Clary sage

Salvia sclarea

Reference	AMEOCLA
Part of plant	Flower and leaf
Country of Origin	France

Applications
The oil offers benefits for the skin, the circulation, the digestion and the nerves. A calming and cleansing herb, clary sage essential oil may be used to alleviate acne, boils, dandruff, ulcers, mouth and gum infections and may also renew hair growth.

Used appropriately, the oil can pacify complications of the breathing and digestion particularly asthma and coughs, but also laryngitis, colic and digestive cramps. It can be deeply relaxing for mind and body and is often used to relieve labour and menstrual pains whilst uplifting the mind during periods of depression, stress, headaches and migraines.
Clary sage can be of particular benefit to women at times of hormonal imbalance.

How to Use
Diluted in a vegetable oil, in a vaporiser, in the bath.

Safety Data
Clary sage is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising but should not be used whilst consuming alcohol as it may exaggerate the effects of drunkenness. One of its constituent chemicals is thought to be similar to oestrogen and thus clary sage should not be used during pregnancy or at times when the breasts are inflamed.

About the Product
The usage of clary sage has declined greatly since the Middle Ages but this should not reflect the value and therapeutic richness of the plant. Its capacity to relax tense and troubled muscles and intestines makes it an effective balm for high blood pressure, nervous indigestion, cramp and colic as well as general aches and pains. The oil can also restore a sense of mental balance and equilibrium when suffering from depression, stress, migraine, tension and, some claim, even impotence. Clary sage's most curious feature is that one of its chemical components has a similar structure to the female hormone oestrogen and may have comparable properties. As such, the oil should not be used during pregnancy or where there is inflammation of the breasts.
Caution is also recommended for those who drink whilst using the oil since it has been suggested that clary sage can exaggerate drunkenness.