Clary Sage MNB
Salvia esclarea
- Essential Information
- Chemistry
- Therapeutic Properties
- Subtle Aromatherapy and Energetics and Personality
- Blending and Perfumery
- History – Herbal – Folklore
- Safety Information and Shelf Life
- Related Products
Botany
Clary sage is a biennial or perennial herb, growing 30 to 120 cm high, with greyish, velvety, heart-shaped leaves and numerous pale-blue, violet pink or white flowers. It is cultivated in central Europe, Russia, England, Morocco and the USA.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
The leaves allow the plant to breathe. They also protect the plant from water loss and support photosynthesis. We can use oils made from leaves to support respiration and deeper breathing. These oils can also protect us from infection. They can help us breath when we feel stress and anxiety, while supporting expansion and creativity. Leaf oils can also support us when we get into over-thinking and need a calm, clear mind.
Steam distillation of the fresh herb in flower, usually in August – September, if the flowers alone are distilled, this results in oil higher in esters.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
1 kg oil yield from 100 – 150 kg of herb (a good yield)
35.5 oz oil yield from 100,000 to 150,000 grams
1 drop oil yield from 7.08 grams of herb
Calming, soothing, sedative, emotionally uplifting
Antispasmodic; regulating and balancing action on the sympathetic nervous system; anti-inflammatory; effective on skin rashes and irritations.They are adaptogenic (helping the body adjust to, and deal with stress)
Some are analgesic (like Clary sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Lavandin, Roman chamomile and Ylang Ylang)
Anti-infectious, immune stimulants over the long term, healing for the skin; activate white blood cells (Apply in lymphs)
- linalol is effective against bacterial, geraniol to be effective against fungi, and terpinen-4-ol activates white blood cells that deal with infection.
- Menthol and geraniol make the site of application feel cool
- Linalool provides a significant sedating quality, making oils such as Clary Sage, Lavender or Ho Wood ideal for insomnia.
- Linalol, menthol, citronellol, and borneol are especially antispasmodic to smooth muscles
- Linalol rich oils are very calming to the nervous system.
- Linalyl acetate 44.33% Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumoral, antiulcerogenic, immunostimulant, sedative.
- Geranyl acetate 2.9% Analgesic, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive,Antispasmodic,antibacterial, antifungal (candida) choleretic.
- Neryl acetate 1.6% Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
- Linalool 29.83% Airborne antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antifungal, (candida), antioxidant, antitumoral, antiviral, immuno stimulant, hypotensive, Antibacterial, anesthetic, sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, calming
- Α-terpineol 5.07 % Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, inhibits the influx of neutrophils, antimicrobial, antifungal. Antinociceptive
- Geraniol 2.68% Antifungal, cooling, airborne antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (acting via inhibition of NO and PGE2 in macrophages), antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal (candida), antioxidant, antitumoral.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.Menstrual problems, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, PMS, menopausal problems, hot flashes, muscular aches and pains, muscular fatigue, muscular spasm, excessive perspirations, headache , loss of concentration, memory, insomnia, nervousness, depression, anxiety, physical stress, psychological stress.
Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antisudorific, calmative, emmenagogue, nervine, restorative, soporific, spasmolytic, tonic.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.Anxiety, nervous tension with fatigue, scatteredness, apprehension, fearfulness, anxious or agitated depression, alpitations, irritability, emotional confusion with negative outlook, scanty or stopped periods, long cycles, menstrual cramps, vaginal discharges, sexual disinterest, debility, muscle tension and pain, varicose veins, oily skin scalp and hair.
Essential PNEI function and indication: Relaxant in overstimulation conditions; regulating in dysregulation conditions; euphoric in acute shock conditions.
Possible brain dynamics: Reduces basal ganglia and limbic system hyperfunctioning; resolves temporal lobe dysregulation
Fragrance category: Middle tone with green, sweet and woody notes.
Indicated psychological disorders: Hypomania, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, phobia, PTSD.
CALMS THE MIND, PROMOTES RELAXATION AND MILD EUPHORIA
- Nervous and emotional tension, scatteredness, anxiety.
- Emotional shock of any kind, fear, panic, phobia.
- Depression with anxiety or agitation; other types of depression (for short-term use)
PROMOTES EMOTIONAL STABILITY AND RENEWAL
- Irritability, moodiness
- Emotional conflict or instability with confusion, scatteredness
- Feeling-sensing disconnection and conflict
- All pathogenic distressed emotions in general
TOPICAL – compress, liniment, lotion and other cosmetic preparations
Skin care: Oily skin type
Dermal decongestant, hair restorative: oily skin, scalp and hair, dandruff, poor hair growth, hair loss; wrinkles, ulcers.
Antiseptic: Local/ topical infections, acne, boils
Preparations:
- Diffusor: 3-4 drops in water
- Massage Oil: 2-5% dilution in a vegetable oil
- Liniment: 2-10 % dilution in a vegetable carrier oil.
Tropism: Neurocrine, reproductive, vascular systems
Essential functional and diagnostic indication: Restores hypotonic / weak conditions and relaxes hypertonic / tense conditions.
Primarily restorative:
Systemic nervous and cerebral restorative: Chronic atonic (weak) conditions with fatigue, insomnia, chronic stress; neurasthenia with fatigue, burnout, exhaustion; chronic adrenal fatigue.
Antidepressant, mild euphoric: Depression, esp. With tension or anxiety; menopausal and postpartum depression; shock, trauma.
Reproductive restorative: Pituitary-ovarian stimulant, oestrogenic: chronic hormonal disorders from estrogen deficiency, incl. PMS, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, frigidity, senile vaginitis, infertility.
Uterine restorative and stimulant: amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhea.
Primarily decongestant:
Venous and pelvic restorative and decongestant: venous insufficiency with congestion, incl. Varicose veins, hemorrhoids; congestive dysmenorrhoea.
Astringent, mucostatic: diarrhea, mucous colitis, enteritis, indigestion from excessive gastrointestinal mucus, vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea).
Anhidrotic: excessive daytime and night-time sweating
Agalactic: excessive lactation (for weaning)
Primarily relaxant:
Systemic nervous relaxant: PNS inhibitor, spasmolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory: hypertonic (tense) conditions with tension, anxiety, pain and spasms, esp. Of the nervous, digestive, reproductive, respiratory systems; chronic stress-related disorders in general.
- Cerebral sedative, hypnotic: anxiety, insomnia.
- Hypotensive, antilipemic: hypertension, hyperlipidemia
- Uterine relaxant: spasmodic dysmenorrhoea with menstrual cramps, ovulation pain, labour pains, spasmodic uterine dystocia, PMS
- Respiratory relaxant, bronchodilator: asthma
- Intestinal relaxant, spasmolytic: colic, cramps, IBS
- Neuromuscular relaxant, analgesic, anticonvulsant: muscle tension, spasms and pain; children’s seizures.
Mild antifungal and antibacterial: incl. Strep. pneumoniae.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.Digestion: For stress-related digestive discomfort, spasm, or gas, Clary Sage blends well with Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, Anise, Sweet Marjoram, and Black Pepper.
Menstruation: For dysmenorrhea, a blend of Lavender, Clary Sage and Marjoram (2:1:1 ratio, 3% in a cream base for abdominal massage) provides pain relief and reduces the duration of pain (Ou et al. 2012).
Musculoskeletal: Clary Sage can be used in massage blends and creams for pain and discomfort due to inflammation and spasm. It blends well with Lavender, Bergamot, Sweet Marjoram, Basil, and Black Pepper.
Respiratory: Clary Sage has a wide range of actions for people with respiratory issues, such as asthma. The oil is often used in asthma blends, as it relieves spasms in the chest and helps ease anxiety and emotional tension that can accompany asthma.
Skin: Clary Sage would be a good choice in anti-acne blends, because of its antibacterial (including against S. epidermidis) and anti-inflammatory actions. It blends well with any chemotype of Rosemary, Rose, Jasmine, and Sandalwood.
Stress, tension and depression: Clary Sage’s uplifting, relaxing and antidepressant actions make it ideal for emotional issues. Try blending it with Sweet Orange, Jasmine, Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Sandalwood.
Analgesic:Linalyl acetate has antinociceptive activity in vivo (Sakurada et al. 2009). Linalyl acetate has antinociceptive activity (Guimarães et al. 2013).
Anti-inflammatory: Clary Sage has shown anti-inflammatory action (Kanlayavattanakul and Lourith 2011).
Antidepressant: Clary Sage has demonstrated good anti-stress activity and is antidepressant (Seol et al. 2010).
Antibacterial: The essential oil has antibacterial actions. It is active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is implicated in acne (Kanlayavattanakul and Lourith 2011).
Antispasmodic: Linalyl acetate, a major component of Clary Sage essential oil, can induce relaxation of smooth muscle (Kang et al. 2013).
CNS sedative: The essential oil typically contains 10-16% linalol, which is known to have sedative activity (Linck et al. 2006). We also know that linalyl acetate works synergistically with linalol, and that the sedative action of Lavender depends on the presence of both constituents (Takahashi et al. 2011). It is highly likely there is a similar situation with Clary Sage essential oil, and that it has sedative action.
Emmenagogue: There is no directly supportive research to substantiate this, but many women have reported that Clary Sage brings on a heavy menstrual cycle and increased bleeding.
Immunostimulant: There is no directly supportive research for the essential oil. However, Clary Sage contains substantial amounts of linalyl acetate, which does have immunostimulant activity in vitro (Standen et al. 2006)
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Nervous system: Clary sage is well known for its euphoric action. It is beneficial for treating anxiety, stress, nervous tension and depression.
Clary sage oil is well known for its ability to balance. It is strengthening yet relaxing and regarded as a general tonic for mental and nervous fatigue.
Holmes explains that clary sage oil is one of the most important remedies for the nervous systems. It can restore a weak, debilitated nervous system system. Clary sage is recommended for chronic atonic conditions with fatigue, insomnia, stress; neurastenia with fatigue, burnout, exhaustion; and chronic adrenal fatigue.
Psychological: Holmes states that clary sage oil calms the mind, promotes relaxation and has a mild euphoric effect. He recommends it for its nervous and emotional tension, anxiety, emotional shock of any kind, panic and depression with anxiety or agitation. The sweet scent fosters emotional stability, while its green scent provides a calming effect.
Reproductive system: Clary sage oil is one of the most important essential oils as a women’s remedy. All three phases of a woman’s life stand to benefit from clary sage – the menstrual cycle, childbirth and menopause.
Clary sage oil is renowned for the relief it brings to menstrual cramps because of its spasmolytic and analgesic action on the womb. Clary sage oil is also a uterine stimulant and an emmenagogue that promotes menstruation when delayed, scanty or completely absent.
Holmes states that clary sage is a very important oil for treating PMS. Like sweet fennel, it is specifically recommended for PMS and dysmenorrhoea that is due to oestrogen deficiency. Conversely, it is beneficial in conditions of oestrogen accumulation, which is often associated with more ‘aggressive type ‘ of PMS.
Holmes suggests that clary sage oil’s oestrogenic action on the system results from pituitary-gonadal stimulation. It is very likely that this oil exerts a regulating action on the pituitary gland. Clary sage is recommended for managing menopause.
In childbirth, clary sage oil’s relaxant effect can help the mother release some tension and anxiety usually present in pre-labour and labour, right up to the transition phase. It is suggested that clary sage oil takes the edge off the physical and emotional intensity involved in the work of riding the contraction waves.
Respiratory system: Clary sage oil is recommended for treating asthma as it relaxes spasm in the bronchial tube and helps reduce anxiety and emotional tension often associated with asthma sufferers.
Skin care: Clary sage oil is suggested for preventing excessive sweating. It is recommended for oily skin, greasy hair and dandruff as it reduces excessive sebum production.
Actions commonly cited in aromatherapy:
Antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic, uterine.
Actions supported by clinical studies:
Antidepressant, antifungal, antispasmodic, neurotonic, sedative.
Renewed Vitality ~ Clarity ~ Intution ~ Inspiration Creativity
Deeply relaxing yet stimulating and revitalizing
- Relaxes the mind and body to allow intuition to lead the path to creative energy.
- Nurtures and encourages creative energy to flourish.
- Revitalizes and inspires to take on a challenge that is perceived to be impossible.
- Reminds to enjoy the ride as much as the destination. Inspires to let go of negativity and hopelessness and be mindful of the importance of the present moment.
- Encourages to delve into one’s dreams to discover and embrace the enigmatic signals that the dreams convey and gain clarity and appreciation about the past and present.
- Helps evoke recurrent dreams.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Mojay suggests that clarys age oil is able to uplift one’s spirit without disconnecting one from reality. The earthy quality of its herbaceous, musky sweetness reflects its ability to both steady and calm the mind, while its gentle pungency enlivens the senses and restores clarity.
Holmes states that clary sage allows us to draw on our deep emotional and energetic core. In doing so, it can have a gentle effect that will help break down and remove any protective barriers we may use when relating to others.
Rischer-Rizzi states that clary sage feeds the soul and helps us get through tough times. She recommends clary sage when the pressure and stress are from external factors.
Keim Loughran & Bull state that clary sage strengthens the ability to dream and assists in the development of the intuitive mind, helping us access hidden truths and insights about others, ourselves and our life experiences. They explain that dreams can be a source of great teachings, offering an avenue to heal and row, and even to resolve our problems.
Davis also suggests that clary sage helps to bring us more closely in touch with the dream world. It is reputed to encourage vivid dreams, or may be that it encourages dream recall.
Zeck explains that clary sage can be used whenever we feel stagnant and unable to have a clear understanding of what is happening in our life. She explains that it helps us give us clarity and understanding of our dreams, which in turn heightens our natural intuition.
Worwood explains that clary sage encourages us to be satisfied with our achievements, and it assists us in realising that most of our problems exist in the imagination, and that issues which affect us will be resolved eventually.
According to TCM, clary sage oil is reputed to strengthen Qi that is depleted and it relaxes and improves circulation of Qi. This means that it is both a general tonic and an excellent antispasmodic.
According to the princliples of the Five Elements, clary sage oil is associated with the Metal Element. Mojay explains that clary sage oil has a pronounced effect on the Lungs and Lung Qi. Clary sage oil acts on the bodily soul known as the Po. When the Po is dusturbed, we are unable to ‘see’ clearly in the here and now. We feel distracted from our spirit and intuitive insight. Clary Sage oil helps us restore lucidity to our intuition allowing inspiration to flow.
Holmes states that clary sage oil has an affinity with the Fire and Wood Elements. It nourishes the Blood and Yin, helps the Yang energy to descend and calms the Shen. When the Shen is agitated and the Yin Qi is deficient, we are likely to suffer from restlessness, insmonia, night swetas and headaches. He recommends blending clary sage with vetiver, geranium and patchouli for this purpose.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.Intuition is one of our senses used to gather information about the world around us. Everyone uses intuition in a variety of ways and to different degrees . Steve jobs, the founder of Apple, said that intuition was more “powerful than intellect”.
Clary Sage assists in the development of intuition, helping us access insights about our life and our experiences. It integrates intuitive insights with our spirituality and promotes inner wisdom. It also helps to increse dreaming and the ability to understand the spiritual meanings and messages of our dreams. Dreams can be a source of valuable guidance, frequently offering needed or desired information.
General: Promotoes and supports intution.
7th: Helps to integrate intuitive insights with spirituality.
6th: Helps to develop intutuion and promote intuitive insights. Encourages inner vision to help us “see” more clearly, awakens imagination, and increases dreaming. Inspires and promotes wisdom.
5th: Promotes and supports calm and clear communication. Encourages laughter.
4th: Promotes heart-felt contentment and joy.
3rd: Promotes confidence and satisfaction with personal goals and achievements.
2nd: Promotes clarity and understanding of emotions throught intuitive insights. Promotes emotional healing and cheerfulness. Helps to calm and balance emotions, such as anger, anxiety, fear, guilt, and jealousy. Relieves burnout and helps dispeal apathy.
- To help develop our intuition
- To help increase our dreaming
- To help integrate our intuitive insights with our spirituality.
- To help us remember and understand our dreams.
- To help us dream about a particular topic.
- When we feel apathetic or discouraged.
- When we are feeling run down.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.Reduces anxiety
Calms the mind
Emotionally uplifting
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.Aroma energy: Green, sweet, woody
Movement: Circulating, stabilizing
Warmth: Neutral to cool
Meridian tropism: Heart, Liver, Kidney
Five-Element affinity: Fire, Wood
Essential function: To nourish the Blood and Yin, descend the Yang and calm the Shen.
- Blood deficiency with stopped periods, irregular periods / cycles, cramps, PMS:
Geranium / Fennel / Sage
- Heart Blood deficiency with Shen agitation with anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, palpitations:
Lavender / Neroli / Marjoram
- Yin deficiency with Shen agitation, with anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, palpitations:
Geranium / Vetiver/ Patchouli
- Liver Yang rising (floating Yang) with Shen agitation, with tension, headaches, insomnia, agitation:
Lavender / Blue tansy / Vetiver
- Internal Liver wind with tremors, muscle spasms, seizures:
Marjoram / Roman chamomile / Laurel
- Liver and Uterus Qi constraint with menstrual cramps, irritability, anxiety, PMS:
Lavender / Blue tansy / Ylang ylang no. 1
- Lower Warmer Blood stagnation with heavy dragging pelvic pains, painful clotted periods:
Rosemary / Geranium / Niaouli
- Blood stagnation in the lower limbs with varicose veins, ankle edema, fatigue:
Cypress / Tea tree / Rosemary
Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit: Restoring emotional and mental balance with essential oils. Healing Arts Press.
Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health. Sterling Pub. Co., 1990.… clary also has immnese healing powers. Its main effects are psychological, thats why the oil is so valued in aromatherapy.
The essential oil lends strenght, both psychological and physical. While it helps reduce deep-seated tension, it remains stimulating, regenerative, and revitalizing . This oil may be compared to a colorfully costumed clown or comedian who cheers and entertains with a sort of dance. It diverst us from negative thoughts and helps guide our energies so that we may revel in our dance of life.
The essential oils calry feeds the soul and helps us throught rought and meager times. Unlike rockrose and immoretelle, clary does not encourage depth. Jasmine is helpful when one’s emotional imbalance threatens relationships, but clary is recommended when pressures and stress come from outside. The oil is very relaxing, which explains its sensual effect on both men and women. Or could it be that the fragrance awakens our curiosity about the unexpected? Whatever the reason, this wonderful product is perfect when used for a relaxing bath for two or plessurable massage or to create a special athmopshere.
Any product containing clary has something unexpected, something exciting. When combined with jasmine, sandalwood, geranium, and vetiver or tuberose, it becomes a most intriguing product.
Clary oil has been particularly recognized as useful for people involved in creative work. It opens the path to the unknown, unusula, creative, and intuitive. An aroma lamp filled with clary next to the easel, notebook, or piano will surely inspire.
Clary has a rejuvenating effect since it lends us the courage to do things we haven’t done in a long time. This oil is wonderful for people in mid-life crisis. This perfume may be ideal for those who know that after a certain age we need not go downfhill but merely leap from peak to peak. This fragrance would be perfect for Gray Panthers.
…As a medicinal remedy clary was used long before its psychological effects were known. It relaxes and its tension-reduction extends from the psychological to the phsyical. The oil is used as a bath or massage oil for menstrual cramps, delayed or irregular menstruation, and premenstrual syndrome. Sometimes, psychological problems contribute to pelvic area cramps. The oil, in these instances, has avery healing effect on both the psyche and the body, since it addresses the whole person. This oil is wonderful to use during childbirth and throughout pregnancy. Clary is especially beneficial when used with jasmine. It helps support discontinued breast feeding; use it as a compress.
revitalize ~ clarify ~ inspire
Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit: Restoring emotional and mental balance with essential oils. Healing Arts Press.The psychological actions of clary sage oil are closely linked to its energetic ones, and the lance it creates between stimulation and relaxation. A general and neurotonic indicated for mental fatigue and nervous debility, the oil is, on the other hand, effective for calming the mind and easing tension. Strengthening yet relaxing, the net effect of clary sage oil is one of mental-emotional uplift, and of the euphoria for which the oil is renowned.
However, the type of uplift that clary sage oil promotes is not one that is “ungrounded” or disconnected from reality. The earthy quality of its herbacious, 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. The oil is therefore indicated, in particular, for nervous anxiety and depression characterized by changeable moods, indecision, and emotional confusion.
With a pronounced effect on both the Lungs and the Qi- energy, clary sage acts strongly on the Bodily Soul (P’o). When the Bodily Soul is afflicted by despondency or worry, we can lose a “felt instict” for our life’s true purpose, unable to “see” clearly in the here and now. Absorbed by the deliberations of a restless, seraching mind, we are distracted from the Spritit and its intuitive insight. Through relasing constriction within the vital body, and restoring lucidity to the insticts, clary sage oil allows inspiration to flow.
“Clary Sage imbushes sagacity and insight, and hels us to come to terms with loss.”
Calms, uplifts, restores, and inspires us. Supports intuition.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2015). Aromatherapy & subtle energy techniques: Compassionate healing with essential oils. Joni Keim.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Clary sage personalities have the ability to probe deeply into the psyche of others. They appear pensive at times. They are gentle , melancholic and thoughtful. According to Worwood, clary sage personalities will not rest until the job is done correclty, using their psyche as well as their head. She explains that they are so adaptable, can tackle almost any job and generally prefer creative occupations.
Clary sage personalites are described as very warm and friendly. They enjoy people with all their idiosyncrasies. They are never judgemental and have the ability to be comforting in times of need, especially during times of grief.
Clary sage brings long-lasting inner tranquility, and, thanks to its warmth and liveliness, it helps dispel melancholy. Fischer-Rizzi compares clary sage to a colourful clown or comedian who cheers and entertains with sort of dance. Clary sage has been particulary recognised as useful for people involved in creative work. It opens the path to the unknown, unusual, creative and intuitive.
According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the clary sage personality is likely to be an INFP. INFPs are gently, calm, easygoing and affirming. Integrity and commitment to what they believe in are essential. They like time alone for their many interests. They are highly reflective, especially in understanding the mysteries and meaning of life. They have little need to impose their values on others. They prefer to gently influence and inspire. They value authenticity and depth in their relationships.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
- Clary sage + Geranium / Rose: female reproductive restorative and hormonal regulator (oestrogenic / progesteronic) dysmenorrhoea, PMS, (peri) menopausal syndrome, frigidity.
- Clary sage + Palmarosa: neurocardiac restorative for neurasthenia with heart weakness, palpitations, chronic stress related disorders
- Clary sage + Lavender: nervous system restorative and relaxant for neurasthenia, burnout with anxiety, tension; agitated depression, insomnia, pain.
- Clary sage + Geranium: venous, pelvic and uterine restorative and decongestant for congestive dysmenorrhoea, varicose veins, haemorrhoids.
- Clary sage + Roman chamomile: spasmolytic and analgesic for acute, severe spasmodic dysmenorrhea, ovarian or pelvic pain, labour pains with spasmodic dystocia; colic, IBS
- Clary sage + Sage: uterine and ovarian hormonal restorative, gonadal / oestrogen / progesterone deficiency with amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, PMS, with fatigue; (peri) menopausal syndrome, frigidity, infertility, sterility
- Clary sage + Cypress: venous restorative for varicose veins, haemorrhoids, pelvic congestion.
- Clary sage + Green myrtle: mucostatic and astringent for vaginal discharges, mucus colitis, diarrhoea.
- Clary sage + Sage: anhydrotic for spontaneous day or night sweats with fatigue, esp. In women.
- Musculoskeletal: for inflammation and pain, muscular tension, consider blending with geranium, lavender, basil, bergamot mint, hops, golden rod, juniper berry, coriander seed, cardamom, bergamot, mandarin, yuzu, ylang ylang, black pepper, pink pepper, sandalwood.
- Female reproductive: for dysmenorrhea, consider blending with lavender, sweet marjoram, angelica, plai, sweet fennel.
- Skin: for acne consider blending with holy basil, rosemary, also lemon myrtle, combava petitgrain, coriander seed, jasmine, rose, black currant bud.
- Psyche: for low mood, depression and anxiety, consider blending with sweet orange, jasmine, golden champaca, rose, ylang ylang, coriander seed, sandalwood, hops, hay, tobacco absolute.
- Expanded practice: Clary has a long association with the female reproductive system and its disorders, and also as a euphoric agent. There are three broad types of sage, based on their dominant constituents:
Group 1 consists of species characterised by α- and β- thujone such as Dalmatian sage.
Group II by linalool and linalyl acetate such as clary sage.
Group III by 1,8- cineole and camphor, such as Greek, Lebanese and Spanish sage.
An alternative (for evaporation) is clary sage absolute, which has a sweet, light, warm herbal aroma, with woody and ambra nuances – both subtle and persistent – and can contribute to creating a relaxed and uplifting ambiance.
Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.For dysmenorrhoea and PMS, consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as Roman Chamomile, sweet fennel, geranium, lavender, sweet marjoram, or rose absolute or ott.
For anxiety, nervous tension and stress-related conditions, consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as bergamot, Virginian or Atlas cedarwood, fragonia, geranium, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, patchouli, petitgrain, sandalwood or ylang ylang.
To alleviate depression, consider blending clary sage oil with essential oils such as bergamot, geranium, neroli, sweet orange, jasmine absolute, rose absolute, sandalwood or ylang ylang.
Arctander states that clary sage oil is commonly used in perfumery. It is used as a modifier for essential oils such as bergamot and lavender, and often blended with cistus and frankincense. It is commonly used in chypre, fougere, oriental and tabac-type fragrances. It gives classic style cologne perfumes a unique tenacity and acts as a fragrant fixative. It also blends beautifully with coriander seed, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, clove or cedarwood.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.6 drops Clary Sage
5 drops Siberian Fir
4 drops Lavender (angustifolia)
Add to an inhaler
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.The English name clary is derived from the Latin word sclarea,, a word derived from clarus meaning “clear’. The name clary was gradually modified to clear eye, possibly because the herb was once used for clearing mucus from the eyes.
Culpepper suggested that a compress of the mucilage made from the seeds would reduce tumours or swellings. Originally grown in southern Europe, it was planted in German vineyards. It was also used as a substitute for hops in brewing beer.
The flowering tops and leaves have been used to treat catarrh and as antiseptic and emmenagogue. The herb is also used as a stomachic in digestive disorders.
No known hazards or contraindications.
Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.
5 years
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