Clary sage, also known as Salvia sclarea, is a plant that is native to the northern Mediterranean Basin. It is a member of the mint family. It is widely used in medicine and as a spice, among other things.
Many elements of the clary sage plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, can be used to make medicine. Clary sage essential oil is utilised in aromatherapy in complementary and alternative health treatments.
In this post, we will discuss the various applications and potential health advantages of clary sage oil. We will also investigate whether or not there is any scientific evidence to support these assertions. We also look at how the oil is used and whether or not there are any adverse effects.
Uses
Clary sage essential oil is frequently used in treatments by aromatherapists and other alternative health practitioners, and advocates believe it provides a variety of health benefits.
People may make use of the oil for one or more of its possible characteristics, which include but are not limited to:
- antidepressant effects
- anti-inflammatory effects
- improved digestion
- antibacterial effects
- stress relief
- improved circulation
Health benefits
Clary oil may have a number of health benefits, which are detailed below. It is important to note that many of the studies described below either featured a limited number of participants or were conducted on animals rather than humans, as previously stated.
Antidepressant effects
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2010, various different essential oils were tested in rats to determine their antidepressant and stress-fighting properties. Clary sage, camomile, rosemary, and lavender were among the essential oils used.
According to the findings of the study, clary sage oil was the most effective anti-stress oil out of all the oils evaluated.
The researchers came to the conclusion that clary sage oil could be a useful treatment for persons who are suffering from depression. They also speculated that the oil’s action was strongly tied to the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the body.
Beneficial effects on blood pressure as well as anti-anxiety properties
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported in 2013 that inhaled clary sage oil significantly reduced blood pressure and calmed the breathing of women with urinary incontinence who were undergoing evaluation. The study was published in 2013. In the paper, it is suggested that inhaling clary sage oil may be a useful method of relaxing the body and mind.
Another study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, discovered that putting clary sage oil in the food of animal subjects resulted in a considerable reduction in dominant and nervous behaviour in the animals.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2017, an extract of clary sage demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory benefits in rats when administered orally. The researchers came to the conclusion that clary sage extract could be an effective treatment for the inflammatory gum condition known as periodontitis, according to their findings.
It is worth mentioning that the researchers discovered that administering the same clary sage extract three days before infection had no apparent protective benefit.
Improvements in mental performance
Sage plants have long been believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on mental function in a variety of ways. A 2017 review examined the effects of several sage plants, particularly clary sage, on human health and the environment. According to the author, sage herbs appear to be related with enhanced memory, increased alertness, and potential Alzheimer’s-fighting properties, among other things.
The anti-depressant and anti-stress properties of clary sage, which were previously described, were also noted in the same review.
Effects on the microbiome
There has been speculation about the antibacterial properties of many essential oils, including clary sage oil. An investigation into the antibacterial properties of clary sage essential oil conducted in 2015 discovered that the oil’s antibacterial properties were effective against all kinds of bacteria examined.
It has also been discovered that clary sage essential oil significantly reduces the growth of E. coli bacteria and appears to attack bacteria cells in a variety of different ways.
Additionally, several chemical components of clary sage have been found to have anti-fungal properties, according to other research.
An investigation on the antibacterial and antifungal effects of six different essential oils conducted in 2017 discovered that clary sage had both antibacterial and antifungal properties. These effects, on the other hand, were less substantial than those of the majority of the other oils that were evaluated.
How to use clary sage oil
Because research has discovered that clary sage oil has beneficial benefits when inhaled, consumed orally, or applied directly to inflamed parts of the body, there are numerous ways in which it can be used. Users should make certain that the essential oil they use is 100 percent pure.
Aromatherapy: For example, 2 to 3 drops of clary sage oil can be blended with water and other essential oils before being diffused into the air using an essential oil burner. Clary sage oil, when vaporised, can assist in the fight against bacteria and other germs in the air.
Skin: In 1 oz. of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, mix about 6 drops of clary sage oil. Apply the mixture directly to a wounded area or massage into the skin. To relieve painful muscles and enhance mood, add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the bathwater before getting in. Rubbing aloe vera onto an injured region can have a direct antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anaesthetic effect on the area.
Oral: Add 1 to 2 drops of 100 percent essential oil to tea, smoothies, or meals for a calming effect and to aid in the reduction of inflammation in the gums and mouth. It is recommended that 25-50 microliters (or 1/2 to 1 drop) be taken orally one to three times daily, according to the Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Guide.
All of these applications appear to be safe and may even be advantageous.
Side effects
Clary sage oil appears to be completely safe to use.
Various sources assert that clary sage oil increases oestrogen levels in the body, although at least one 2017 study that evaluated the estrogen-boosting effects of numerous essential oils did not appear to support this claim. The study did, however, suggest that the essential oils of geranium and rose otto may have estrogen-stimulating properties.
Other alleged hazards or side effects of clary sage oil appear to be based primarily on anecdotal evidence and are not adequately supported by scientific evidence.
Consider testing the oil on a small area of skin before applying it to larger regions of skin, and avoid using clary sage oil before driving or using heavy machinery as a sensible precaution. People should also discontinue the use of clary sage oil and contact with a medical practitioner if they experience any side effects.
Essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America. People who intend to use them should consult with their healthcare professional beforehand, and they should make certain that the oils are obtained from a reputable seller.
Conclusion
The findings of a significant body of research indicate that clary sage oil may offer a variety of health benefits.
These advantages include anti-depressant and anti-stress properties, which are thought to be related to the hormone dopamine. Clary sage may be a useful natural treatment for depressed moods as a result of these properties. It is important to note that many studies do not involve huge groups of humans, which is something to keep in mind.
Clary sage oil has also been demonstrated to decrease blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, and serve as a general stress reliever. As a member of the sage family, there is some speculation that it may even have a beneficial effect on memory and mental function.
Finally, it has been demonstrated that clary sage oil has great anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial capabilities, in addition to having anaesthetic characteristics. It’s important to remember, though, that clary sage oil does not appear to prevent inflammation, but rather appears to function as a remedy for it.
