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lary
sage, also known as Salvia sclarea,
is a plant native to the northern Mediterranean Basin. It is widely used for
medicinal purposes and as a spice.
Many
parts of the clary sage plant can be used, including the
leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. In alternative health practices, clary sage
essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
In this article, we take a look at the uses and suggested health benefits
of clary sage oil. We will also look at whether there is any scientific
evidence to back these claims up. We also examine how the oil is used, and what
side effects could occur.
Uses for clary sage oil
Clary sage oil may have properties such as antidepressant effects, improved digestion, and stress relief.
Aromatherapists and related alternative health practitioners often use
clary sage as an essential oil in their treatments, and supporters believe it
has many health benefits.
People may use the oil for one or more of its potential properties,
including:
·
antidepressant effects
·
anti-inflammatory
effects
·
improved
digestion
·
antibacterial
effects
·
stress relief
·
improved
circulation
Possible health benefits
Below is a list of possible health benefits for clary oil. It is worth
noting that many of the studies listed below either involved small numbers of
participants or were carried out on animals rather than humans.
Antidepressant
effects
A 2010 study published
in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated
the antidepressant and stress-fighting effects of several different essential
oils in rats. The oils used included clary sage, chamomile, rosemary, and
lavender.
The study found that out of all the oils tested, clary sage oil had the
most potent anti-stress effect.
The researchers concluded that clary sage oil could be an effective
treatment for people experiencing depression. They also suggested that the effect of the oil was
closely linked to the feel-good hormone dopamine.
Blood-pressure-lowering
and anti-anxiety effects
A study published
in 2013 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine found that inhaled clary sage oil significantly
lowered blood pressure and calmed the breathing of women with urinary incontinence undergoing assessment. The paper
includes the suggestion that inhaled clary sage oil may be an effective way of
promoting relaxation.
Another piece of
research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found
that including clary sage oil in the food of animal subjects lead to a
significant reduction in dominant and anxious behavior.
Anti-inflammatory
effects
Research published in
the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in
2017 found that an extract of clary sage had significant anti-inflammatory
effects in rats. The researchers concluded that the clary sage extract could be
an effective treatment for the inflammatory gum condition periodontitis.
It is worth noting that the study also found that applying the same clary
sage extract 3 days before infection did not appear to have a preventive
effect.
Improved mental
function
Different sage plants have long been thought to improve mental function in
various ways. A 2017 review looked at
the effects of various sage plants, including clary sage. The author found that
sage plants seem to be associated with improved memory, greater alertness, and
potential Alzheimer's-fighting effects.
The same review also noted the anti-depressant and anti-stress effects of
clary sage mentioned above.
Antibacterial
effects
Many essential oils, including clary sage oil, are thought to have
antibacterial qualities. A 2015 study looking at
the antibacterial effects of clary sage essential oil found that its
antibacterial qualities worked against all strains of bacteria tested.
Clary sage essential oil was also found to reduce the growth of E. coli significantly and appeared to attack bacteria
cells in several different ways.
Other
research has also suggested that some of the chemical
components of clary sage have anti-fungal effects.
A 2017 study comparing
the antibacterial and antifungal effects of six different essential oils also
found clary sage to have antibacterial and antifungal effects. However, these
effects were less significant than most of the other oils that were tested.
How to use clary sage oil
Clary sage oil may be diffused into the air with an essential oil burner.
As research has found positive effects of clary sage oil when inhaled,
taken via the mouth, and applied directly to inflamed areas of the body, there
are many options for how someone can use it. Users should make sure to select
100 percent essential oil.
Aromatherapy: Around 2 to 3 drops of
clary sage oil, such as these, can be
mixed with water and other essential oils and diffused into the air via an
essential oil burner. When vaporized, clary sage oil can help to fight bacteria
and other germs in the air
Skin: Add about 6 drops of clary
sage oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and rub
directly onto a wounded area, or massage into skin. Add 3 to 5 drops of
essential oil to the bathwater to soothe sore muscles and improve mood. When
rubbed onto an injured area, it can have a direct antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic effect.
Oral: Add around 1 to 2 drops of 100
percent essential oil to tea, smoothies, or food for a soothing effect, and to
help reduce inflammation in the gums. The Natural
Standard Herb and Supplement Guide state that 25-50 microliters
(or 1/2 to 1 drop) can be taken orally one to three times daily.
All of these uses appear to be safe and may be beneficial.
Side effects
Clary sage oil appears safe for use.
Various sources make claims about clary sage oil increasing estrogen in the body, but at least one 2017 study that
investigated the estrogen-boosting effects of different essential oils did not
seem to agree. The study did, however, suggest that geranium and rose otto
essential oils might boost estrogen.
Other supposed risks or side effects of clary sage oil seem to be largely
anecdotal and appear not to be well supported by research.
A reasonable precaution would be to test a small area of skin before
applying the oil to large areas of skin and avoid using clary sage oil before
driving or operating heavy machinery. People should also stop using clary sage
oil and consult with a medical professional if any issues arise.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate
essential oils. People who wish to use them should speak to their healthcare
provider first and be sure to obtain the oils from a respected supplier.
Takeaway
A large body of research suggests that clary sage oil could have many
health benefits.
These benefits include anti-depressant and anti-stress effects, likely
connected to the hormone dopamine. These effects could make clary sage an
effective natural remedy for low moods. It is worth noting that many studies do
not involve large groups of humans, however.
Clary sage oil has also been shown to lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and be a great
all-around stress buster. There's some suggestion that, as a member of the sage
family, it may even have a positive impact on memory and mental function.
Finally, clary sage oil has been shown to have excellent anti-inflammatory
and moderate antibacterial effects, as well as anesthetic properties. It is
worth keeping in mind, though, that clary sage oil does not appear to prevent
inflammation but instead acts as a treatment for it.
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