Over the course of their lives, women can encounter many hormonal discomforts. The unique composition of Clary Sage makes it an essential oil to have in case of intimate or hormonal problems. Particularly indicated in cases of irregular periods, it also helps to relieve many symptoms linked to menopause (hot flashes, intimate dryness, etc.). Latin name: Salvia sclarea L. Distilled part: aerial parts
This article was updated on 12/10/2023Precautions for use
Vigilance! Clary Sage essential oil is not toxic, but due to its action estrogen-like, it is only authorized in adults and adolescents. It can be used in diluted skin application and via the respiratory tract. The oral route is reserved for the therapist. Be careful, she is formally contraindicated in hormone-dependent cancer pathologies, mastoses and fibroids. Finally, it should not be confused with the medicinal sage, essential oil being reserved for doctors because it is neurotoxic and abortifacient.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
- The oral route should only be used on medical prescription.
- Seek medical advice before use for people with asthma.
- Do not use this essential oil for a prolonged period without the advice of a therapist.
Skin application
The cutaneous route must be diluted if the application is made over a long period and on very sensitive skin.
In broadcast
This essential oil is authorized for diffusion and inhalation, however its smell is very particular.
Contraindications
Clary Sage essential oil is strictly contraindicated in hormone-dependent cancer pathologies, mastoses, fibroids.
Allergenic components
Clary Sage essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components.
- limonene (≤ 3%)
- linalool (≤ 6.5 to 24%)
- geraniol (≤ 2%)
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Properties of Clary Sage essential oil
Clary Sage essential oil is highly concentrated in sclareol, linalyl acetate, linalool, monoterpene alcohols and sesquiterpene carbides. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
estrogen-like +++ :
sclareol is a diterpene alcohol which provides Clary Sage essential oil (among others) with an effect on menopause. It reduces its side effects such as hot flashes.
-
calming, relaxing ++ (linalool):
clary Sage essential oil is composed of linalool, a terpene alcohol which acts directly on synapses in the production of glutamate, and thus combats stress, anxiety and sleep disorders.
-
antispasmodic ++ (linalool, linalyl acetate):
clary Sage essential oil is particularly effective on digestive and intestinal spasms, cramps and muscle contractures.
-
anti-infectious + (monoterpene alcohols, sesquiterpene carbides):
clary Sage essential oil is effective on all types of infections, and particularly on skin fungal infections.
Against the Hot flashes
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and teenagers. Orally, 2 drops of Clary Sage in a teaspoon of olive oil:
- Before menopause: 3 times a day from the 7th to the 21st day of the cycle.
- After menopause: 3 times a day for 3 weeks, repeat, taking a one-week break before resuming.
Ingestion of Clary Sage essential oil should only be done on medical advice, so remember to consult a health professional before taking it orally.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Take 2 drops of the mixture in a teaspoon of olive oil, repeat 2 to 3 times a day as needed and make 2 applications per day of 3 drops of the mixture on the solar plexus:
- 2 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of Cypress de Provence essential oil
- 1 drop of Italian Helichrysum essential oil
Source: Baudoux, D. (2002). Aromatherapy: treating yourself with essential oils. Amyris.
In support during the Menopause
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults. Orally, 2 drops of Clary Sage in a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Before menopause: 3 times a day from the 7th to the 21st day of the cycle.
- After menopause: 3 times a day for 3 weeks, repeat, taking a one-week break before resuming.
Ingestion of Clary Sage essential oil should only be done on medical advice, so remember to consult a health professional before taking it orally.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. Apply 3 drops of the mixture locally to the abdomen and 3 drops to the lower back. Repeat the application twice a day for 3 weeks, stop for a week, then resume:
- 60 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 30 drops of Niaouli essential oil
- 30 drops of Pistachio Lentisque essential oil
- 30 drops of Shelled Marjoram essential oil
- 60 drops of Peppermint essential oil
- 70 drops (3.5 mL) Evening Primrose vegetable oil
More details : essential oils to support menopause.
In case of Vaginal dryness
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and teenagers.
- Orally, 1 drop of Clary Sage on a neutral tablet, twice a day for 20 days.
- Dermal, 1 drop of Clary Sage on the lower abdomen, twice a day for 20 days.
Ingestion of Clary Sage essential oil should only be done on medical advice, so remember to consult a health professional before taking it orally.
In case of' Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and teenagers. Dermal, apply 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day, for 1 week before the start of your period.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults and adolescents. With the therapist's agreement and 3 times a day for 1 week on the expected period date, ingest 3 drops of the mixture and massage 6 drops into the lower back.
- 40 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 20 drops of Rosemary Verbenone essential oil
- 20 drops of Clove essential oil
- 40 drops of Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of edible oil (rapeseed, sunflower etc.)
More details : essential oils against amenorrhea.
In case of Heavy periods
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults and teenagers. Dermal, 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the lower abdomen, 3 times a day, for 1 week before the start of your period.
Against the Acne
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 1 pure drop of Clary Sage on each pimple, morning and evening after washing your face, until the acne disappears. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
Clary Sage or Tea Tree?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, tea Tree essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 pure drop on each pimple, morning and evening after washing your face, until the acne disappears. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
Against the Greasy hair
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 5 drops of Clary Sage in a spoonful of vegetable oil on the scalp, massaged, 1 hour before shampooing. To be renewed for as long as necessary, in cycles of 3 weeks maximum, with a break of one week between each cycle.
Clary Sage or Atlas Cedar?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, atlas Cedar essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 5 drops in a spoonful of vegetable oil on the scalp, massaged, 1 hour before shampooing, repeat for as long as necessary, in cycles of 3 weeks maximum, with a break of 1 week between each cycle.
Against the Cholesterol
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Orally, 1 drop of Clary Sage on a tablet, 3 times a day. Ingestion of Clary Sage essential oil should only be done on medical advice, so remember to consult a health professional before taking it orally.
Clary Sage or Italian Helichrysum?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, italian Helichrysum essential oil will be better! Orally, one drop on one tablet, 3 times a day. (Medical advice required before any ingestion)
Against the Depression
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply on the inside of the wrists and on the thorax, morning and evening. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Mix in a small bottle and leave for 4 days before use, so that the different substances amplify their effects through synergy. If necessary, apply 3 drops to the solar plexus and the inside of the wrists, 2 to 3 times a day of the following mixture:
- 15 drops of Bergamot essential oil
- 20 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil
- drops of Sweet Almond vegetable oil
- 1 drop of Frankincense essential oil
If the depression is significant, massage along the spine with 8 drops of the mixture, twice a day. Talk to your loved ones, and consider consulting a health professional.
Source: Baudoux, D. (2002). Practical Guide to Aromatherapy. Amyris.
Clary Sage or Neroli?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have it on hand (and you can afford it!), neroli essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil to apply on the inside of the wrists and on the thorax, morning and evening. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Against the Hemorrhoids
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 1 drop of Clary Sage in 19 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the hemorrhoid, after the shower and after each bowel movement until it disappears.
Clary Sage or Pistachio Mastic?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, pistachio mastic essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 drop in 19 drops of vegetable oil, to apply to the hemorrhoid, after the shower and after each bowel movement until it disappears.
In case of Loss of libido, Sexual fatigue
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Through the skin, 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil, on the lower spine, twice a day for 10 days.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. Apply 6 drops to the lower abdomen 3 times a day until the relationship improves and 3 drops under the tongue morning and evening:
- 30 drops of Sage Officinale essential oil
- 15 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 15 drops of Myrrh essential oil
- 260 drops of Hazelnut vegetable oil
Source: Baudoux, D. (2010). Practical Aromatherapy notebooks according to the French Grossese School. Amyris.
Clary Sage or Whole Ylang Ylang?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, complete Ylang Ylang essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang HE in 4 drops of vegetable oil, on the lower spine, twice a day for 10 days.
Against one Mycosis
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil, morning and evening after thoroughly cleaning the affected area. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
Clary Sage or Tea Tree?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, tea Tree essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 drop of pure Tea Tree on the mycosis, morning and evening after cleaning the affected area well. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
In case of Sweat
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, 1 pure drop of Clary Sage under each armpit, once a day, after showering. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
Clary Sage or Palmarosa?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, palmarosa essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 pure drop under each armpit, once a day, after showering. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Make sure your armpits, feet and hands are dry and clean. Apply with your fingertip, 2 drops of the mixture to each armpit and/or each foot and/or 1 drop to each hand. You can repeat the operation morning and evening during risky periods (exams, hot day, etc.):
- 60 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- 60 drops of Palmarosa essential oil
- 30 drops of Cistus essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils against excessive sweating.
In case of Varicose veins
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For adults and adolescents. Dermal, massage 1 drop of Clary Sage in 4 drops of vegetable oil onto the legs, using movements from bottom to top. Repeat morning and evening, for periods of 20 days, then, after a one-week break, continue as necessary.
Clary Sage or Pistachio Mastic?
Clary Sage essential oil will be effective, but if you have some on hand, pistachio mastic essential oil will be better! Cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage the legs from bottom to top, morning and evening, for a period of 20 days, then, after a break of one week, continue as necessary.
Other famous applications of Clary Sage
Clary Sage essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its estrogen-like action. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Clary Sage for the following different problems.
Cellulite
Clary Sage may be effective, but... it is better to use atlas Cedar essential oil against cellulite: cutaneously, 2 drops in 8 drops of vegetable oil, apply morning and evening by massage to the most affected areas. Take a week's break after 3 weeks of use and start again if necessary.
How to recognize a good Clary Sage essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Salvia sclarea L.
- Botanical family: Lamiaceae
- Part used: aerial parts
- Country of origin: Metropolitan France.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.890 to 0.908
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.455 to 1.470
- Rotary power at 20°C: -30 to -10
- Flash point: 57
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: colorless to yellow
- Odor: herbaceous, notes of hay, tobacco.
Biochemical characteristics
- linalyl acetate: 54 to 78%
- linalool: 6.5 to 24%
- germacrene D: ≤ 14%
What is the history of this wonderful plant?
From prehistory to imperial China
Originally from southern Europe, Clary Sage flourishes in several countries around the world: China, the United States, France... It is presumed that it has been known since prehistoric times as a medicinal and aromatic plant. Its Latin name comes from “salvus” which means “healthy”. In the Bible, Solomon used sage leaves which he burned to purify his temple. When they did not yet cultivate it, the Chinese exchanged it for tea leaves to protect their health and extend their lifespan. They told a legend according to which Clary Sage can only grow in a garden when the wife reigns as mistress in her house.
At the time of Charlemagne, in the 9th century, Clary Sage was called "the clear eye" because it was known to treat problems related to the eyes. Healers, apothecaries and alchemists from Europe and Asia recognized the great virtues of Sage. Not only to ward off bad luck or ward off evil spirits, but above all to treat various ailments, particularly feminine ones.
Jupiter's grass
The cultivation of sage was very widespread in the 11th century because the monks appreciated it in their monastic garden. They harvested it at dawn on Saint John's Day and dried it so they could use it throughout the year. At the School of Salerno, it was said “a man cannot die if he plants sage in his garden”. The origins of this medical school are rather unclear. It is considered the first medical school in the Middle Ages which was able to bring together the knowledge of the time. Latin, Ancient Greek, Arabic…: several languages were spoken there. There were many students there and this school quickly gained importance across the borders before being dismantled in 1810.
You will have understood, Sage has divine, some say mystical, power. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was raised near a sage bush, which gave him strength and vigor. Hence its nickname later given by the Romans: “grass of Jupiter”.
Anecdote: if you are experiencing unrequited love, poke three holes in a sage leaf. In each of these holes, pass one of your hairs and one hair of your soul mate then bury the leaf under the threshold of their door. Wizards of old predicted eternal love. All you have to do is try ;-)
Sage aromas
The powerful scents and developed aroma of Clary Sage make this plant a desirable companion in the kitchen. Its fragrance accompanies meat, pork, veal, cold meats, poultry and fish dishes... It pleasantly flavors sauces, rice, couscous and pasta.
This aromatic plant is a robust and fragrant herb that fears the cold. It much prefers high temperatures and sunny lands. It is harvested in the heart of summer, during the months of July and August. The bush can reach 1.5m tall when cultivated. The plant's vigorous amber scent is found in the essential oil. Clary Sage essential oil is obtained by distillation of the flowering tops with steam. The yield is 800g of plants to constitute 10ml of essential oil. Please note, it should not be confused with Officinal Sage (salvia officinalis) and Spanish Sage (salvia lavandulifolia). Beware of Latin names!
An old English proverb says “he who wants to live forever must eat sage in May”. To the wise...
We tell you about it in video
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Bibliography
Publication: Cui, H., Zhang, X., Zhou, H., Zhao, C., & Lin, L. (2015). Antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of Salvia sclarea essential oil. Botanical Studies, 56(1). doi:10.1186/s40529-015-0096-4
Publication: Lee, K., Cho, E., & Kang, Y. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil. Phytotherapy Research, 28(11), 1599-1605. doi:10.1002/ptr.5163
Publication: Ou, M., Hsu, T., Lai, A., Lin, Y., & Lin, C. (2012). Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynecology Research, 38(5), 817-822. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x
Publication: Pitarokili, D., Couladis, M., Petsikos-Panayotarou, N., & Tzakou, O. (2002). Composition and Antifungal Activity on Soil-Borne Pathogens of the Essential Oil of Salvia sclarea from Greece. Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry, 50(23), 6688-6691. doi:10.1021/jf020422n
Publication: Raafat, K., & Habib, J. (2018). Phytochemical Compositions and Antidiabetic Potentials of Salvia sclarea L.Essential Oils. Journal Of Oleo Science, 67(8), 1015-1025. doi:10.5650/jos.ess17187
Publication: Seol, G., Lee, Y., Kang, P., You, J., Park, M., & Min, S. (2013). Randomized Controlled Trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: Differential Effects on Blood Pressure in Female Patients with Urinary Incontinence Undergoing Urodynamic Examination. The Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine, 19(7), 664-670. doi: 10.1089/acm.2012.0148
Publication: Sienkiewicz, M., Głowacka, A., Poznańska-Kurowska, K., Kaszuba, A., Urbaniak, A., & Kowalczyk, E. (2015). The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections. Advances In Dermatology And Allergology, 1, 21-26. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40957
Publication: Tadokoro, Y., Horiuchi, S., Takahata, K., Shuo, T., Sawano, E., & Shinohara, K. (2017). Changes in salivary oxytocin after inhalation of clary sage essential oil scent in term-pregnant women: a feasibility pilot study. BMC Research Notes, 10(1). doi:10.1186/s13104-017-3053-3
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Baudoux, D. (2008). Aromatherapy: treating yourself with essential oils. Amyris Editions.
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.