Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is a striking biennial or short-lived perennial plant with strongly scented leaves, colourful bracts and tall, lavender and white flowers which open in late spring and summer. It is native to the northern Mediterranean basin, and parts of North Africa and Central Asia. It is also known as Clear Eye because the seeds, when soaked in water, are traditionally used as an eye wash.
The plant itself is a versatile choice for gardens and landscapes. Along with Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Crested Sage (Salvia viridis), Clary Sage is particularly bee friendly and an excellent source of nectar for pollinators. In fact, by planting these three different varieties of sage, you can create a stable food source for bees throughout the late spring and summer months: Common Sage blossoms from May to June, Clary Sage from June to August, and Crested Sage from July to September.
And did you know that the Clary Sage plant is often used to flavour vermouths, wines and liqueurs?
However, what Clary Sage is perhaps best known for is its essential oil. With its distinctively herbaceous, floral and slightly earthy scent, Clary Sage essential oil has been used for centuries and is still used today in modern perfumery. It blends well with other essential oils from the same Lamiaceae family, including Lavender, Patchouli, Sweet Marjoram, and Melissa, plus citrussy and woody essential oils, like Bergamot, Lime and Cedarwood.
Clary Sage oil has been traditionally used for a wide variety of emotional and physiological benefits. In aromatherapy, it’s often referred to as the ‘woman’s oil’, due to its traditional use as a remedy for menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalance. However, it is also used as a popular stress-reliever and for supporting skin health. Let’s take a look at its traditional uses in more detail:
- Offers Relief from Menstrual Discomfort: Perhaps its most commonly known benefit, Clary Sage oil is traditionally used for offering relief from painful menstrual discomfort, plus balancing hormonal health and managing symptoms associated with PMS. It is believed to be an anti-spasmodic and calming to the smooth muscles of the body, thus helpful for easing menstrual cramps.
- Helps Manage Stress: With its soothing and restorative scent, Clary Sage oil is revered for its calming properties and is a popular choice for reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It has been traditionally used to help with high blood pressure, and to promote blood circulation and reduce mood swings.
- Supporting People in Labour: While Clary Sage should be avoided during pregnancy, it is sometimes used in labour to reduce stress levels and help with the fear of giving birth. Some people believe it can also provide some pain relief during labour.
- Promotes Skin and Hair Health: Clary Sage oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It contains a compound called linalyl acetate, which is believed to help soothe skin inflammation and support general skin health. To this affect, Clary Sage oil may be used to calm acne. It is also known to promote hair growth and improve hair strength, and may help reduce dandruff.
- Supports Restful Sleep: Clary Sage is believed to have natural sedative-like properties and induce feelings of calm and relaxation, which may help promote better sleep.
- May Aid Digestion: Clary sage oil has also been traditionally used to promote healthy digestion. Its antispasmodic properties are believed to help relieve indigestion, bloating, and cramping.
If you’d like to incorporate Clary Sage oil into your wellness routine, try adding a few drops of the oil to a diffuser to fill your space with its soothing and calming scent. Alternatively, you can apply the oil to your skin to soothe sore muscles and benefit the skin by adding it to a carrier oil, or mixing a few drops into your moisturiser. If you want to harness its benefits for your hair, you can add it to your shampoo. For a particularly relaxing experience, try adding 5 – 10 drops of Clary Sage oil to your bath.
Here at Songbird Naturals, we use Clary Sage oil in our Herbal Lift Massage Wax. A blend of Clary Sage, Palmarosa, Origanum and Rosemary, the oils used in this Massage Wax create a scent that is intended to clear the mind and stimulate mental activity.
It's important to note that Clary Sage oil should not be used during pregnancy before the estimated due date. This is because it can stimulate the uterus to contract, which could cause pregnancy complications. Similarly, if you have an oestrogen-related health condition, speak to your health practitioner before using this oil.
While Clary Sage oil is often associated with women, it’s a beautiful oil that can be enjoyed by everyone. A wonderful choice for when you want to feel calm yet uplifted.
