| Specifics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Orgin: | India | Extraction Method: | Steam Distilled |
| Chemical Families: | Esters, Monoterpenols | Plant Parts: | Flower buds |
| Cultivations: | Unsprayed | Botanical Families: | Lamiaceae |
| Aromas: | Herbaceous, Spicy, Sweet, Warm and Radiant | Notes: | Middle |
Personal Experience, Research, Possible Actions
Clary Sage is a unique member of the mint family. It is grown high in the beautiful Kashmir valley of the Himalaya mountains. Gabriel Mojay states, "In terms of Oriental medicine, clary sage oil both strengthens Qi-energy that is depleted, and relaxes and circulates Qi-energy that is "stuck". Hence it is both an effective general tonic and a major antispasmodic."
The antispasmodic and analgesic properties make this an ideal addition to blends dealing with muscular stiffness and spasms, headaches, migraines and to help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel and flatulence. It is used frequently to help dull pain during labor and help ease menstrual pain.
Salvatore Battaglia states "Clary Sage 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." Mojay also states that Clary Sage works to open the chest when it feels stuffy, tight, or constricted.
Clary Sage is often used in skin care for oily skin, reducing excessive production of sebum, especially on the scalp and helps prevent excessive sweating. Perfumers and soap makers utilize Clary Sage as a stabilizing agent.
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Therapeutic Properties
- Antidepressant - can help to prevent and alleviate depression
- Antiseptic - assists in fighting germs/infections
- Antispasmodic - relieves spasms and cramps
- Antiviral
- Bactericidal - destructive to bacteria
- Carminative - settles digestion and may assist in preventing gas
- Digestive system tonic/stimulant
- Sedative
- Stomachic - stimulates the stomach
- Emmenagogue - Helps promote and regulate menstruation.
Emotional and Energetic Qualities
Unblocks and circulates stagnant energy
Nervous anxiety
Depression
Calming the mind
Emotionally uplifting
Indecision
Emotional confusion
Allows inspiration to flow
Recipe
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (for cramps)
5 drops Clary Sage
5 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Orange
5 drops Yarrow
Add to 2 oz. of cream
Apply to belly and lower back every few hours.
References:
1. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2. Davis P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition C.W. Daniel Company Limited, England, 1999
3. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
4. Tisserand & Balacs. Essential Oil Safety, Elsevier Limited, Great Britian, 1995
Safety
Possible mild irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Tisserand suggests that just because Clary Sage is labeled 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.
Some sources say to avoid alcohol consumption as the combination can create "bad" dreams.
A word of caution: Some have reported an increased menstrual flow when used during a heavy period.
