What is Clary Sage?
Clary Sage is a variety of sage that belongs to the genus Salvia. During the summer months the flowers adorn gardens with their purple, pink and light blue flowers. Clary Sage has been noted in history as far back as the middle ages when it was used for the eyes.
The sweet, fresh flowers and leaves yield a colorless to yellow-green oil when steam distilled. The scent is almost nutty and some say that it may smell a little musty. Clary Sage blends well with many essential oils, but in particular Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine and Sandalwood.
Although this oil has a reputation for having an affinity to the female body, it is also rich in linalool and has often been used to positively affect the emotions. It can feel lifting, but not overly stimulating, yet calming at the same time. Clary Sage is often added to blends for anxiety, stress, tension, pain and many female issues such as menstrual cramps.
There are many ways to use Clary Sage essential oil. Here are my 4 favorite ways to use this oil:
Uplifting Scent/Mood Elevator
When feeling down, insecure, irritable and even anxious, I like to make a blend with Clary Sage to use in my diffuser. By combining other relaxing and uplifting oils, the effect seems to bring balance into my life.
- Clary Sage Essential Oil - 40 drops
- Bergamot Essential Oil - 80 drops
- Sandalwood Essential Oil - 20 drops
- Jasmine Absolute Oil - 10 drops
Blend the oils in a small dark glass bottle. Use 3-5 drops in your diffuser as desired.
Aphrodisiac Massage Oil
When emotions are out of whack it can be difficult to feel sensual and connected to your partner. To feel more confident, at ease and sensual, why not try exchanging massages. Try using gentle pressure with long strokes to encourage circulation and relaxation.
- Clary Sage Essential Oil - 40 drops
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - 20 drops
- Patchouli Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Sandalwood Essential Oil - 14 drops
- Perilla Seed Oil - 4 ounces
Blend the essential oils with the Perilla Oil, or your favorite massage oil. Shake well and use as a massage oil.
Menstrual Cramp Roll-On
If you are a woman, chances are you have experienced menstrual cramps. They can vary from mild to moderate, and even severe. Cramps can leave you feeling tired, in pain and even bloated. Over the years I have learned to keep a roll-on with this blend in my monthly kit - along with Swiss chocolate, The Notebook DVD, and The Honey Pot Menstrual Pads!- Clary Sage Essential Oil - 15 drops
- Geranium Essential Oil - 8 drops
- Lavender Essential Oil - 3 drops
- Copaiba Essential Oil - 10 drops
- Black Pepper Essential Oil - 3 drops
- Golden Jojoba Oil - 10 ml
Blend all the essential oils with the Jojoba Oil. Pour into 2 roll-on bottles. Make a label and use as needed by gently massaging the lower abdomen.
Anti-Aging Skin Care
Clary Sage has a wonderful affinity for the skin. It is said to improve the appearance of fine lines while giving the skin a youthful and glowing look. Add this blend to your favorite creams and lotions for a little extra boost for your skin!- Clary Sage Essential Oil - 15 drops
- Rose Absolute Oil - 1 drop
- Frankincense Essential Oil - 6 drops
- Patchouli Essential Oil - 3 drops
- Unscented skin care product - 4 ounces
Place unscented skin care product, such as Anti-Oxidant Cream or Tightening Serum, in a clean bowl. Add essential oils. With a clean whisk incorporate the essential oils into your product until completely mixed. Pour or scoop your finished product back into the original containers. Enjoy this blend in the morning and/or evening.
*Clean and "sterilize" your bowl and whisk by adding 1 tsp of Everclear alcohol to the bowl and wiping down the entire bowl with a clean paper towel.
Safety Guidelines
There are a few safety guidelines that should be observed when using Clary Sage essential oil.
- Do not drink alcohol and use Clary Sage essential oil. It has long been known to enhance the effects of alcohol. When mixed with alcoholic beverages, it is said to produce intense dreams and to amplify your hangover the following morning!
- When using Clary Sage with hormone-affecting essential oils, such as Geranium, make sure to consult your healthcare professional/aromatherapist before use.
- Consider using a designated driver if you are intensely working with Clary Sage essential oil! The deep relaxing effect can produce drowsiness and may make you unfit for getting behind the wheel.
- Avoid this oil during pregnancy as it may increase circulation in the reproductive organs; however this oil was tested in a group of late term pregnant women with no ill effects.
Enjoy this scent for your senses!
Herbalist Natalie