Although it is a costly 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.
Oil properties
A clear to pale yellow essential oil, Clary sage has a sweet, nutty fragrance, somewhat herbaceous.
The viscosity is watery, viscous if the leaves are included in the distillation.
Origin of clary sage
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.
Clary sage oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering tops and the leaves.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of clary sage are linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, a-terpineol, geraniol, neryl acetate, sclareol and germacrene D.
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.
Therapeutic properties
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.
Summary
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.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, clary sage oil can be used for nervous tension, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and menopause. It is particularly effective to help ease depression and create a more positive outlook on life and can also help to boost the creative side and intuition.
Blended massage oil or in the bath
Clary sage can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with muscle pains, frigidity, depression, anxiety, menstrual problems, PMS, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, cramps and addiction.
In a cream or lotion
Used in a cream or lotion, clary sage oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and a stiff neck, as well as for body odors, PMS, skin problems and cramps. It is particularly good for balancing the production of sebum of the skin and to clear greasy complexions.
Clary sage blends well with
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, it blends particularly well with juniper, lavender,pine, geranium, sandalwood, jasmine, frankincense and other citrus oils.
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