Clary Sage
(Salvia Sclaria)Although not a cheap oil, clary sage oil has great benefits - not only for easing depression and nervous burn-out, but for a host of female complaints and for relieving congested complexions.
Clary sage essential oil is extracted from Salivia sclarea of the Labiatae family and is also known as clary, clary wort, muscatel sage, clear eye, see bright and eye bright (but not to be confused with the common herb also called eyebright (Euphrasia).
It is a native to southern Europe and is a stout biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall with large, hairy leaves and small blue/ white flowers growing directly off the long, thin stem. It is cultivated for oil production in France and Russia.
The name is derived from the Latin 'Claris' that means 'clear' or from the Greek 'Skeria' meaning 'hardness', referring to the hard parts of the flower petals. It was known in the Middle Ages as 'Oculus Christi' - the 'Eye of Christ' and was a highly esteemed medicine.
In Jamaica, it was used amongst the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.
The therapeutic properties of clary sage oil are antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, uterine and nerve tonic.
Clary sage is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. It furthermore is a good tonic for the womb and female functions in general, such as painful periods, scanty menstruation and relaxation during labor, thus encouraging a less painful birth.
During menopause, clary sage oil can help reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, irritability, as well as headaches and dizziness.
It is good for muscle pains, digestive disorders, kidney diseases and the cooling of inflammation of the skin.
Clary sage oil's greatest benefit lies in its calming and sedating influence on the nerves, emotions, female functions, kidneys and digestive system.
It also helps with skin conditions like acne, boils and ulcers and cools painful muscles and joints.
It blends well with: Although most essential oils blend well with one another, it blends particularly well with juniper, lavender, pine, geranium, sandalwood, jasmine, frankinscense and other citrus oils.
Skincare
Helps prevent oily skin.
Emotional
Mood enhancer, calming and reassuring.
Medicinal
Treats muscular aches and pains, throat infections, hormone imbalance.
Precautions
Clary sage oil can be very relaxing and should be avoided when consuming alcohol, since it could exaggerate the effects of alcohol,. It is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing oil, but can in large doses generate a headache and must be avoided during pregnancy.
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