1. Relieves Menstrual Discomfort
Clary sage works to regulate the menstrual cycle by balancing hormone levels naturally and stimulating the opening of an obstructed system. It has the power to treat symptoms of PMS as well, including bloating, cramps, mood swings and food cravings.
This essential oil is also antispasmodic, meaning it treats spasms and related issues such as muscle cramps, headaches and stomachaches. It does this by relaxing the nerve impulses that we can’t control.
An interesting study done at the Oxford Brooks University in the United Kingdom analyzed the influence that aromatherapy has on women in labor. The study took place over a period of eight years and involved 8,058 women.
The evidence from this study suggests that aromatherapy can be effective in reducing maternal anxiety, fear and pain during labor. Of the 10 essential oils that were used during childbirth, clary sage oil and chamomile oil were the most effective in alleviating pain.
Another 2012 study measured the effects of aromatherapy as a painkiller during the menstrual cycle of high school girls. There was an aromatherapy massage group and an acetaminophen (pain killer and fever reducer) group. The aromatherapy massage was performed on subjects in the treatment group, with the abdomen being massaged once using clary sage, marjoram, cinnamon, ginger and geranium oils in a base of almond oil.
The level of menstrual pain was assessed 24 hours later. The results found that the reduction of menstrual pain was significantly higher in the aromatherapy group than in the acetaminophen group.
2. Supports Hormonal Balance
Clary sage affects the hormones of the body because it contains natural phytoestrogens, which are referred to as “dietary estrogens” that are derived from plants and not within the endocrine system. These phytoestrogens give clary sage the ability to cause estrogenic effects. It regulates estrogen levels and ensures the long-term health of the uterus — reducing the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.
A lot of health issues today, even things like infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and estrogen-based cancers, are caused from excess estrogen in the body — in part because of our consumption of high-estrogen foods. Because clary sage helps balance out those estrogen levels, it’s an incredibly effective essential oil.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that inhalation of clary sage oil had the ability to reduce cortisol levels by 36 percent and improved thyroid hormone levels. The study was done on 22 post-menopausal women in their 50s, some of whom were diagnosed with depression.
At the end of the trial, the researchers stated that “clary sage oil had a statistically significant effect on lowering cortisol and had an anti-depressant effect improving mood.” It’s also one of the most recommended menopause supplements.
3. Relieves Insomnia
People suffering from insomnia may find relief with clary sage oil. It is a natural sedative and will give you the calm and peaceful feeling that is necessary in order to fall asleep. When you can’t sleep, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia affects not only your energy level and mood, but also your health, work performance and quality of life.
Two major causes of insomnia are stress and hormonal changes. An all-natural essential oil can improve insomnia without drugs by alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety, and by balancing hormone levels.
A 2017 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that applying a massage oil including lavender oil, grapefruit extract, neroli oil and clary sage to the skin worked to improve sleep quality in nurses with rotating night shifts.
4. Increases Circulation
Clary sage opens the blood vessels and allows for increased blood circulation; it also naturally lowers blood pressure by relaxing the brain and arteries. This boosts the performance of the metabolic system by increasing the amount of oxygen that gets into the muscles and supporting organ function.