflammation and prevents acne scarring.  It regulates the oil production of the skin, which can help future acne from forming with regular use.  Antibacterial properties also make clary sage a great choice in preventing breakouts from spreading.

To use on the face area, it is very important to dilute correctly. Use a 5mL roller bottle and fill with jojoba carrier oil.  Then, add a couple of drops of clary sage essential oil.  Shake and roll a thin layer on your most oily areas and/or acne affected areas. And, if you’re wondering, jojoba carrier oil will not make your skin oilier.  Like clary sage, jojoba carrier oil also helps to regulate oil production of the skin. 

5. Help Sleep better at Night

It’s no surprise that millions of people have trouble sleeping at night.  With stress and anxiety disorders on the rise, sleeping disorders are following the same trend.  Many people claim that clary sage can relax the mind and body, lulling them into peaceful slumber.

To get a better night’s sleep, diffuse the oil in a diffuser.  You can also use a cotton ball soaked in clary sage oil and place inside your pillowcase or on your nightstand.  A side note: clary sage mixed with a few drops of Roman chamomile is a great blend for sleep!

6. Hair Care and Hair Growth

Have dry, thinning hair?  Many people report that a clary sage hair treatment can do wonders for the locks.  Clary sage can help stimulate the hair follicle, causing more hair growth.  Mixed with a good carrier oil, the blend will moisturize and prevent dandruff due to a dry scalp.

Try mixing a few tablespoons of warm jojoba carrier oil with five or six drops of clary sage and a few drops of rosemary.  Massage onto the scalp and let it penetrate for up to an hour.  Wash the oil out with warm water and a soap free of parabens. 

Other Uses

Clary sage has a multitude of other benefits.  It can work as an aphrodisiac to promote a healthy sex drive, it can reduce fear in the mind, it can relax nervous tension, and it can be a great way to get relief from muscle and joint pain. It’s even used to sooth digestive problems such as flatulence and cramps!

Great Blends

This oil blends great with the following oils: basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clove bud, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, helichrysum, juniper berry, lavandin, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, nutmeg, orange, patchouli, pine, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, and ylang ylang.

Precautions

With its warm and fruity scent and relaxing nature, clary sage is sure to become a favorite in your collection.  However, as with any oil, there are a few precautions to consider:

• Clary sage on the abdomen of pregnant women may cause contractions.
• It is not recommended for use with infants or toddlers.
• Always contact your doctor before using if you have a medical condition such as asthma, cancer, or using medication.
• Clary sage can increase the drowsiness effect of alcohol and some medications.
• If you have sensitive skin or allergy to some plants, it is a good idea to do a skin patch test: apply a small amount mixed with a carrier oil to a small area of skin. Wait 24 hours to see if any reactions occur.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802524

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